Community Flood Assessment for Bucksport, South Carolina

Abstract

Bucksport, South Carolina has experienced recurring high-impact flood events in the past decade that threaten local property, public health, and cultural heritage. This report aims to support the resilience of the community through a science and policy-based assessment of the factors contributing to flooding in the region. Findings from our hydrologic analyses indicate that a greater frequency of high magnitude precipitation events coupled with slower watershed drainage have led to longer standing water in the community after storm events. Results also reflect that these impacts will likely be exacerbated by climate change-attributed precipitation increases over the next century. Accordingly, our exploration of the relevant flood policy landscape highlights recommendations for the community to adapt and mitigate future flooding impacts through both state and federal-level funding for watershed-scale planning and resilience-focused investment.