FEDERAL EXPRESS - ZFTS Stormwater Outfall, Fort Smith, Arkansas

FEDERAL EXPRESS - ZFTS is a stormwater outfall located at 4501 Industrial Dr, Fort Smith, Arkansas, in Sebastian County. This facility is part of the United States stormwater infrastructure, serving an industrial site classified under NAICS 492110 (Couriers and Express Delivery Services). As a stormwater outfall, it discharges collected runoff from the facility's impervious surfaces into local waterways. The outfall operates under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, specifically under the Clean Water Act's Industrial Stormwater regulations. Facilities in this sector are required to implement Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) and monitor discharge quality to minimize pollutant runoff. The regulatory framework is enforced by the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment - Division of Environmental Quality. This outfall contributes to managing stormwater runoff from a major logistics hub, reducing the risk of localized flooding and controlling the release of potential pollutants such as sediment, oil, and grease. Proper operation supports compliance with water quality standards in the Arkansas River basin, which receives runoff from the Fort Smith area.

The outfall discharges into the Arkansas River watershed, which is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with significant seasonal rainfall, leading to high runoff volumes. Industrial stormwater discharges can carry pollutants like heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and suspended solids, potentially impacting aquatic habitats. Regulatory oversight through NPDES permits aims to mitigate these effects via best management practices.