ALEX CITY FOOD SHOP Stormwater Outfall, Alexander City, Alabama

ALEX CITY FOOD SHOP is a stormwater outfall located at 4371 US Highway 280 West in Alexander City, Tallapoosa County, Alabama. As a stormwater outfall, it serves as a discharge point for stormwater runoff from the surrounding area, likely including commercial and transportation-related surfaces. The facility is operational and falls under the regulatory oversight of the US Clean Water Act, specifically the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program. In the United States, stormwater outfalls like this one are typically part of a larger stormwater management system designed to control flooding and reduce pollutant loads entering water bodies. The NPDES MS4 program requires operators to develop stormwater management programs that include public education, illicit discharge detection, construction site runoff control, and pollution prevention. For Phase II small MS4s, which often cover smaller municipalities and commercial entities, permits are typically general permits with standard requirements. The environmental significance of this outfall lies in its potential to discharge stormwater runoff into local waterways. Runoff from urban and commercial areas can carry pollutants such as sediment, oil, grease, heavy metals, and nutrients. Proper management and compliance with permit conditions are essential to protect water quality in the Tallapoosa River watershed, which is a significant water resource in the region. The facility's location along US Highway 280 suggests it handles runoff from a busy transportation corridor, increasing the importance of effective stormwater controls.

The outfall is located in the Tallapoosa River watershed, which drains into the Alabama River system. This region experiences a humid subtropical climate with frequent thunderstorms and occasional hurricanes, leading to significant stormwater runoff. The surrounding area includes commercial development and major highways, contributing to potential pollutant loads from impervious surfaces. Effective stormwater management is critical to prevent degradation of local water bodies, which support aquatic ecosystems and recreational uses.