ASAHI KASEI PLASTICS NORTH AMERICA - ATHENS PLANT Stormwater Outfall, Athens, Alabama

ASAHI KASEI PLASTICS NORTH AMERICA - ATHENS PLANT is a stormwater outfall located at 1910 Wilkinson Street in Athens, Limestone County, Alabama. This facility manages stormwater discharge from an industrial site classified under NAICS 325991 (custom compounding of purchased resins). As a stormwater outfall, it is part of the broader stormwater management infrastructure for the Athens area. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, specifically the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Stormwater discharges from industrial facilities are typically regulated under NPDES Multi-Sector General Permits (MSGP) or individual permits. The plant's location in Alabama places it under the jurisdiction of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), which implements the NPDES program in the state. The environmental significance of this outfall relates to its role in managing stormwater runoff from an industrial plastics facility. Industrial stormwater discharges can contain pollutants such as suspended solids, metals, and organic compounds. Proper management through best management practices (BMPs) and compliance with permit limits is essential to protect receiving waters in the Tennessee River watershed, which includes nearby water bodies.

The facility is located in Athens, Alabama, within the Tennessee River basin. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with significant rainfall, making stormwater management critical. Industrial stormwater discharges from plastics manufacturing can introduce pollutants like microplastics, chemical additives, and sediment. The outfall's discharge may affect local streams and ultimately the Tennessee River, which is a major water resource for drinking water, recreation, and aquatic habitat. Regulatory oversight under the Clean Water Act aims to minimize these impacts through permit conditions and monitoring.