Eastern Alabama Railway Yard Stormwater Outfall, Sylacauga, Alabama

Eastern Alabama Railway Yard is a stormwater outfall located in Sylacauga, Talladega County, Alabama, United States. It manages stormwater runoff from railway yard operations, classified under NAICS codes 482111 and 482112 for line-haul railroads. The facility is operational and serves as a point of discharge for stormwater from industrial activities. As a stormwater outfall, this facility is subject to the US EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program, specifically under the Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for industrial stormwater discharges. The railway yard sector typically requires implementation of best management practices (BMPs) to control pollutants such as sediment, oil, grease, and heavy metals from rolling stock and maintenance areas. The facility's discharge likely flows into local waterbodies within the Coosa River basin. The environmental significance of this outfall lies in its role in managing stormwater quality from a transportation hub. Proper operation helps protect downstream water quality in Talladega County, which includes sensitive aquatic habitats. Compliance with NPDES permit conditions, including monitoring and reporting, is essential for minimizing impacts on receiving waters.

The facility discharges stormwater from an industrial railway yard, which can carry pollutants like sediment, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals. The receiving waters in Talladega County are part of the Coosa River watershed, a region with diverse aquatic ecosystems. Regulatory oversight under the Clean Water Act requires the facility to implement pollution prevention measures to protect these waterbodies from industrial runoff.