AVOCA QUARRY Stormwater Outfall, Avoca, Arkansas | United States

AVOCA QUARRY is a stormwater outfall located at 679 Woodlodge Rd., Avoca, Arkansas, in Benton County. As a stormwater outfall, it serves as a discharge point for stormwater runoff from the quarry site, which is classified under NAICS 212312 (Crushed and Broken Limestone Mining and Quarrying). The facility is operational and falls under the jurisdiction of the US EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, which regulates stormwater discharges from industrial activities. Stormwater outfalls like AVOCA QUARRY are subject to NPDES permit requirements, including the development of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to control pollutants in runoff. The quarry's stormwater management involves best management practices (BMPs) such as sediment basins, silt fences, and vegetative buffers to minimize erosion and sedimentation. The facility's location in the Ozark region of Arkansas means it operates in a karst landscape, which can influence groundwater recharge and surface water quality. The environmental significance of AVOCA QUARRY lies in its role in managing stormwater from a mining operation, which can contain sediment, heavy metals, and other pollutants. Proper stormwater management is critical to protect nearby water bodies, such as Beaver Lake, which serves as a drinking water source for the region. Compliance with NPDES permits ensures that the quarry's discharges meet water quality standards and minimize ecological impact.

AVOCA QUARRY is located in the Ozark Mountains region of Arkansas, characterized by karst topography with limestone bedrock, sinkholes, and caves. This geology makes groundwater particularly vulnerable to contamination from surface runoff. The quarry's stormwater discharges may carry sediment and potential pollutants from mining activities, which could affect nearby streams and ultimately Beaver Lake, a major reservoir for drinking water and recreation. The facility must comply with EPA stormwater regulations to prevent degradation of these sensitive water resources.