KOWALIGA MARINA Stormwater Outfall, Alexander City, Alabama | US Stormwater Facility

KOWALIGA MARINA is a stormwater outfall located at 255 Kowaliga Marina Road in Alexander City, Elmore County, Alabama. This facility manages stormwater runoff from a marina setting on Lake Martin, a major recreational water body in the region. As a stormwater outfall, it is part of the broader municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) network regulated under the Clean Water Act. The facility operates under the US EPA NPDES MS4 permit framework, which governs stormwater discharges from municipal systems. In Alabama, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) administers these permits. The outfall likely handles runoff from the marina's impervious surfaces, including parking lots, boat ramps, and service areas. The NAICS code 713930 indicates a marina operation, suggesting the catchment is primarily commercial/recreational. Stormwater outfalls like this one play a critical role in protecting water quality in Lake Martin, a reservoir on the Tallapoosa River. Proper management of runoff from marinas is essential to prevent pollutants such as fuel, oil, and debris from entering the lake. The facility's operational status ensures ongoing compliance with local stormwater regulations and contributes to the environmental health of the surrounding watershed.

Lake Martin is a large reservoir in Alabama, supporting recreation, fisheries, and wildlife. Stormwater runoff from marinas can introduce hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and nutrients into the lake, potentially impairing water quality. The facility's discharge is subject to NPDES MS4 permit requirements, which mandate best management practices (BMPs) to control pollutants. The local climate, with frequent thunderstorms, increases runoff volumes, making effective stormwater management critical for protecting the lake's ecological integrity.