Lea's Chapel Chert Pit Stormwater Outfall, Valley Head, Alabama

Lea's Chapel Chert Pit is a stormwater outfall located in Valley Head, Alabama, within DeKalb County. As a stormwater outfall, it manages runoff from the surrounding area, including potential contributions from mining operations (NAICS 212321 and 212399). The facility is operational and falls under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act and EPA's NPDES MS4 permit program, which governs stormwater discharges in urbanized areas. In Alabama, stormwater management is critical due to the state's varied geography, including the Appalachian foothills. The facility likely handles runoff from both urban and industrial catchments, given the nearby mining activities. Typical stormwater outfalls in this region are designed to control flow and reduce pollutant loads before discharge into local waterways. Environmental significance includes protecting downstream water quality in the Tennessee River basin. Proper stormwater management helps prevent erosion, flooding, and contamination from sediment and industrial residues. The facility's role is part of broader efforts to maintain compliance with water quality standards under the Clean Water Act.

Valley Head is located in the Appalachian region of Alabama, where stormwater runoff can carry sediment and pollutants from mining and urban areas into sensitive waterways. The facility discharges into the Tennessee River watershed, which supports diverse aquatic life. Effective stormwater management is essential to prevent erosion, reduce flooding, and protect water quality in this ecologically important region.