Stormwater Utility: Managing Stormwater on Hilton Head Island

Stormwater management on Hilton Head Island focuses on reducing erosion, improving water quality, and protecting public health and safety. The Town's Stormwater Utility takes a comprehensive approach by evaluating a wide range of strategies to safeguard water quality and support overall watershed health. Through the implementation of these programs, the Town can effectively manage both the volume and quality of stormwater — helping to minimize flooding and reduce pollution in local water bodies.

The Stormwater Utility was formed in 2001 and is funded by Stormwater Utility Fees, instead of the General Fund. The Stormwater Utility is responsible for several programs:

1. Water Quality / Regulatory Requirements
2. Routine Maintenance
   • Drainage Channel Maintenance
   • Pond Management
   • Street Sweeping
3. Stormwater Pump Station Maintenance
4. Corrective Maintenance Projects
   • Pipe and Inlet Structure Repair or Replacement
   • Control Structure Repairs (risers, weirs, gates and flap gates)
   • Capacity Restoration (removing sediment from ditches, pipes and inlets)
5. Capital Improvement Projects
6. Inventory and Modeling Program
7. Resilience Study for Sea Level Rise and Climate Change

Stormwater Management Plan

In December 2015, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services designated the Town of Hilton Head Island as a Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). As part of this designation, the Town submits an annual report to the State along with an updated Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP). The SWMP is considered a living document and is updated regularly to reflect evolving practices, policies, and regulatory requirements.

The Town is currently operating under Phase II MS4 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit number SCR30000. Although this permit has technically expired, it remains in effect while the State works to issue a new permit.

In accordance with the MS4 permit requirements, the Town must implement and maintain six Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) to remain in compliance:

1. Public Education and Outreach
   Promote awareness and understanding of stormwater impacts through educational programs and materials.
2. Public Involvement and Participation
   Encourage active community participation in stormwater management efforts nd initiatives.
3. Illegal Discharge Detection and Elimination
   Identify and eliminate unauthorized discharges to the storm drainage system.
   

Report a Concern

4. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
   Implement and enforce measures to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff from active construction sites, including stormwater and NPDES plan review and routine construction site inspections.
5. Post-Construction Stormwater Management for New Development and Redevelopment
   Ensure long-term stormwater controls are in place following construction activities.
6. Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping in Municipal Operations
   Develop and implement practices to prevent or reduce pollutant runoff from municipal operations.

Resources