FAQs

By extending these stormwater outlets farther out to sea, the city is safeguarding our beaches' cleanliness and safety. Reduced pollution translates to happier beachgoers and flourishing marine ecosystems. Moreover, by mitigating health risks and flood hazards, they're enhancing our community's safety and enjoyment.

Since 2002, the City of North Myrtle Beach has implemented six of these innovative outfalls. It is a substantial undertaking, with significant financial investments, but it is an investment in our community's well-being and vibrancy.

Typical stormwater outfall construction is completed in two phases, ocean and landward. The ocean phase at 18th Avenue North was completed in July at a cost of $27 million. Construction of the landward phase, costing $7.5 million, began in December 2024, with completion anticipated in April 2025. The remaining project work is scheduled for completion by August 2025. 

Seven additional locations are projected within North Myrtle Beach to complete the program at an estimated cost of $45,000,000 each. 

The City has received $28 million in federal funding for the outfall at 17 ^th  Avenue South. The City is finalizing an agreement with the USACE to design, permit, and construct this outfall. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026 with completion scheduled in 2027. The total project is estimated at $38 million.

The City is not navigating this endeavor blindly. A cadre of experts—engineers, scientists, and more—are diligently overseeing the process to ensure its success. Continuous monitoring and assessment guarantee that we're progressing toward cleaner beaches and a brighter future for North Myrtle Beach.

1. Increased Urbanization: The rapid development and urbanization of North Myrtle Beach, including the construction of roads, homes, and commercial buildings, has created more impervious surfaces. These surfaces prevent natural infiltration of water, leading to increased stormwater runoff.
2. Frequent Flooding: The city experienced frequent flooding during heavy rainfall events. Relic state drainage infrastructure was inadequate to handle the volume of stormwater, resulting in flooded streets, properties, and public areas.
3. Environmental Concerns: Stormwater runoff can result in pollutants such as sediments, nutrients, and bacteria reaching local waterways and coastal areas. These pollutants could threaten the quality of coastal waters, impacting both the environment and public health.
4. Tourism and Economy: North Myrtle Beach's economy heavily relies on tourism, with clean beaches and water quality being major attractions. Poor water quality and subsequent beach closures pose significant risks to the tourism industry and the local economy.
5. Regulatory Pressure: Compliance with environmental regulations and standards set by state and federal agencies, such as the SC Department of Environmental Services (DES) and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), necessitated stormwater management practices to control runoff into natural water bodies.
6. Long-term Sustainability: The need for a sustainable approach to manage stormwater and protect the coastal environment for future generations drove the City to implement the outfall program. This proactive measure aimed to enhance resilience against flooding and water quality, ensuring the long-term health and prosperity of North Myrtle Beach.