ANNIE COOPER DIRT PIT Stormwater Outfall, Summerdale, Alabama

ANNIE COOPER DIRT PIT is a stormwater outfall located at 12940 Underwood Rd., Summerdale, Alabama, within Baldwin County. As a stormwater outfall, it serves as a discharge point for stormwater runoff from the surrounding catchment, which includes urban and potentially industrial areas. The facility is operational and plays a role in the local stormwater management infrastructure. In the United States, stormwater outfalls like this one are regulated under the Clean Water Act, specifically through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits. Depending on the population served and the nature of the catchment, the facility may be subject to Phase I or Phase II MS4 requirements, which mandate controls to reduce pollutant discharges to the maximum extent practicable. The environmental significance of this outfall lies in its potential discharge to nearby water bodies. Stormwater runoff can carry pollutants such as sediment, nutrients, and heavy metals, impacting water quality. Proper management and monitoring of the outfall help protect local streams and rivers from degradation, supporting the ecological health of the region.

The outfall is located in Baldwin County, Alabama, an area with a humid subtropical climate characterized by heavy rainfall and potential for flooding. Stormwater runoff from urban and agricultural areas can carry pollutants into local waterways, including the Fish River and Mobile Bay. These water bodies support diverse aquatic ecosystems and are important for recreation and fisheries. Effective stormwater management is critical to prevent erosion, reduce flooding, and maintain water quality in this ecologically sensitive region.