HAINES GRAVEL ROCK SOURCE Stormwater Outfall, Haines, Alaska

HAINES GRAVEL ROCK SOURCE is a stormwater outfall located at 4.8 Mile Haines Highway in Haines, Alaska, United States. As a stormwater outfall, it serves as a discharge point for stormwater runoff from the surrounding catchment, which includes gravel and rock sources typical of the region's terrain. The facility is operational and plays a role in managing local stormwater flows. Stormwater outfalls in Alaska operate under the EPA NPDES MS4 permit framework, which regulates discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems. While specific technical specifications for this outfall are not detailed, typical outfalls in rural Alaskan settings manage runoff from roads, gravel pits, and natural drainage. The facility's location along the Haines Highway suggests it handles runoff from transportation infrastructure and adjacent land uses. Environmental significance includes managing runoff to protect downstream water bodies, such as the Chilkat River or nearby coastal waters, which support salmon habitats and local ecosystems. Proper stormwater management helps reduce sediment and pollutant loads, maintaining water quality for community and ecological use.

Haines is located in a coastal rainforest climate with high precipitation, leading to significant stormwater runoff. The outfall discharges into a region that supports critical salmon spawning habitats and pristine waters. Managing runoff from gravel sources and highways is essential to prevent sedimentation and contamination of these sensitive aquatic ecosystems.