Four Way Grocery and Auto Parts Stormwater Outfall in Alpine, Alabama

Four Way Grocery and Auto Parts is a stormwater outfall located at 7555 Plant Rd in Alpine, Talladega County, Alabama, United States. The facility is operational and serves as a point of discharge for stormwater runoff from the surrounding area, which includes commercial and automotive-related activities. As a stormwater outfall, it is part of the broader municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) infrastructure in the region. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, specifically the EPA NPDES MS4 permit program. In Alabama, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) administers these permits. The outfall likely falls under Phase II MS4 requirements, given the small urbanized area context of Alpine. Typical stormwater management practices in such settings include detention basins, vegetated swales, and regular outfall monitoring to control pollutants. The environmental significance of this outfall lies in its role in managing runoff from a site that may contribute pollutants such as oil, grease, and heavy metals from auto parts and grocery activities. Proper operation helps protect local water bodies, including the Coosa River basin, from degradation. The facility's location in a mixed-use area underscores the importance of stormwater quality controls to meet water quality standards.

The outfall discharges into the Coosa River watershed, which is a significant water resource in Alabama. The area around Alpine experiences a humid subtropical climate with frequent rainfall, making stormwater management critical to prevent flooding and water pollution. The catchment includes commercial and automotive land uses, which can contribute pollutants like sediment, hydrocarbons, and nutrients. Regulatory compliance with NPDES MS4 permits is essential to minimize impacts on downstream water quality and aquatic habitats.