Overview
ERA Helicopters Prudhoe Bay Base is an operational stormwater outfall in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, serving an industrial helicopter base in the North Slope region.
ERA Helicopters Prudhoe Bay Base is a stormwater outfall facility located at 5 Houston Way in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, within the North Slope County. The facility is operational and serves as a point of discharge for stormwater runoff from the helicopter base, which supports oil and gas operations in the region. As a stormwater outfall, it is subject to the US EPA NPDES MS4 permit program, which regulates discharges from industrial facilities to protect water quality. The facility operates under the Clean Water Act framework, which requires stormwater discharges from industrial activities to be covered by a permit. In Alaska, the North Slope region is characterized by sensitive Arctic tundra and permafrost, making stormwater management critical to prevent erosion and contamination of local water bodies. The facility's location in an industrial area means the runoff may contain pollutants typical of helicopter maintenance and fueling operations. Environmental significance lies in its role in managing stormwater in a fragile Arctic ecosystem. Proper treatment and monitoring help mitigate impacts on nearby streams and the Beaufort Sea. The facility's compliance with NPDES requirements ensures that discharges meet water quality standards, protecting the unique ecological balance of the North Slope.
Environmental context
The North Slope of Alaska is an Arctic region underlain by permafrost, with a short summer melt season that creates sensitive wetlands and streams. Stormwater runoff from industrial facilities like the ERA Helicopters base can carry pollutants such as hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and sediment. The facility's discharge point likely drains into the Colville River delta or directly into the Beaufort Sea, both of which support fish, birds, and marine mammals. Regulatory oversight under the Clean Water Act and Alaska's water quality standards is essential to prevent ecological harm.
Frequently asked questions
ERA Helicopters Prudhoe Bay Base is located at 5 Houston Way, Prudhoe Bay, Alaska 99734, in the North Slope County.
It is a stormwater outfall facility that discharges runoff from the ERA Helicopters base, which supports helicopter operations for oil and gas activities in the Prudhoe Bay area.
The facility is subject to the US EPA NPDES MS4 permit program under the Clean Water Act, which regulates stormwater discharges from industrial sites to protect water quality.
Prudhoe Bay is in the Arctic tundra, where permafrost and sensitive ecosystems require careful management to prevent pollution and erosion. Stormwater outfalls must meet strict standards to protect local streams and the Beaufort Sea.
The facility helps manage industrial runoff in a fragile Arctic environment, ensuring that discharges do not harm aquatic life or degrade water quality in the North Slope region.
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