Overview
BIHA INDIAN RIVER QUARRY_2 is a stormwater outfall in Sitka, Alaska, United States. It operates under the US EPA NPDES MS4 permit framework for stormwater discharges.
BIHA INDIAN RIVER QUARRY_2 is a stormwater outfall located at 102 Burkhart in Sitka, Alaska, within the Sitka City and Borough. This facility manages stormwater runoff from the local area, discharging into the surrounding environment. As a stormwater outfall, it is part of the broader stormwater management infrastructure serving the Sitka community. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, specifically through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits. Sitka, being a small municipality, likely falls under Phase II MS4 requirements, which mandate stormwater management programs to reduce pollutant discharges to the maximum extent practicable. The outfall's location in a coastal Alaskan city means it handles runoff from urban areas, including roads and residential zones. Stormwater outfalls like this one play a critical role in preventing flooding and controlling the quality of runoff entering local water bodies. In Sitka, which experiences significant rainfall, proper stormwater management is essential to protect the region's aquatic ecosystems and maintain water quality. The facility contributes to community resilience by managing stormwater volumes and reducing the risk of localized flooding.
Environmental context
Sitka is located on Baranof Island in the Alexander Archipelago, characterized by a temperate rainforest climate with high annual precipitation. Stormwater runoff from urban areas can carry pollutants such as sediment, oil, and heavy metals into nearby streams and the ocean. The Indian River, which flows near the facility, supports salmon runs and other aquatic life, making stormwater quality management critical for ecosystem health. The facility's discharge must comply with water quality standards to protect these sensitive habitats.
Frequently asked questions
BIHA INDIAN RIVER QUARRY_2 is located at 102 Burkhart in Sitka, Alaska, within the Sitka City and Borough, United States.
It is a stormwater outfall that discharges stormwater runoff from the Sitka area into the environment, helping to manage urban runoff and reduce flood risk.
The facility operates under the US Clean Water Act and is subject to NPDES MS4 permits, likely Phase II requirements for small municipalities like Sitka.
Stormwater outfalls like this one help control runoff quality and quantity, reducing pollutants entering the Indian River and surrounding waters, which support salmon and other aquatic species.
In Alaska's rainy coastal regions, stormwater outfalls are critical for preventing flooding and protecting sensitive ecosystems from urban runoff pollution.
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