Glidewell Specialties Foundry Stormwater Outfall, Calera, Alabama | Industrial Stormwater Management

Glidewell Specialties Foundry is a stormwater outfall located at 600 Foundry Road in Calera, Shelby County, Alabama, United States. The facility manages stormwater runoff from an industrial site that includes foundry operations and related activities. As a stormwater outfall, it is part of the broader network of facilities regulated under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for stormwater discharges. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, which requires industrial stormwater outfalls to obtain NPDES permits. These permits typically mandate best management practices (BMPs) to control pollutants in runoff. The site's NAICS codes (236210, 331511, 333511) indicate a mix of industrial construction, iron foundries, and industrial machinery manufacturing, suggesting a catchment with potential for heavy metals and other industrial pollutants. Stormwater outfalls like this one play a critical role in managing urban and industrial runoff, helping to protect local water quality in receiving water bodies. In Alabama, stormwater management is particularly important due to the state's extensive river systems and the ecological significance of the Mobile Bay watershed. Proper operation of this outfall contributes to compliance with local water quality standards and reduces the risk of environmental degradation.

The facility is located in Calera, Alabama, within the Cahaba River watershed, which is known for high aquatic biodiversity. Industrial stormwater discharges can introduce pollutants such as heavy metals, sediment, and hydrocarbons into local waterways. The site's proximity to the Cahaba River, a biologically significant waterbody, underscores the importance of effective stormwater management to protect aquatic habitats and downstream water quality.