The Grand Strand has experienced more rainfall this summer than last, and with that comes more bacteria in the ocean causing for frequent swim advisories.
Officials with the City of North Myrtle Beach say they are continuing with their long term ocean water quality initiative to help reduce bacteria levels.
On Thursday, an advisory was issued by DHEC fo the areas that are 200 feet above and below 3rd Avenue North, 16th Avenue North and 17th Avenue North. All areas that have already had several advisories this summer.
City spokesperson, Pat Dowling says when SCDOT first built Ocean Boulevard, they installed pipes that drain stormwater into swimming zones. Over the past couple years, the City of North Myrtle Beach installed five ocean outfalls that run under the beach.
“In those areas where we have been able to install the ocean outfalls, bacteria counts have either reduced substantially or disappeared all together in terms of them being high, so they do work.” said Dowling.
A sixth outfall will help with the areas between 16th Avenue North and 18th Avenue North which has had several swimming advisories this summer.
“The next one will cost 12 million plus as well, so they are expensive. We fund it largely through a monthly storm water management fee.” Dowling said.
The outfalls discharge the storm water 1,200 feet away from swimming zones into the ocean, making it safe for visitors. Construction for the sixth outfall is set for Fall 2019.
