MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) – Officials with Horry County Stormwater confirmed what residents in one Myrtle Beach community had long suspected, the drainage in Cameron Village does pose a problem for flooding.
People living in the community first reached out to News13 during the October flood. They wanted answers on why water in the neighborhood had them stuck in their homes for days, despite being far removed from any cresting rivers.
“We had an extensive amount of flooding, the lake behind us came up to the patio here,” said homeowner Stacy Oppelt.
Oppelt has lived in Cameron Village since 2009, she says it didn’t take long for her to notice a problem.
“We knew something was wrong. We’ve known since 2010 that something was wrong with the drainage,” said Oppelt.
Heavy rains flooded the neighborhood, trapping her in her home.
“No emergency vehicles could get through, no trucks could get though. So we knew then something was going on and we brought it up over and over and over; and nothing was ever done,” she said.
After the latest round of flooding, 100 neighbors came together, to ask for help finding a solution.
“All of the homeowners basically got together, took their pictures, information, conversations they had with different people,” said Oppelt.
Reps from each section of the development then met with county leaders, the HOA and management company, “any one they had to meet with so it doesn’t happen again.”
Horry County Stormwater checked the drainage system, and found a partial blockage of a drainage pipe that carries water out of the neighborhood.
Oppelt says for her, “I definitely feel a little validated.”
The county will try to break up the blockage with a powerful water nozzle, but if that does not work, they will dig up and replace the section of pipe.
“It makes me feel relieved. I would love to see what happens the next heavy rain,” said Oppelt.
A HOA committee member tells News13 that Beazer, the development company, has pledged to not raise fees to homeowners to cover the costs.
