BERING SHAI CONSTRUCTION QUARRY Stormwater Outfall, Unalaska, Alaska

BERING SHAI CONSTRUCTION QUARRY is a stormwater outfall located on Captains Bay Road in Unalaska, Alaska, within the Aleutians West County. As a stormwater outfall, it manages runoff from a construction quarry site, classified under NAICS 212319 (Other Crushed and Broken Stone Mining and Quarrying). The facility is operational and falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the US Clean Water Act, specifically the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program for stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity. In Alaska, stormwater management is critical due to the sensitive aquatic ecosystems and the potential for sediment-laden runoff from quarry operations. The facility likely operates under an NPDES permit that requires best management practices (BMPs) to control erosion and sedimentation. Typical BMPs for quarry stormwater outfalls include sediment basins, silt fences, and vegetative buffers to protect receiving waters such as Captains Bay. The environmental significance of this outfall lies in its proximity to coastal waters in the Aleutian Islands, a region known for rich marine biodiversity. Proper stormwater management helps prevent degradation of water quality in Captains Bay, which supports fisheries and wildlife. The facility's compliance with NPDES requirements is essential for minimizing the impact of quarry runoff on the local environment.

The Aleutian Islands region features a cold, maritime climate with high precipitation, making stormwater management crucial for controlling runoff from industrial sites like quarries. Discharges from the BERING SHAI CONSTRUCTION QUARRY outfall enter Captains Bay, which is part of the Bering Sea ecosystem. This area supports important commercial fisheries and marine mammal habitats. The primary environmental concern is sediment loading from quarry operations, which can smother benthic habitats and reduce water clarity. Regulatory oversight under the Clean Water Act ensures that the facility implements erosion and sediment control measures to protect these sensitive waters.