KANIK CREEK QUARRY Stormwater Outfall, Buckland, Alaska | United States

KANIK CREEK QUARRY is a stormwater outfall located in Buckland, Alaska, within the Northwest Arctic Borough. The facility manages stormwater runoff from a quarry operation, classified under NAICS code 212312 (Crushed and Broken Limestone Mining and Quarrying). As a stormwater outfall, it discharges collected runoff into nearby receiving waters, likely Kanik Creek. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, specifically the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Stormwater discharges from industrial activities such as mining and quarrying are typically regulated under NPDES Multi-Sector General Permits or individual permits. The facility's location in a remote Arctic region presents unique challenges for stormwater management, including permafrost conditions and seasonal hydrology. Environmental significance of this outfall lies in its potential impact on local water quality in the Buckland area. Quarry operations can generate sediment-laden runoff, which may affect aquatic habitats in Kanik Creek and downstream water bodies. Proper stormwater controls, such as sediment basins and erosion prevention measures, are critical to minimize environmental impact in this sensitive Arctic ecosystem.

The facility is situated in the Arctic region of Alaska, where permafrost and short growing seasons influence hydrology and water quality. Stormwater discharges from quarry operations can carry sediment and pollutants into Kanik Creek, which may affect fish habitats and water quality in the Buckland River watershed. The remote location requires robust stormwater management to protect the fragile tundra ecosystem.