March 19, 2025

Myrtle Beach Initiates Major Stormwater Management Project

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News Summary

Myrtle Beach is starting the 24th Avenue North Ocean Outfall Project, a significant initiative aimed at improving stormwater management by consolidating multiple drain pipes into a single outfall. This $42 million project, funded mainly by state grants, will reduce flooding and enhance water quality along the beach. Construction began in August 2024 and is expected to be completed by January 2026, utilizing innovative techniques to ensure environmental safety.

Myrtle Beach Plans Major Stormwater Management Project

Myrtle Beach is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative known as the 24th Avenue North Ocean Outfall Project, aimed at significantly enhancing the management of stormwater and improving the quality of its beloved beach. This ambitious project is designed to address the longstanding issue of stormwater discharge directly onto the beach from outdated drain systems.

From Many to One: Streamlining Stormwater Discharge

The project will streamline stormwater management by consolidating the discharge from 11 existing drain pipes into a single, efficient outfall pipe. This single pipe will extend a remarkable quarter mile offshore, channeling stormwater into the vast Atlantic Ocean. In order to facilitate this transformative process, construction involves creating two 84-inch stormwater pipes that will be carefully buried beneath the sandy shoreline and will reach deep into the ocean.

Cost and Funding Insight

The extensive work being undertaken comes with a major price tag, with the total project cost projected to exceed $42 million. A significant portion of this funding, precisely $30 million, comes from state grants. Additionally, $6.8 million has been secured through other grant opportunities specifically designated for construction and maintenance. Furthermore, the proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 includes a $7 million loan to cover future expenses associated with this vital project.

Current Status: Progress on Schedule

Construction officially kicked off in August 2024 and remains on track for completion by January 2026. As of March 2025, approximately 300 feet of the total 1,487 feet of necessary piping has already been installed, showcasing the project’s steady progress. A temporary trestle, specially constructed, provides essential support for cranes and construction equipment operating in this busy work zone.

Complex Construction Methods

The methodology employed for the installation is as impressive as the purpose behind it. A vibratory hammer is utilized to excavate an eight-foot trench on the seabed, creating a secure bed for the pipes that will soon channel stormwater away from vulnerable coastal areas. Steel coffers, standing tall at 60 feet, are strategically employed to prevent sediment from undermining the construction efforts, ensuring that the work area remains pristine and safe.

Environmental Benefits and Community Impact

When completed, the ocean outfall is expected to drastically reduce flooding in Myrtle Beach during heavy rainfalls and storms, effectively managing stormwater runoff. This improvement is not just about infrastructure; it’s also about public health and environmental stewardship. By redirecting stormwater, the project aims to improve water quality, reducing harmful runoff contaminants such as bacteria and oil that pose a risk to beachgoers and marine life alike.

Innovative Solutions for Debris Management

In addition to the advanced outfall system, a baffle box at the shore will serve a critical function, catching large trash and debris before it can enter the ocean. Although this innovation will aid in keeping the waters clean, regular manual cleaning will be necessary, ensuring that the beach remains a pristine destination for locals and tourists.

Transformative Progress in Stormwater Management

This new outfall represents the fifth to be constructed in the city, working to reduce the total number of stormwater pipes that discharge directly onto the beach from 100 to 50. City leaders, including the mayor, have been actively monitoring the project’s progress, acknowledging its complexity and significance for the Myrtle Beach community.

Future Plans for Enhancement

Looking ahead, additional improvements are planned to further enhance the stormwater management system, which will connect street stormwater pipes to the new outfall. These enhancements, estimated to cost around $27 million, are projected for rollout in 2027, ensuring that Myrtle Beach is better equipped to handle inclement weather and protect its vital coastal ecosystem.

The 24th Avenue North Ocean Outfall Project is a beacon of progress for Myrtle Beach, representing both an investment in infrastructure and a commitment to preserving the beauty and safety of its cherished beach for generations to come.