PLASTICS RESEARCH (PRADCO) Stormwater Outfall, Fort Smith, Arkansas | Industrial Stormwater Management

PLASTICS RESEARCH (PRADCO) is a stormwater outfall located at 3601 Jenny Lind Road in Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas, United States. This facility manages stormwater discharges from industrial operations classified under NAICS codes 326113 (unlaminated plastics film and sheet manufacturing), 326190 (other plastics product manufacturing), and 339920 (sporting and athletic goods manufacturing). As a stormwater outfall, it is subject to the US EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program, specifically under the Clean Water Act's industrial stormwater regulations. The facility operates under the NPDES Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for industrial stormwater discharges, which requires implementation of stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs) and monitoring of effluent for pollutants. Given its industrial catchment, the outfall may discharge runoff containing pollutants such as suspended solids, metals, or organic chemicals typical of plastics manufacturing. The facility's location in Fort Smith, a city with a mix of industrial and urban land uses, places it within the regulatory framework of the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment - Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ). As a stormwater outfall, PLASTICS RESEARCH (PRADCO) plays a role in managing runoff from industrial activities to protect local water quality. The facility's discharges ultimately flow into the Arkansas River watershed, which is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. Compliance with NPDES permit conditions is critical to minimizing environmental impact on downstream water bodies, including potential impairments from industrial pollutants. The facility's operational status indicates ongoing management of stormwater under federal and state regulations.

The stormwater outfall at PLASTICS RESEARCH (PRADCO) discharges into the Arkansas River watershed, which supports diverse aquatic ecosystems and is used for recreation, drinking water, and industrial purposes. The facility's industrial catchment, including plastics manufacturing, poses risks of pollutant runoff such as suspended solids, metals, and organic compounds. Under the Clean Water Act, the facility must comply with NPDES permit limits to protect water quality. The local climate in Fort Smith, with seasonal rainfall, can increase runoff volumes and pollutant loads, making stormwater management critical for preventing degradation of receiving waters.