RAVN-ST MARY'S AIRPORT Stormwater Outfall, Kusilvak, Alaska

RAVN-ST MARY'S AIRPORT is a stormwater outfall located at St. Mary's Airport in Kusilvak, Alaska, United States. As an airport facility, it manages stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces such as runways, taxiways, and parking areas. The outfall discharges stormwater to the surrounding environment, likely into nearby water bodies or drainage systems. The facility operates under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting framework. Airport stormwater outfalls are typically covered under Multi-Sector General Permits (MSGP) for industrial activities or municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permits if the airport is part of a regulated municipality. The NAICS code 481111 indicates scheduled passenger air transportation, which falls under industrial stormwater permitting requirements. Stormwater management at airports is critical to prevent pollutants such as deicing fluids, fuel residues, and sediment from entering receiving waters. In Alaska, the cold climate and sensitive ecosystems require careful management to protect water quality. The outfall's discharge may affect local streams or rivers that support fish and wildlife, making proper treatment and monitoring essential for environmental compliance.

Kusilvak is located in western Alaska, a region characterized by tundra, wetlands, and numerous rivers. The area experiences long, cold winters and short summers, with permafrost influencing drainage patterns. Stormwater runoff from the airport can carry pollutants like deicing chemicals, petroleum products, and sediment into nearby water bodies, which may be critical habitats for salmon and other aquatic species. Regulatory oversight under the Clean Water Act aims to minimize these impacts through best management practices and monitoring.