CoastalScience@Work Updates from the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium - Issue 25 December 23, 2021 S.C. Resilience Planning Efforts Documented In order to compile a knowledge base of resilience planning efforts, the Consortium has created a repository of 257 documents from South Carolina state agencies, counties, municipalities, academic institutions, NGOs, and private companies. The listing includes a variety of comprehensive, transportation, and green-infrastructure plans, as well as plans related to climate vulnerability, hazard mitigation, and stormwater management.   The repository is nearly complete, and it will be updated on a regular basis. Taylor Allred, the Consortium’s resilience graduate assistant, is leading the project, which is expected to support the S.C. Office of Resilience with the development of the first statewide resilience plan. Contact Taylor for more information or to provide contributions, updates, and feedback.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Stormwater BMPs Developed Effectively managing stormwater has been an ongoing challenge in coastal South Carolina, as development dramatically increases rates of stormwater runoff and the resulting impacts on natural resources and communities. While a wealth of information exists on how to implement a variety of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI)—such as rain gardens, vegetative swales, permeable pavements, green roofs, and stormwater ponds—less information is available on installation costs and socioeconomic benefits.   Consortium researchers at Clemson University and the University of South Carolina Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences built upon the information published in Low Impact Development in Coastal South Carolina: A Planning and Design Guide by outlining detailed operation and maintenance costs, cost effectiveness, and benefit valuation of a variety of GSI and stormwater best management practices (BMPs). The researchers designed a participatory story map in which stormwater managers entered the type and cost of their installed BMPs in South Carolina’s eight coastal counties. Coastal residents also were surveyed about whether they would adopt GSI for use on their properties and their perceived value of such stormwater BMPs. Several economic analyses were performed to determine costs of installing and maintaining BMPs, and residents' willingness-to-pay for different types of stormwater infrastructure.   As a result of this research, the S.C. Association of Stormwater Managers, Town of Mount Pleasant, City of Charleston, and Town of Bluffton will be using this methodology for cost-benefit analyses of implementing stormwater BMPs in their communities. In addition, cost-benefit information was incorporated into “Calling the Coast Home,” the Consortium’s continuing education course for realtors. For more information, contact Susannah Sheldon, Research and Fellowships Manager.

Over 3M Seeds Collected for Salt Marsh Restoration In the fall of 2021, From Seeds to Shoreline (S2S) volunteers and partners collected over 3 million Sporobolus alterniflorus—formerly known as Spartina alterniflora—seeds at 10 locations along the South Carolina coast, from Huntington Beach State Park to the ACE Basin.   S2S, launched in 2011, is the state’s only salt marsh restoration program specifically designed for K-12 students and teachers and aligned with South Carolina State Science Standards. In this year-long program, participating schools collect seeds, germinate them in classrooms, grow seedlings in greenhouses, and transplant the young sprouts in the spring to needy areas along the coast. Students learn about the importance of this critical ecosystem, community service, and are able to restore acres of salt marsh—all while having fun in the process. The Consortium partners with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources and Clemson University Cooperative Extension to provide the program, and the College of Charleston offers space in its greenhouse to grow the plants. For more information on how to get involved, contact E.V. Bell, Marine Education Specialist.

Wishing You a Safe and Happy Holiday Season and All the Best in the New Year!

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