Overview
Cold Bay Airport Stormwater Outfall in Cold Bay, Alaska, manages stormwater runoff from airport facilities. It operates under US EPA NPDES MS4 permit regulations for stormwater discharges.
Cold Bay Airport Stormwater Outfall is a stormwater management facility located at 100 St Louis Bay Road in Cold Bay, Alaska, within the Aleutians East Borough. The facility handles stormwater runoff from the airport infrastructure, serving the transportation hub in this remote region. As a stormwater outfall, it is part of the broader network of drainage systems designed to control and treat runoff before discharge. 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. While specific technical specifications such as discharge volume are not detailed, stormwater outfalls in Alaska typically manage runoff from impervious surfaces like runways, taxiways, and parking areas. The cold climate and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles influence the design and operation of such facilities. Cold Bay Airport serves as a critical transportation link in the Aleutian Islands, and its stormwater management is essential for protecting local water quality. The outfall discharges into nearby water bodies, which may include sensitive coastal ecosystems. Proper stormwater control helps mitigate the impact of pollutants such as deicing fluids, sediment, and hydrocarbons from airport operations, supporting the ecological health of the surrounding environment.
Environmental context
Cold Bay is located in the Aleutian Islands, a region characterized by a maritime climate with high precipitation, strong winds, and sensitive coastal ecosystems. Stormwater runoff from the airport can carry pollutants like deicing chemicals, sediment, and fuel residues into nearby marine waters. The area supports diverse wildlife, including seabirds and marine mammals, making effective stormwater management crucial for minimizing ecological impact. Regulatory oversight under the Clean Water Act ensures that discharges meet water quality standards to protect these vulnerable habitats.
Frequently asked questions
The facility is located at 100 St Louis Bay Road in Cold Bay, Alaska, within the Aleutians East Borough.
It manages stormwater runoff from Cold Bay Airport, controlling and treating runoff from runways, taxiways, and other impervious surfaces before discharge.
The facility operates under the US Clean Water Act, specifically the NPDES MS4 permit program, which regulates stormwater discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems.
Airport stormwater can contain pollutants like deicing fluids, sediment, and hydrocarbons. Proper management prevents these contaminants from harming local water bodies and ecosystems.
Cold Bay is in a sensitive coastal ecosystem. The outfall helps protect marine habitats by reducing pollutant loads from airport runoff, supporting local wildlife and water quality.
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