DIVERSIFIED FOOD & SEASONINGS Stormwater Outfall, Theodore, Alabama | USA

DIVERSIFIED FOOD & SEASONINGS is a stormwater outfall located at 5213 Hamilton Blvd. in Theodore, Alabama, within Jefferson County. The facility is operational and manages stormwater discharge from industrial activities classified under NAICS codes 311942 (Spice and Extract Manufacturing) and 332116 (Metal Stamping). As a stormwater outfall, it is part of the broader network of municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) regulated under the US Clean Water Act. The facility operates under the US EPA NPDES MS4 permitting framework, which requires industrial stormwater discharges to obtain coverage under a general permit or individual permit. The outfall likely handles runoff from impervious surfaces, loading areas, and process areas typical of food processing and metal fabrication facilities. Stormwater management may include best management practices such as sediment basins, oil-water separators, or vegetative swales to control pollutants before discharge. Located in the Gulf Coast region, the facility faces challenges from heavy rainfall and potential hurricane impacts. Proper stormwater management is critical to prevent flooding and protect local water quality in the Mobile Bay watershed. The facility's compliance with NPDES permit conditions helps minimize environmental impacts from industrial runoff, supporting community and ecological health.

The facility discharges stormwater into the Mobile Bay watershed, a sensitive estuarine system supporting diverse aquatic life and commercial fisheries. Industrial runoff from food processing and metal stamping can introduce pollutants such as nutrients, metals, and organic matter. The region's high rainfall intensity increases runoff volumes, necessitating effective stormwater controls to prevent erosion, flooding, and water quality degradation. Regulatory oversight under the Clean Water Act ensures that discharges meet water quality standards to protect downstream ecosystems.