City of Fayetteville Transfer Station Stormwater Outfall | Fayetteville, Arkansas

The City of Fayetteville Transfer Station is a stormwater outfall located at 1560 S. Happy Hollow Rd. in Fayetteville, Arkansas, within Washington County. This facility is part of the municipal stormwater management system for the city, handling runoff from urban and residential areas to reduce flood risks and prevent pollutants from entering local waterways. As a stormwater outfall, this facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program. Fayetteville is likely regulated as a Phase II small MS4, requiring a stormwater management plan that includes public education, illicit discharge detection, and construction site runoff control. The facility's discharge point is subject to monitoring and best management practices to comply with the Clean Water Act. The environmental significance of this outfall lies in its role in managing stormwater quality in the Illinois River watershed, which is a priority for nutrient reduction efforts. Proper operation helps mitigate impacts from urban runoff, such as sediment, nutrients, and heavy metals, supporting local water quality goals and aquatic habitat protection.

Fayetteville is located in the Ozark Highlands ecoregion, characterized by karst topography with caves and springs that are sensitive to pollution. Stormwater runoff from urban areas can carry pollutants like sediment, fertilizers, and oil into these groundwater systems. The facility's discharge may affect the Illinois River, which is listed as impaired for nutrients and sediment. Managing stormwater quality is critical to protect drinking water sources and aquatic ecosystems in this region.