FEDERAL EXPRESS - RLIA Stormwater Outfall, Birmingham, Alabama

FEDERAL EXPRESS - RLIA is a stormwater outfall located at 320 Snow Drive in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. This facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act and is subject to EPA NPDES MS4 permit requirements, given its location in an urbanized area. As a stormwater outfall, it discharges collected runoff from the surrounding industrial and commercial catchment into local waterways. The facility's primary function is to convey stormwater runoff from the Federal Express facility and adjacent areas, helping to manage flood risk and reduce pollutant loads. The outfall is part of a broader municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) serving Birmingham. The regulatory context includes Phase II MS4 requirements for small municipalities, which mandate stormwater management programs to control pollution. Environmental significance lies in its role in protecting water quality in receiving waters, which may include tributaries of the Black Warrior River system. Proper operation of this outfall helps mitigate impacts from urban runoff, such as sediment, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons, supporting the ecological health of downstream aquatic habitats.

Birmingham, Alabama, experiences a humid subtropical climate with frequent thunderstorms, leading to significant stormwater runoff. The outfall discharges into local streams that are part of the Black Warrior River watershed, which supports diverse aquatic life. Urban and industrial runoff from the area can carry pollutants like sediment, oil, and heavy metals, making stormwater management critical for maintaining water quality and preventing impairment of receiving water bodies.