Cordova Ferry Terminal Stormwater Outfall, Cordova, Alaska | United States

Cordova Ferry Terminal is a stormwater outfall located at 201 Orca Inlet Rd. in Cordova, Alaska, United States. The facility is operational and serves as a point of discharge for stormwater runoff from the ferry terminal area. As a stormwater outfall, it is part of the broader municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) infrastructure in the region. The facility operates under the US EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program, which regulates stormwater discharges from MS4s in urbanized areas. The outfall likely handles runoff from impervious surfaces such as parking lots, roads, and terminal buildings. The NAICS code 483114 indicates the facility is associated with deep sea freight transportation, suggesting industrial activity in the catchment. Stormwater management in Cordova is important due to the region's coastal environment and reliance on healthy waterways for fisheries and recreation. The outfall discharges into Orca Inlet, which is part of the larger Prince William Sound ecosystem. Proper stormwater treatment helps protect water quality and aquatic habitats from pollutants like sediment, oil, and heavy metals commonly found in urban and industrial runoff.

Cordova is located on the eastern edge of Prince William Sound, a pristine marine ecosystem known for its rich biodiversity, including salmon, herring, and marine mammals. The region experiences a maritime climate with high precipitation, which increases stormwater runoff volumes. Discharges from the ferry terminal outfall could potentially carry pollutants from transportation activities, such as fuel spills, tire wear, and road salts, into sensitive coastal waters. Regulatory oversight under the Clean Water Act aims to minimize these impacts through best management practices and monitoring.