188TH WING ARKANSAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD Stormwater Outfall, Fort Smith, Arkansas

The 188TH WING ARKANSAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD stormwater outfall is located at 4850 Leigh in Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas. This facility manages stormwater runoff from a military installation, operating under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit framework. As a Phase II small MS4, it is subject to federal Clean Water Act requirements for stormwater management. The facility's technical specifications are limited, but as a stormwater outfall for a military base, it likely handles runoff from industrial, administrative, and residential areas. The NAICS code 928110 indicates national security activities, aligning with the facility's role in managing stormwater from an Air National Guard base. Typical stormwater controls may include detention basins, oil-water separators, and erosion control measures. Environmental significance includes preventing pollutants from entering local waterways. The outfall discharges into the Arkansas River basin, which supports regional water quality. Proper stormwater management is critical to protect downstream water bodies from sediment, heavy metals, and other contaminants associated with military operations.

Fort Smith lies in the Arkansas River Valley, a region with a humid subtropical climate and frequent thunderstorms that generate significant stormwater runoff. The nearby Arkansas River is a major waterway supporting aquatic habitats and municipal water supplies. Stormwater discharges from industrial and military facilities must be managed to prevent contamination from fuels, heavy metals, and other pollutants. The facility operates under EPA NPDES MS4 Phase II requirements, which mandate stormwater pollution prevention plans and best management practices to protect water quality.