Stormwater Management in South Carolina
Stormwater management deals with efforts to handle the runoff of rainwater from streets and lawns, and reducing pollutants in waterways.
In urban areas, roofs and pavement prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground, so it can build up rapidly, causing flooding and other issues. This excess stormwater can carry pollutants and bacteria as it washes over surfaces and into drains instead of being absorbed into the soil and filtered naturally.
The S.C Sea Grant Consortium provides communities and decision-makers with science-based information and best practices on the management of stormwater.
Regional Stormwater Pond Information and Programming
A team of partners from various organizations in South Carolina’s coastal areas collaborate on programming efforts yearly, including the Healthy Pond Series and Stormwater Pond Conferences.
Stormwater Research Reports
Stormwater Ponds in South Carolina State of Knowledge Report (2019)
This comprehensive report contains up-to-date scientific findings on stormwater ponds, their effectiveness as a control measure, pollutant levels, public perception, and best management practices.
Includes 8 chapters, appendices, and executive summary.
Runoff Volume Sensitivities of Tidal Headwaters (2015)
Nonpoint source pollution from stormwater runoff associated with large-scale land use changes threatens the integrity of ecologically and economically valuable estuarine ecosystems. Beaufort County, S.C. implemented volume-based stormwater regulations on the rationale that if volume discharge is controlled, contaminant loading will also be controlled. The County sought to identify which of their tidal creeks and what portions of the creeks are most sensitive to stormwater runoff.
Assessment of Stormwater Management in Coastal South Carolina: A Focus on Stormwater Ponds and Low Impact Development (LID) Practices (2010)
This report covers the strengths and weaknesses of two stormwater management strategies in coastal South Carolina: stormwater ponds and LID practices. Based on interviews of stormwater professionals and input from workshops, the report assists coastal communities with decision-making about the selection and implementation of stormwater managements strategies.
Stormwater Education
S.C. Coastal Information Network
SCCIN provides education and training for community officials on topics such as water resources, stormwater ponds, and low impact development. The website features a wealth of handbooks and resources as well as a calendar of current training events.
Community Associations and Stormwater Management: A Coastal South Carolina Perspective
This publication provides practical insights for community associations that want to protect and improve their natural resources. Strategies covered include managing coastal runoff by using vegetated buffers and rain gardens, maintaining stormwater ponds, and other actions homeowners can take to improve water quality. Contains a helpful glossary of terms, web resources, native plant lists, and a maintenance checklist.
