CHARLES E. WATTS INC. Stormwater Outfall, Gadsden, Alabama | United States

CHARLES E. WATTS INC. is a stormwater outfall located at 501 N Albert Rains in Gadsden, Alabama, within Etowah County. This facility is part of the stormwater management infrastructure for the region, handling runoff from urban and industrial catchments. As a stormwater outfall, it discharges collected stormwater into local waterways, operating under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act and EPA's NPDES MS4 permit program. The facility's NAICS code 237310 indicates it is associated with highway, street, and bridge construction, suggesting its catchment may include transportation-related impervious surfaces. Stormwater outfalls like this one are critical for controlling runoff volume and quality, especially in urbanized areas. In Alabama, stormwater management is governed by Phase II MS4 requirements for smaller municipalities, with Gadsden likely operating under a general permit for stormwater discharges. This outfall plays a key role in reducing flooding risks and protecting water quality in the Coosa River watershed, which receives discharges from the Gadsden area. Proper operation helps mitigate pollutant loads from urban runoff, supporting local aquatic ecosystems and downstream water uses. The facility's location in an industrial and transportation corridor underscores its importance for managing stormwater in a mixed-use environment.

The stormwater outfall discharges into the Coosa River basin, a major waterway in Alabama that supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water for downstream communities. Urban and industrial runoff from Gadsden can carry pollutants such as sediment, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons, making stormwater treatment and management critical for maintaining water quality. The facility operates under NPDES MS4 permit requirements, which mandate best management practices to reduce pollutant loads and protect receiving waters.