Overview
EARECKSON AIR STATION USAF operates a stormwater outfall on Shemya Island in Adak, Alaska. This facility manages stormwater runoff from a U.S. Air Force installation in the Aleutian Islands.
EARECKSON AIR STATION USAF is a stormwater outfall located on Shemya Island, part of the Aleutian Islands in Alaska, United States. The facility serves a U.S. Air Force installation and is classified under NAICS codes 221320 (Sewage Treatment Facilities) and 928110 (National Security). As a stormwater outfall, it manages runoff from the military base, discharging into the surrounding marine environment. The facility operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which regulates stormwater discharges through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Military installations are often subject to specific permits, including Multi-Sector General Permits for industrial stormwater. The remote location in the Aleutians presents unique operational challenges, including harsh weather and limited infrastructure. Stormwater management at this facility is critical for protecting the sensitive marine ecosystem of the Bering Sea and North Pacific Ocean. Proper treatment and control of runoff help prevent pollution from the air station's operations, including potential contaminants from aircraft maintenance and fuel storage. The facility's role supports both national security and environmental stewardship in a pristine region.
Environmental context
The facility discharges into the marine waters of the Aleutian Islands, a region known for its rich biodiversity and commercial fisheries. The Bering Sea and North Pacific Ocean are sensitive to pollutants from stormwater runoff, which can carry sediments, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons. As an industrial facility, the air station must comply with EPA stormwater regulations to minimize impacts on water quality and aquatic life.
Frequently asked questions
The stormwater outfall is located on Shemya Island in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, serving the EARECKSON AIR STATION USAF military installation near Adak.
It manages stormwater runoff from the U.S. Air Force base, collecting and discharging rainwater and snowmelt to prevent flooding and control pollution.
The outfall operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, likely requiring an NPDES permit for industrial stormwater discharges, such as the Multi-Sector General Permit.
Military bases often have specific permits under the NPDES program, with additional requirements for handling hazardous materials and ensuring operational security.
Alaska's sensitive ecosystems, including marine habitats and fisheries, are vulnerable to pollutants from stormwater, such as oil, grease, and sediments from industrial areas.
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