RAYTHEON COMPANY Stormwater Outfall, Camden, Arkansas

RAYTHEON COMPANY operates a stormwater outfall in Camden, Arkansas, serving an industrial facility classified under NAICS 336414 (guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing). The outfall is part of the company's stormwater management system, designed to control and treat runoff from the site before discharge. As an operational stormwater outfall, it falls under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act and EPA NPDES MS4 permits, which govern stormwater discharges from industrial and municipal sources. In Arkansas, stormwater management is overseen by the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment - Division of Environmental Quality, which implements the NPDES program. Facilities like this one must obtain permit coverage and implement stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs) to minimize pollutant runoff. The outfall likely includes best management practices such as sediment basins, oil-water separators, or vegetated swales to treat runoff before discharge. The environmental significance of this outfall lies in its role in protecting local water quality in the Ouachita River basin. Industrial stormwater discharges can contain pollutants like heavy metals, oils, and sediments, making proper management critical. The facility's compliance with permit requirements helps safeguard downstream water bodies and supports the broader goals of the Clean Water Act.

The outfall is located in Calhoun County, Arkansas, within the Ouachita River watershed. This region features a mix of forested areas and agricultural land, with the Ouachita River providing habitat for diverse aquatic species. Industrial stormwater discharges from facilities like this one can introduce pollutants such as metals, hydrocarbons, and suspended solids, potentially impacting water quality and aquatic life. Effective stormwater management is essential to minimize these impacts and maintain the ecological health of the watershed.