Nichols Aluminum Stormwater Outfall, Decatur, Alabama | Industrial Stormwater Management

Nichols Aluminum is a stormwater outfall located at 2001 Highway 20 West in Decatur, Alabama, within Morgan County. The facility manages stormwater runoff from an aluminum manufacturing site, operating under the US EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) framework for industrial stormwater discharges. As a stormwater outfall, it is part of the broader municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) regulated under Phase II of the Clean Water Act. The facility's industrial catchment includes operations classified under NAICS codes 331315 (Aluminum Sheet, Plate, and Foil Manufacturing) and 332812 (Metal Coating, Engraving, and Allied Services). Stormwater management at such sites typically involves best management practices (BMPs) to control pollutants like sediment, metals, and oils. The outfall discharges into local waterways, and compliance with NPDES permit limits is essential to protect water quality. Located in Decatur, a city on the Tennessee River, the outfall's environmental significance lies in its potential impact on downstream water bodies. The facility's operational status and adherence to regulatory standards contribute to the region's stormwater management infrastructure, helping to mitigate flooding and pollution risks in an industrial area.

The Nichols Aluminum outfall discharges stormwater from an industrial catchment in Decatur, Alabama, near the Tennessee River. The region's climate includes frequent rainfall, increasing the risk of runoff carrying pollutants such as metals and sediments from manufacturing operations. The facility's compliance with NPDES permit conditions is critical to prevent impairment of local water bodies, which support aquatic life and recreational uses.