Fehrer Alabama LLC Stormwater Outfall, Gadsden, Alabama | Industrial Runoff Management

Fehrer Alabama LLC is a stormwater outfall facility located at 4330 Brooke Avenue in Gadsden, Alabama, within Etowah County. As an industrial stormwater discharge point, it manages runoff from manufacturing activities, serving sectors including plastics, motor vehicle parts, and miscellaneous manufacturing. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act and EPA NPDES MS4 permits, which govern stormwater discharges from industrial and municipal sources. The facility's technical specifications include NAICS codes 326150, 326199, 336360, and 339999, indicating a diverse industrial base. Stormwater outfalls like this one are designed to collect and convey runoff from impervious surfaces, often incorporating treatment measures such as detention basins or oil-water separators to reduce pollutant loads. In Alabama, stormwater management is critical due to the state's frequent rainfall and the potential for runoff to impact local waterways. Environmental significance lies in the facility's role in preventing untreated industrial runoff from entering nearby water bodies. The outfall contributes to local flood control and water quality protection, aligning with community goals for sustainable urban drainage. Proper operation ensures compliance with discharge limits and supports the ecological health of receiving waters in the Coosa River basin.

Gadsden, Alabama, experiences a humid subtropical climate with high annual rainfall, making stormwater management essential to prevent flooding and water pollution. The facility's industrial catchment includes plastics and automotive parts manufacturing, which can contribute pollutants such as heavy metals, oils, and sediments. Discharge to local streams may affect water quality in the Coosa River watershed, a region with diverse aquatic habitats. Regulatory oversight under the EPA NPDES program ensures that stormwater controls are in place to mitigate these impacts.