NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- Construction on the North Myrtle Beach Stormwater Outfall Program is underway.
Crews are working at the 18th Avenue North beach access. The 18th Avenue North beach access and the 16th Avenue North beach access are currently closed.
Work on the ocean outfall is expected to take approximately one year. Intermittent lane closures on Ocean Boulevard and along the adjoining streets can be expected during construction.
The City’s Stormwater Outfall Program began in 2002. The project at 18th Avenue North is the City’s 6th outfall project, at a cost of $35 million. Cost to date for the program is more than $60 million.
The goal of the Stormwater Outfall Program is to remove drainage pipes from the active beach. Relic drainage from SCDOT roads currently discharge directly onto the beach. By moving the storm drain discharge further offshore, the City is helping prevent beach erosion, and helping maintain healthy water quality in the swimming zones.
Stormwater discharge into deeper water has been proven through rigorous water quality monitoring to reduce near-shore bacteria levels.
Stormwater Outfall Program provides important benefits:
- Reduce pollutants
- Reduce potential for swimmer illness
- Reduce inland flooding
- Reduce damage to the Federal Beach Renourishment Project
- Improve safety on the public beach