Winyah Rivers Alliance

06/01/2026

Attention Georgetown --> Public Meeting Next Week!

Earlier this year, Winyah Rivers Alliance, South Carolina Environmental Law Project, and Coastal Conservation League worked together to request a public meeting that will facilitate community engagement and education around the Voluntary Cleanup Contract at the former steel mill downtown. SCDES has agreed and the meeting details can be found below. Bring your questions and concerns to the meeting in person on June 11th, or if you are unable to attend, there is an email contact listed below for question submissions through June 10th.

A Sampling of our questions are:

1. What sort of stormwater runoff mitigation will be in place, to prevent pollutants reaching the Sampit River?
2. What sort of drinking water source protections and groundwater monitoring will be in place to protect nearby public water wells and protection zones.
3. Will a thorough Phase II site investigation take place to fully assess contamination at the former steel mill property?
4. What are the public health and air quality risks (such as asbestos) during demolition?

06/01/2026

“The best way to attract a variety of bumblebee species and other pollinators to your yard throughout the season is having a good habitat,” Watson tells Nexstar. That includes providing a variety of native flowers that can bloom from spring to fall and nesting and hibernation locations like piles of leaves, plant stems, sticks, rodent holes, and grass mats.

Want to help pollinators this spring? Expert suggests these tips
Surveys have found some of the best flowers for the rusty patched bumblebee include Dutchman’s breeches, eastern bluebells, wild bergamot, Culver’s root and milkweed species. It’s worth noting that the best pollinator plants may vary depending on where you live.”

Rare, endangered bee gets habitat protection across 6 states: Here’s where

06/01/2026

We had a blast at the 2nd annual River-Way 5K!

Thank you to Simply Timing, the 141 registered runners/walkers, amazing volunteers, law enforcement, and incredible sponsors!

Thank you to Robert, Riles and the entire Hucks family for supporting Winyah Rivers Alliance and the riverkeeper programs!

The weather was great, smiles were on everyone’s faces, and we all had fun with a purpose!

Thank you all so much for helping us keep our rivers fishable, swimmable, and drinkable!

Coastal Carolina National Bank Coastal Carolina University HTC Horry Electric Cooperative, Inc.Conway Hospital Simply Timing City of Conway, SC

06/01/2026

Way to go all of our incredible runners from the 2nd Annual River-Way 5K!!💙

Thank you, Simply Timing!!

05/30/2026

Swim Guide 2026 is officially underway!

Our first sampling week of the season certainly kept us on our toes. Between vehicle trouble, a river deciding it needed a Riverkeeper's phone more than we did, and a few other unexpected adventures, our volunteers and staff persevered to bring you this week's water quality results.

Every Wednesday, Winyah Rivers Alliance tests popular recreation sites across the Winyah Bay Watershed to help keep YOU informed and safe while enjoying our beautiful waterways.

Swim Guide results use EPA Beach Action Values (BAVs) as a precautionary tool to inform the public about water quality. While we do not issue official swim advisories, we share current f***l indicator bacteria levels to help you make informed decisions before heading out on the water.

🟢 Good news! All sampled sites on the Waccamaw River and Black River passed this week.

🔴 Sites that exceeded EPA Beach Action Values this week include:

📍 Lumber River
• Fair Bluff Landing – 285.1
• Rice Field Cove Landing – 307.5

📍 Little P*e Dee River
• Fork Retch – >2419.6
• Gilchrist Landing – 307.6
• Church Landing – 275.5

📍 Great P*e Dee River
• Allison Landing – 344.1

📍 Lynches River
• Highway 52 Landing – 517.2
• Indigo Landing – 387.3
• Alexander Landing – 365.4
• Odell Venters Landing – 325.5

📍 Sampit River
• East Bay Park Ramp

🧪 Samples are collected on Wednesdays and results are posted on Fridays.

🚫 Remember: We recommend avoiding swimming for 24–48 hours after heavy rain, as runoff can increase bacteria levels and carry pollutants into our waterways.

A huge THANK YOU to our incredible volunteers who help make this program possible. Your dedication—even when faced with unexpected challenges—helps keep our communities informed and connected to our rivers.

Swim Guide

05/29/2026

River-Way 5K Packet Pickup & Registration Reminder! 🏃‍♀️

We’re at the Conway Water Tower (110 Laurel Street) today for packet pickup and race-day registration!

⚠️ Please note: There is a car show happening downtown, so parking around the Water Tower may be limited. We recommend parking in the lot directly across from the Water Tower and walking over.

🗓 Packet Pickup & Registration Times
Today (Friday): 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Tomorrow (Race Day): 7:00 AM – 7:45 AM

🏁 Race Start Time: 8:00 AM

Come join us for a beautiful run along the Waccamaw River while supporting the work of Winyah Rivers Alliance to protect our rivers and waterways. We can’t wait to see everyone!

ConwaySC 5KRun SupportLocalConservation

05/29/2026

DRAFT FINDINGS ON INDUSTRIAL CORRIDORS SURVEY 📍

Horry County’s Planning and Zoning Department is seeking public comment on the newly released Industrial Corridors Draft.

As an amendment to Horry County’s Comprehensive Plan, known as IMAGINE 2040, the county is proposing a new Industrial Corridors Future Land Use designation.

Industrial Corridors provide locations for economic development including industrial, manufacturing, and distribution uses along major transportation corridors.

The Industrial Corridor Overlay draft helps identify areas best suited for future industrial and economic growth in Horry County. These areas are intended to support major industries, manufacturing, freight and logistics operations that bring high-paying jobs and strengthen the local economy.

The map in the graphic below outlines the areas of Horry County with potential for industrial land use.

The draft was developed through internal research using mapping technology, along with community feedback gathered through an online survey and public meetings held in April.

🔗To learn more about the draft, visit the link in the comments section below.

The public comment period for the draft Industrial Corridors plan is open through July 2, 2026. Community members are encouraged to share feedback during the Planning Commission Public Hearing on June 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the Horry County Government and Justice Center in Conway.

Following Planning Commission review, Horry County Infrastructure & Regulation Committee is expected to consider the proposal on August 11, 2026 at 9 a.m. before it moves on to Horry County Council. The timeline is subject to change.