OPERATION MATERIAL SITE 117-2BD Stormwater Outfall, Deadhorse, Alaska

OPERATION MATERIAL SITE 117-2BD is a stormwater outfall located in Deadhorse, Alaska, along the Dalton Highway at Milepost 290.35. This facility manages stormwater runoff in the North Slope region, an area characterized by Arctic tundra and sensitive permafrost ecosystems. As a stormwater outfall, it discharges collected runoff into local water bodies, operating under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act and EPA's NPDES MS4 permit program. The facility's location in a remote Arctic environment presents unique challenges for stormwater management, including frozen conditions for much of the year and limited infrastructure. While specific technical specifications such as discharge volume are not detailed, the outfall likely handles runoff from industrial activities related to oil and gas operations common in the Prudhoe Bay area. The regulatory context for such facilities in Alaska includes compliance with state water quality standards and federal MS4 requirements for industrial stormwater discharges. Environmentally, this outfall discharges into the Arctic watershed, which feeds into the Beaufort Sea. The region supports sensitive wildlife including caribou, polar bears, and migratory birds. Proper stormwater management is critical to prevent contamination from industrial pollutants, sediment, and other runoff that could impact these fragile ecosystems. The facility's operational status indicates ongoing monitoring and maintenance to meet permit conditions and protect local water quality.

The North Slope of Alaska is an Arctic tundra ecosystem underlain by permafrost, with a short summer thaw season. Stormwater runoff in this region can carry sediment, oil, and other contaminants from industrial activities like oil extraction. Discharge from outfalls like this one enters streams and rivers that flow to the Beaufort Sea, a sensitive marine environment. The facility must comply with Alaska's water quality standards and EPA's MS4 permit requirements to minimize impacts on aquatic life and traditional subsistence uses.