Stormwater Pollution on the Grand Strand
The lively, family oriented Grand Strand, a booming resort area along the South Carolina coast, is one of the eastern seaboard?s largest vacation centers. Myrtle Beach, whose population explodes from 26,000 to 350,000 people in the summer, is single handedly responsible for 40% of the state?s tourism revenue (Travel Channel 2). There are millions of things to do along the strand, from golf to shopping, but the main attraction, of course, is the broad, beckoning beach, 60 miles of white sand stretching from the North Carolina border south to Georgetown. Yet, as the demand to visit the coastline of South Carolina continues to grow, so does the need to assess the evident pollution problem within the coastal atmosphere. In the state, storm water runoff is a major pollutant, affecting all aspects of the beach experience. Storm water is water from rain that does not quickly soak into the ground. Storm water runs from rooftops, over paved areas and bare soil, and through sloped lawns and fields. Originally, storm water was regarded as clean but as it flows, this runoff collects and transports soil, pet waste, pesticides, fertilizer, oil and grease, leaves, litter, and other potential pollutants. A heavy rainstorm is not needed to
Beach closings and advisories increased 75% from 129 beach closings in 2001 to 226 in 2002. South Carolina?s coastal atmosphere is continually growing and developing. Even prior water quality tests, which were routinely done until 1980, showed no sign of violating any water quality standards. However, the biggest economic upset will come with the loss of tourism due to the polluted ocean. While there are no definite statistics, the uprising of urbanization is bound to negatively affect the pollution and the economy. Store oily car parts and fluid containers where rain and runoff cannot reach them. It is commonly washed out of construction sites, pavement, bare lawns or gardens, as well as eroding banks. Microorganisms in the top layer of soil will break down the waste and release the nutrients to nearby plants. If left on sidewalks, driveways, or roads, grass clippings and other yard wastes will wash away with the next storm. It affects the habitat of the fish and plants, potentially damaging or destroying their territory (Coast-A-Syst 4). Nutrients, which ordinarily come from overused or spilled fertilizers, pet waste, grass clippings and leaves left on streets and sidewalks, and leaves burned in ditches, increase the risk of nuisance or toxic algal blooms (Coast-A-Syst 4). In the summer of 1996, as South Carolina?s coastal attraction continued to blossom, many became critical of the water quality in South Carolina?s ocean beaches. Nearly everyone has seen improperly discarded plastic, fishing line, six-pack rings, styrofoam, cigarette butts, and grocery store bags strung along the beach. Many households store lawn and garden products such as weed killers, insect killers and fertilizers.
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Acceptance Essays
