Jack Edwards National Airport Stormwater Outfall, Gulf Shores, Alabama

Jack Edwards National Airport, located at 3190 Airport Drive in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is an operational stormwater outfall facility. The airport manages stormwater runoff from its airfield, terminal, and associated infrastructure, serving as a key component of local flood control and water quality management in Baldwin County. As a small airport facility, its stormwater system is designed to handle typical airport-related pollutants and peak flow events. The facility operates under the US EPA NPDES MS4 permit framework, which regulates stormwater discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems. Given its location in a coastal area of the Gulf of Mexico, the outfall must comply with Clean Water Act requirements to protect sensitive aquatic ecosystems. The NAICS codes (236220 and 488119) indicate involvement in commercial construction and airport operations, suggesting the stormwater system addresses both construction site runoff and ongoing airport activities. Environmental significance includes protecting the nearby Gulf Shores coastal waters and estuaries from pollutants such as sediment, fuel residues, and deicing chemicals. The facility's stormwater management helps mitigate flooding risks during heavy rainfall events common to the Gulf Coast region. Proper operation supports local water quality goals and maintains compliance with Alabama's water quality standards for recreational and ecological uses.

The facility discharges into the Gulf of Mexico coastal watershed, which includes sensitive estuarine habitats and recreational beaches. Stormwater runoff from airport operations can carry pollutants like petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and sediment. The region experiences high rainfall and hurricane risks, making effective stormwater management critical for flood control and preventing contamination of shellfish beds and swimming areas.