MERLE K MUDHOLE SMITH AIRPORT Stormwater Outfall, Cordova, Alaska

MERLE K MUDHOLE SMITH AIRPORT is a stormwater outfall located in Cordova, Alaska, United States. The facility manages stormwater runoff from airport operations and infrastructure, serving the transportation sector in the Valdez-Cordova region. As a stormwater outfall, it discharges collected runoff into local waterways, operating under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act. The facility is subject to the US EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit program. Given its location in Alaska, the facility must address unique challenges such as cold climate hydrology, permafrost, and seasonal snowmelt. Stormwater management at airports typically involves treatment of deicing fluids, sediment, and potential fuel spills to protect water quality. This outfall plays a critical role in managing stormwater from a key transportation hub in a remote coastal community. Proper operation helps prevent flooding, erosion, and pollution of nearby water bodies, including the adjacent Prince William Sound. The facility contributes to the environmental stewardship of the region's sensitive aquatic ecosystems.

Cordova is located on the eastern edge of Prince William Sound, an ecologically rich marine environment supporting salmon, herring, and marine mammals. The region experiences heavy precipitation and snowmelt, making stormwater management critical to prevent erosion and contamination. Discharges from airport operations may contain deicing chemicals, sediment, and hydrocarbons, requiring careful regulation under the Clean Water Act to protect downstream water quality.