‘We want to clean up’: Construction Starts in Myrtle Beach for New Ocean Outfall
Myrtle Beach, S.C., a popular tourist destination, will soon boast a visibly cleaner beach and better water quality as construction has started for a new ocean outfall project. The plan kicked off on Monday as crews set up their workspace at 24th Avenue North, promising upgrades in sanitation and vital improvements in infrastructure.
Objective of the New Ocean Outfall Project
The new outfall construction aims to replace the existing network of eleven stormwater pipes across the beach with a single, more effective conduit stretching 1,500 feet into the sea. This initiative is expected to offer a dramatic improvement, by curbing the flow of potentially harmful runoff water into the areas frequented by beachgoers.
Chris Miller, the City’s Infrastructure Projects Manager, expressed concerns about the current system, elucidating that runoff water often carries oils and pollutants from parking lots or side streets, that eventually end up on the beach. “We want to clean up all these beach pipes, clean up the sand, and get everything out where this won’t be interrupted into the beach,” said Miller.
An Anticipated Improvement in Water Cleanliness
Along with effectively redirecting runoff water, the city also plans to work towards significantly improving the water quality. The ocean outfall project will incorporate additional layers of security by integrating filters capable of catching large debris items including bottles, cans, and sand particles. This designation is a far cry from the current mechanism, and a much-needed upgrade for ensuring environmental cleanliness.
Next Phases of the Project
As per the shared timeline, the implementation steps of the project will witness the construction of a trestle extending 1,500 feet into the sea. Official announcements revealed that residents and tourists can expect to see equipment on the beach by the month of September, with the actual pipe installation scheduled to be completed in October.
The city officials, in the meantime, have appealed for public patience due to the temporary inconvenience, stating that, “A couple months of construction activity will lead to a couple of years, or a hundred years of enjoyment.”
Temporary Road Closure
The construction has necessitated the temporary closure of the end of 24th Ave. North, although the beach will remain accessible to visitors surrounding the project area. The existing outfalls are currently stationed at 25th Avenue South, Fourth Avenue North, 14th Avenue North, and 53rd Avenue North. The project is expected to reach completion by early 2026.
Conclusion
The new ocean outfall project is a significant step toward cleaner beaches and healthier oceanic ecosystems in Myrtle Beach. It’s an indication of the local government’s increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability and public wellness. The citizens of Myrtle Beach and its countless visitors can look forward to a cleaner, more enjoyable beach in the years to come. Stay tuned to HERE News Network for further updates.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
