Protect Natural Floodplain Functions

Floodplains

• Floodplains are a natural component of the environment. Understanding and protecting the natural functions of floodplains helps reduce flood damage and protect resources. When flooding spreads out across the floodplain, its energy is dissipated, which results in lower flood flows downstream, reduced erosion of the streambank and channel, deposition of sediments higher in the watershed and improved groundwater recharge.
• Floodplains are scenic, valued wildlife habitat, and suitable for farming.
• Poorly planned development in floodplains can lead to streambank erosion, loss of valuable property, increased risk of flooding to downstream properties and degradation of water quality.

Beaches

• Beachfront areas of Horry County also contain primary oceanfront dunes which serve as a buffer against minor wave height fluctuations and beach erosion.
• Activities that disturb beachfront and saltwater wetlands should not be undertaken without first obtaining permits from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. Any disturbance of freshwater wetlands requires a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and certification from S.C. DHEC’s Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management.