Overview
Fort Knox Mine is an operational stormwater outfall in Fairbanks, Alaska, serving the mining sector. It operates under the US EPA NPDES MS4 permitting framework for stormwater discharges.
Fort Knox Mine is a stormwater outfall located at 1 Fort Knox Rd, Fairbanks, Alaska, within Fairbanks North Star County. The facility is operational and serves the mining industry, classified under NAICS codes 212220 and 212221 for gold ore and silver ore mining. As a stormwater outfall, it manages runoff from the mine site, which is subject to regulatory oversight under the US Clean Water Act. The facility operates under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program, specifically the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) framework. While Phase I and Phase II MS4 permits typically apply to urbanized areas, mining operations like Fort Knox Mine may be covered under individual or general stormwater permits for industrial activities. The site's location in interior Alaska presents unique challenges due to permafrost and seasonal snowmelt, influencing stormwater management practices. Stormwater outfalls at mining sites are critical for controlling runoff that may contain sediment, metals, or other pollutants. The Fort Knox Mine outfall contributes to local water quality management in the Tanana River watershed. Effective stormwater control helps protect downstream aquatic habitats and supports compliance with Alaska's water quality standards.
Environmental context
The Fort Knox Mine stormwater outfall is located in the interior Alaska region, characterized by a subarctic climate with long winters and short summers. The site drains into the Tanana River watershed, which supports salmonid fisheries and other aquatic life. Mining operations in this area can introduce sediment and trace metals into runoff, necessitating robust stormwater management to prevent impairment of receiving waters. The facility's discharge is regulated under the Clean Water Act to protect water quality and aquatic habitats.
Frequently asked questions
The Fort Knox Mine stormwater outfall is located at 1 Fort Knox Rd, Fairbanks, Alaska 99712, in Fairbanks North Star County.
It manages stormwater runoff from the Fort Knox Mine site, discharging treated or untreated runoff under an NPDES permit to protect local water quality.
Stormwater outfalls at mining sites in Alaska are regulated under the Clean Water Act through NPDES permits, which may include individual permits or general permits for industrial stormwater discharges.
The outfall discharges into the Tanana River watershed, which supports salmon and other aquatic species. Proper stormwater management helps prevent pollution from mining activities.
The NPDES MS4 program regulates stormwater discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems. While primarily for urban areas, industrial facilities like mines may be covered under similar stormwater permitting frameworks.
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