Representatives of Preserve Murrells Inlet, Inc. (PMI) and Georgetown County have entered an agreement to evaluate, address and improve the County’s management of its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), fecal coliform bacterial issues and other sources of  pollution in the Murrells Inlet Estuary. 

In 2024, PMI, represented by the South Carolina Environmental Law Project (SCELP), submitted a 60-day notice letter to the County as a prerequisite to a potential federal Clean Water Act citizen suit. Since then, PMI and the County have been engaged in ongoing, good faith discussions on needed improvements in the County’s MS4 stormwater compliance and water quality protections under the Clean Water Act. Both parties have worked  cooperatively to identify a constructive path to strengthen stormwater management and support long-term water quality protection within the Murrells Inlet Estuary. 

As part of that resolution process, PMI is filing a complaint solely to memorialize the negotiated settlement agreement. This procedural step allows the agreement to be  entered and enforced by the Court. Under the agreement, the County has agreed to create an ad hoc Advisory Committee on Stormwater and Water Quality and commit $50,000 in initial funding for a comprehensive countywide study to guide future improvements.

Both parties view this as a reasonable alternative to prolonged litigation, promising a collaborative, forward-looking and positive outcome that prioritizes practical solutions, regulatory clarity, and long-term protection of the Murrells Inlet Estuary. 

Final approval of the settlement terms is currently pending. Additional information will be shared once the agreement is formally approved by the Court.