Overview
The Alaska Marine Highway Juneau Terminal stormwater outfall in Juneau, Alaska, manages runoff from a state-owned ferry terminal. It operates under the US EPA NPDES MS4 permit framework for stormwater discharges.
The Alaska Marine Highway Juneau Terminal stormwater outfall is located at 13485 Glacier Highway in Juneau, Alaska, and serves the state's marine highway system. This facility manages stormwater runoff from the terminal area, which includes ferry docks, parking lots, and associated infrastructure. As a stormwater outfall, it discharges collected runoff into nearby waters, likely Gastineau Channel, and is subject to federal and state stormwater regulations. Operated under the US EPA NPDES MS4 program, this outfall is part of a larger network of stormwater controls required for municipal separate storm sewer systems. The facility's NAICS codes (221320, 483114, 483212) indicate involvement in sewage treatment facilities and coastal/Great Lakes passenger water transportation. Typical stormwater outfalls in Alaska handle seasonal runoff influenced by snowmelt and rainfall, with peak flows during spring thaw and summer storms. The environmental significance of this outfall lies in its potential impact on the marine ecosystem of Gastineau Channel, which supports salmon, herring, and other aquatic life. Stormwater from transportation facilities can carry pollutants like oil, grease, heavy metals, and sediment. Regulatory compliance under the Clean Water Act requires best management practices to minimize these impacts, including regular monitoring and maintenance of the outfall structure.
Environmental context
Juneau's coastal location in Southeast Alaska experiences a temperate maritime climate with high annual precipitation, leading to significant stormwater runoff. The outfall discharges into Gastineau Channel, a marine waterway that supports critical fish habitats, including salmon spawning grounds. Urban and transportation-related runoff from the terminal can introduce pollutants such as hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and debris, necessitating effective stormwater management to protect water quality and aquatic life.
Frequently asked questions
The outfall is located at 13485 Glacier Highway in Juneau, Alaska, at the Alaska Marine Highway Juneau Terminal.
It manages and discharges stormwater runoff from the ferry terminal area, including parking lots and docks, into nearby waters.
It operates under the US EPA NPDES MS4 permit program, which requires stormwater management plans and best management practices to reduce pollution.
Runoff from terminals can carry pollutants like oil, grease, heavy metals, and sediment, which can harm aquatic ecosystems if not properly managed.
Gastineau Channel supports salmon, herring, and other marine life, making stormwater management critical to protecting these resources.
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