Questions are being raised by concerned residents about the Myrtle Beach Dying Bird Epidemic happening Oceanfront. Some residents have speculated that the Myrtle Beach Dying Bird Epidemic is caused by many 5G towers the city has put in place.
Others have stated that they believed the Ocean Outfall on 24th Avenue North was contributing to the Myrtle Beach Dying Bird Epidemic.
As our readers can see below: Meredith Denari, Director of Communications and Creative Services, City of Myrtle Beach believes it is caused by a bird flu virus among our local population. Denari states that DES is aware of the situation near 24th Avenue North and is investigating.
Read Meagan’s concerns and the city’s response here:
Myrtle Beach City resident Meagan Shadle reached out to us concerning the Myrtle Beach Dying Bird Epidemic this week.
I live on 23rd North and Ocean Boulevard and they are building the water treatment pier that takes the street run off and treats it before it goes out to the ocean. It’s an ongoing project.
Hey David.
Well the company, Manson Construction, used rusty metal beams to start their project and that rust is flaking off and is all over the beach and there is also paint on the rest that might not be marine grade– But there are birds dying all over the place there were 13 that we counted the other day four that we counted yesterday just during the day…. All different seabirds.
There is also a spot where the water run off looks neon green and it’s running out into the ocean I’m not sure if the birds are drinking that and it’s killing them or what. But something is going on and it’s not good. There are hundreds of birds over there and they won’t leave.
I have talked to the South Carolina department of natural resources, and officer that came out here after I sent them an email and pictures. He tells me that their biologist is testing things and they will let me know.
But it’s harming the ocean and it’s definitely harming the birds….
MyrtleBeachSC News reached out to the City of Myrtle Beach about the Myrtle Beach Dying Bird Epidemic
Meredith Denari, Director of Communications and Creative Services, City of Myrtle Beach replied:
Hey David,
I hope you’re having a nice day.
I want to clarify a few points regarding the deepwater ocean outfall at 24th Avenue North from your source’s email.
She is referring to the city’s fifth Deepwater ocean outfall. Once it’s constructed, water naturally sifts and filters through the outfall’s dual 84-inch stormwater pipes before it is released back into the ocean. The project is still underway, and work on the seaward side is expected to be completed in the first months of 2026. Ocean outfalls are important to Myrtle Beach and other coastal communities because they improve water quality, reduce pollution, enhance beach conditions and provide a safe place for stormwater to go that’s not our streets.
The metal beams in the construction area are temporary supports and will be removed once seaward construction is finished. The rust is a result of prolonged exposure to saltwater, which accelerates corrosion.
Regarding the dead birds, I do not believe the deaths are related to construction materials. While I am not with DNR or DES, bird flu is circulating among migratory species this time of year. A news station reported SCDNR confirmed bird flu cases in Carolina Forest yesterday (20 something dead birds found). Migration often accelerates the spread of avian influenza, and seagulls are not immune. DES is aware of the situation near 24th Avenue North and is investigating.
As for the photo of colored water flowing from a stormwater pipe, that runoff is simply dyed water from a nearby putt putt course. It has looked the same since the course opened and is not harmful. Many neighborhoods also use pond dyes to achieve a specific blue or green color.
The official word from any known biologist has yet to come on the Myrtle Beach Dying Bird Epidemic.
