Eastern Tank Service, Inc. Stormwater Outfall, Fort Smith, Arkansas | United States

Eastern Tank Service, Inc. is a stormwater outfall facility located at 9100 Highway 271 South in Fort Smith, Arkansas, within Sebastian County. The facility is operational and serves as a point of discharge for stormwater runoff from industrial activities, typical of sites classified under NAICS codes 213112 (Support Activities for Oil and Gas Operations) and 811192 (Car Washes). As a stormwater outfall, it plays a role in managing runoff from the surrounding industrial area. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Clean Water Act, specifically the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Stormwater discharges from industrial facilities are typically regulated under NPDES Multi-Sector General Permits (MSGP) or individual permits, which require implementation of stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs) and monitoring of effluent quality. In Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment - Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) oversees NPDES permitting and compliance. Eastern Tank Service, Inc.'s stormwater outfall contributes to local flood control and water quality management in the Fort Smith area. Proper management of industrial stormwater runoff is critical to prevent pollutants such as sediments, oils, and chemicals from entering nearby water bodies, including the Arkansas River. The facility's compliance with NPDES requirements helps protect downstream aquatic ecosystems and supports community water quality goals.

Fort Smith, Arkansas, lies in the Arkansas River Valley, a region with a humid subtropical climate and significant industrial activity. Stormwater runoff from industrial sites like Eastern Tank Service, Inc. can carry pollutants such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and sediments into local waterways. The Arkansas River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River, receives runoff from the area and is subject to water quality standards under the Clean Water Act. Effective stormwater management is essential to prevent impairment of this water body and to maintain aquatic habitat and recreational uses.