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Town of Bluffton

 

The Town of Bluffton is a coastal community that has historically had strong ties to its local waterbody, the May River.  The river is significant to the community for a number of reasons, including:

  • its aesthetics and views which increase the popularity of the area for continued residential and commercial growth;

  • its numerous natural resource populations that are directly harvested and utilized by local and regional residents; and

  • its economic impacts, both direct and indirect, to the community.

Additionally, the water quality within the May River historically has been reported as very good, resulting in the Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) designation from the SC Department of Health & Environmental Control - Environmental Quality Control's (SCDHEC-EQC) Bureau of Water.  All of these facets of the river help provide a sense of community character and pride that is locally, regionally and nationally recognized.

 

According to the latest census, the Town of Bluffton has grown over 440% in the last 10 years and this trend is expected to continue into the future.  Changes in the intensity and types of land use associated with population growth and new development within the watershed during the past decade have impacted water quality.  While the May River still retains its ORW status, for the first time in recent history it has experienced a shellfish harvesting classification down-grade, due to an increased level of fecal coliform in its headwaters.

 

Rising fecal coliform levels in the May River are a clear indicator of deterioration of the health of a watershed.  The Town of Bluffton and Beaufort County have agreed to work together along with the citizens to take action and develop a plan to improve conditions on the May River prior to further deterioration.  Staff has been directed to develop a plan that addresses water quality issues throughout the watershed and to consider a phased approach to protecting all of the outstanding natural resources as outlined in the Town of Bluffton Comprehensive Plan.  Setting out clearly defined and measurable goals, milestones and lead jurisdiction are critical to this plan's successful implementation.

 

 

Beaufort County

 

Stormwater Management
Department

 

Beaufort County May River Information

 

Beaufort County Special Area Management Plan

 

What Can I Do?

 

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