Massard Wastewater Treatment Facility Stormwater Outfall, Barling, Arkansas

Massard Wastewater Treatment Facility is a stormwater outfall located at 1609 9th Street in Barling, Sebastian County, Arkansas. It operates under the United States regulatory framework, specifically the Clean Water Act and EPA NPDES MS4 permit requirements. As a stormwater outfall, it manages urban runoff from the Barling area, contributing to local water quality management. The facility's NAICS code 221320 indicates it is involved in sewage treatment facilities, though its primary function is stormwater discharge. In Arkansas, stormwater management is critical due to the state's numerous waterways and the potential for runoff to impact water quality. The facility likely employs standard stormwater treatment technologies such as sedimentation basins or vegetated swales to reduce pollutants before discharge. Environmental significance lies in its role in preventing untreated stormwater from entering local water bodies, thereby protecting aquatic ecosystems and public health. The facility supports community resilience against flooding and pollution, aligning with EPA's Phase II MS4 requirements for small municipalities. Its operational status ensures ongoing compliance with federal and state water quality standards.

Barling, Arkansas, is situated in the Arkansas River Valley, an area with a humid subtropical climate that experiences significant rainfall, leading to substantial stormwater runoff. The facility discharges into local waterways that eventually flow into the Arkansas River, which is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. Managing stormwater in this region is crucial to prevent erosion, flooding, and the transport of pollutants such as sediment, nutrients, and heavy metals into sensitive aquatic habitats.