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 send pollutants rushing towards the ocean or nearest body of water; a single garden hose can supply enough water. Water and debris that flows into storm drains and sewers move directly to the ocean, not to a wastewater treatment plant, as many believe. Storm water runoff effects not only South Carolina's coastal environment, but also takes a toll on the economy and the people.
             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. Because of a statement from the Natural Resources Defense Council, as well as an array of local newspaper articles, citizens and vacationers alike became skeptical of why S...