The recommended plan of improvement for Wilson Branch consists of demolishing six houses which lie below the 10-year flood plain on Wilson Branch. These six adjacent houses lie in a reach from 500 to 1500 feet from the mouth of Wilson Branch. All disturbed areas would be planted with grass, shrubs and trees to prevent erosion and to restore a natural appearance. Project lands would be obtained and controlled by the local project sponsor for maintenance purposes. Local project sponsors must also enforce flood plain ordinances to assure that any future development of the residual flood plain would be compatible with the flood hazard. Estimated first cost for implementation of the recommended plan is $314,590 plus an additional $120,000 in related cost for the relocation of current occupants of affected flood plain structures. Average annual project benefits resulting from the implementation of the recommended plan of improvement are estimated to be $27,440 in flood damage reduction benefits to existing development.

The purpose of this study was to investigate flood problems associated with high flows from Wilson Branch, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, and the overflow of the great Pee Dee River. It was conducted in response to a request by the Town of Cheraw, S.C. The study area is confined to a 1,500 foot reach of Wilson Branch located between points 500 and 2,000 feet upstream from the confluence with Huckleberry Branch. Flood waters from Wilson Branch result in average equivalent damages estimated at $35,390 annually to existing development. An array of potential measures to alleviate flood damages were formulated and evaluated in an effort to determine the most feasible alternative. After evaluation of all impacts resulting from implementation of alternatives, a nonstructural alternative consisting of removing five houses from the flood plain was selected as the best plan to meet the needs of the area. These houses would be sold for salvage.

Sections 1-2. Keyword Index.--Section 3. Personal author index.--Section 4. Corporate author index.-- Section 5. Contract/grant number index, NTIS order/report number index 1-E.--Section 6. NTIS order/report number index F-Z.