KETCHIKAN FREIGHT TERMINAL Stormwater Outfall, Ketchikan, Alaska

KETCHIKAN FREIGHT TERMINAL is a stormwater outfall located at 3311 Tongass Avenue in Ketchikan, Alaska, within the Ketchikan Gateway Borough. This facility manages stormwater runoff from a freight terminal, operating under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act and EPA's NPDES MS4 program. As a stormwater outfall in a coastal Alaskan community, it plays a role in controlling discharges to local water bodies. The facility is classified under NAICS code 484110 for general freight trucking, indicating an industrial catchment area. Stormwater outfalls in such settings typically handle runoff from impervious surfaces like parking lots and loading areas, with potential pollutants including sediment, oil, and grease. Regulatory compliance often requires stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs) and best management practices (BMPs) to mitigate impacts. Ketchikan's location in Southeast Alaska, with high annual rainfall, makes stormwater management critical for protecting nearby marine ecosystems. The terminal's outfall discharges into the Tongass Narrows, a vital waterway for local fisheries and transportation. Effective stormwater control helps prevent contamination from industrial activities, supporting water quality and community health.

Ketchikan, Alaska, experiences a temperate rainforest climate with over 150 inches of annual precipitation, making stormwater management essential to prevent flooding and pollution. The Tongass Narrows, a coastal waterway receiving runoff from the terminal, supports salmon runs and marine habitats. Industrial stormwater discharges from freight terminals can carry sediment, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons, requiring careful regulation under the Clean Water Act to protect aquatic life and water quality.