Horry County, SC

Waccamaw River Diversion Canal - Not Feasible (per USACE)

The US Army Corps of Engineers recently released the results of a preliminary analysis to determine the viability of constructing a diversion canal to divert flood flows from the Waccamaw River to Little River. Horry County asked the Corps to assist in reassessing the economic viability, determining environmental impacts and coordinating with agencies/interested stakeholders to compile concerns and identify impacts. This most recent study was based on the reanalysis of studies conducted by the Corps in 1941, 1951 and 1965 with one change being a new footprint for the diversion canal based on current development and natural topography.

The Corps concluded that the construction of the diversion canal is not economically and environmentally feasible. Economically, it is more justifiable to purchase those structures susceptible to flooding. Environmentally, construction of the diversion canal would result in the destruction of bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands, impact ecosystems and threaten certain species of fish and wildlife. The Corps concluded that the flooding problem that could potentially be improved could actually cause other issues and have substantial environmental impacts.

Winyah Rivers Foundation has steadfastly recommended against the proposal for a diversion canal on the Waccamaw River and supported other more economical and environmentally sustainable means of dealing with flooding. It is our view that control of flooding of personal properties along the Waccamaw River is more easily and economically accomplished by relocating affected property owners to upland areas and restricting development within the floodplain. Accurate flood zone maps are accessible to developers, builders and buyers. We are proponents of implementing County zoning requirements and developers incentives to promote development in upland areas and restrict development in the floodplain. The floodplain can then be reserved as open space and natural areas and allowed to serve its function of accommodating floodwaters, assimilating pollutants and slowly releasing the waters as water level subsides.

We also are proponents of low impact development techniques to decrease the amount of impervious surfaces resulting from rapid development along the Waccamaw River. Impervious surfaces increase flooding intensity and frequency, resulting in impaired water quality. Retaining more natural areas with pervious surfaces is essential to reducing the quantity and quality of storm water that enters the river system. Proper zoning control, best management practices in land development and natural buffers along the river corridor represent a more environmentally sound methodology to prevent the economic impacts associated with flooding of personal property.

The Waccamaw River is historically, culturally and biological significant. Rather than changing its natural hydrology and the biological communities that have developed within this riverine system, we need to preserve and protect it and where necessary revitalize its biological functions. We must protect the Waccamaw River and its watershed as an important source of drinking water, as a natural system supporting a diverse biota and as a place of natural beauty, history and enjoyment.

The US Army Corps of Engineers April 2009 report, entitled Horry County, South Carolina Concept Study of a Flood Reduction Diversion Canal is available on the Horry County website.

Where does Conway get its drinking water from?

Conway purchases its drinking water from the Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority. The purchased water is treated surface water from the Pee Dee Watershed at Bull Creek. As required by law, the City of Conway publishes an annual report on the quality of drinking water supplied to its residents. Click here for the June 2009 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report.

Blue Trail to be created on the Waccamaw River

American Rivers, Winyah Rivers Foundation's Waccamaw Riverkeeper and Pee Dee Land Trust announced their partnership to create a blue trail on the Waccamaw River in South Carolina, generously funded through a three year grant from the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation. Click here for the December 2008 Press Release.

Volunteer Monitoring on the Waccamaw River

The Waccamaw River Volunteer Monitoring Project is a citizen science project designed to:

Increase geographic and temporal coverage of water quality monitoring in the Waccamaw River in South Carolina to assist in development of site specific water quality standards;

Address NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Phase II program measures for public education and involvement;

Assist in illicit discharge detection (an NPDES Phase II program requirement).

This volunteer-based program is administered by Coastal Carolina University's Waccamaw Watershed Academy and the Waccamaw RIVERKEEPER® Program of Winyah Rivers Foundation. Funding for the program is provided by the City of Conway, Horry County and Georgetown County.

Volunteers trained in using environmental testing equipment work in teams and sample twelve sites along the length of the Waccamaw River in South Carolina. Teams sample for several water quality parameters, including conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, nutrients and bacteria. These data are recorded in an online database and can be accessed, along with other information on the project, at Coastal Carolina University's Waccamaw Watershed Academy website or contact the Waccamaw Riverkeeper.

Click here for the Waccamaw River Volunteer Monitoring Brochure.

Horry County Rivers and Wetlands Protection Committee

In 2007 Horry County citizens raised their concerns regarding development along the Waccamaw River and potential impacts to water quality and the floodplain. The citizens voiced these concerns to the Infrastructure and Regulation Committee of Horry County Council who in turn asked the Waccamaw Riverkeeper to come up with solutions to these concerns. The result was the development of an ad hoc committee, involving local stakeholders, the Horry County Rivers and Wetlands Protection Committee.

The Committee identified the following as its mission:

Facilitate the development of proactive, unified solutions that protect the quality and value of our rivers, streams and wetlands for the health, welfare and safety of current and future generations.

Committee goals were determined to be:

Protect the scenic beauty and recreational value of our rivers, streams, and wetlands

Conserve the essential flood reduction, groundwater recharge, and pollution filtering of wetlands

Ensure that flood prone areas and floodways are maintained in a state where their essential natural functions can be performed

Protect the water quality and general health of our rivers, streams, and wetlands

In late 2008, the Committee developed a voluntary ordinance using Conservation Subdivisions as a conditional use in a variety of existing zoning districts. For more information and to download a copy of the proposed ordinance that will be brought to the Planning Commission for consideration, please go to Coastal Carolina University's Waccamaw Watershed Academy website or contact the Waccamaw Riverkeeper.