Natural & Beneficial Functions of Floodplains

Purpose

Natural floodplains reduce damage by allowing flood waters to spread out over large areas. This facilitates absorption into the ground, reduces flow rates, and serves as a flood storage area to reduce downstream peaks.

Contaminants
Help keep our floodplain and floodplain waters free of contaminants that pollute marsh waters the local wildlife depend upon for their habitat. Properly dispose of oil, paint, antifreeze, and pesticides.

Barrier Islands

Camden County has a barrier island with Cumberland Islands. Barrier islands:

  • Are a natural protective barrier to incoming hurricane forces such as wave attack
  • Reduce tidal and wind energies
  • Serve as natural aquatic habitats, wetlands, marshes, and estuaries