CHARLES L. BESHEARS BORROW PIT Stormwater Outfall, Walnut Grove, Alabama

CHARLES L. BESHEARS BORROW PIT is a stormwater outfall facility located at 3990 Murphree Valley Road in Walnut Grove, Alabama, within Etowah County. As a stormwater outfall, it manages the discharge of stormwater runoff from the surrounding area, which includes industrial activities associated with NAICS codes 212321 (Construction Sand and Gravel Mining) and 212399 (All Other Nonmetallic Mineral Mining). The facility is operational and falls under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, specifically the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits. In Alabama, stormwater outfalls like this one are subject to Phase II MS4 requirements for small municipalities and industrial stormwater permits. The facility's location in a mining-influenced catchment means it handles runoff from industrial surfaces, which may contain sediment and other pollutants. Typical stormwater management at such sites includes detention basins, sediment controls, and regular monitoring to ensure compliance with discharge limits. The environmental significance of this outfall lies in its role in controlling the quality of stormwater discharged into local waterways. Proper management helps protect downstream water bodies from erosion, sedimentation, and pollution. The facility contributes to the community's stormwater infrastructure, reducing flood risks and maintaining water quality in the region.

The facility is located in Etowah County, Alabama, within the Coosa River basin. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with frequent thunderstorms, leading to significant stormwater runoff. The surrounding area includes mining operations, which can contribute sediment and other pollutants to runoff. Effective stormwater management is critical to prevent impairment of local streams and rivers, supporting aquatic habitats and downstream water uses.