Overview
EAST THOMAS RAILYARD - BIRMINGHAM is a stormwater outfall in Birmingham, Alabama, managing runoff from an industrial railyard. It operates under US EPA NPDES MS4 permit regulations.
EAST THOMAS RAILYARD - BIRMINGHAM is a stormwater outfall located at 1801 4th Street West in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. This facility manages stormwater runoff from the East Thomas Railyard, an industrial railyard area, and is classified as a stormwater outfall under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). As an operational facility, it plays a key role in controlling the quality and quantity of stormwater discharge from this industrial catchment. The facility operates within the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, specifically under NPDES MS4 permits. As a stormwater outfall in an industrial setting, it is subject to requirements for pollution prevention and best management practices to reduce the discharge of pollutants. The NAICS codes associated with the facility (237990 for other heavy and civil engineering construction and 482111 for line-haul railroads) indicate a mix of construction and railroad activities that contribute to stormwater runoff. This outfall is significant for managing stormwater from a railyard, which can contain pollutants such as heavy metals, oils, and sediments. Proper management helps protect local water bodies from contamination. The facility's location in Birmingham, a major city in Alabama, underscores its role in urban stormwater management and compliance with environmental regulations to safeguard water quality.
Environmental context
The East Thomas Railyard stormwater outfall discharges into local waterways in the Birmingham area, which are part of the Black Warrior River watershed. Industrial stormwater runoff from railyards can contain pollutants like heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and suspended solids. The facility's compliance with NPDES MS4 permits is crucial to prevent degradation of these water bodies, which support aquatic life and recreational uses.
Frequently asked questions
EAST THOMAS RAILYARD - BIRMINGHAM is located at 1801 4th Street West, Birmingham, Alabama 35204-1611, in Jefferson County.
It is a stormwater outfall that manages runoff from the East Thomas Railyard, an industrial railyard, to control pollution and comply with NPDES regulations.
Stormwater outfalls in the US are regulated under the Clean Water Act via NPDES permits, including MS4 permits for municipal separate storm sewer systems and industrial stormwater permits.
Common pollutants include heavy metals (e.g., lead, copper), hydrocarbons (e.g., oil, grease), and sediments from rail operations and maintenance.
Stormwater management reduces pollutant loads, prevents erosion, and controls flooding, thereby protecting water quality and aquatic habitats in receiving waters.
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