SMITH'S READY MIX-FULTON Stormwater Outfall, Fulton, Arkansas | Industrial Runoff Management

SMITH'S READY MIX-FULTON is a stormwater outfall located at 4360 Highway 355 South in Fulton, Arkansas, within Hempstead County. This facility manages stormwater runoff from an industrial ready-mix concrete operation, a common source of sediment and pH-related pollutants. As a stormwater outfall, it discharges collected runoff into local waterways, requiring compliance with federal and state stormwater regulations. The facility operates under the US EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) framework, which governs stormwater discharges from industrial activities. In Arkansas, the Department of Energy and Environment - Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) administers the NPDES program, including Multi-Sector General Permits (MSGP) for industrial stormwater. Typical controls include sediment basins, vegetative buffers, and best management practices (BMPs) to reduce pollutant loads. Stormwater outfalls like this one play a critical role in managing urban and industrial runoff, protecting downstream water quality in the Red River basin. The facility's location in a rural area with clay soils and agricultural land use influences runoff characteristics. Proper operation helps prevent erosion, sedimentation, and contamination of local streams, supporting community and environmental health.

The facility discharges into the Red River watershed, which supports diverse aquatic habitats and is used for recreation and water supply. Industrial stormwater runoff from concrete operations can carry high pH, total suspended solids (TSS), and metals. The region experiences seasonal heavy rainfall, increasing runoff volumes and the risk of pollutant transport. Regulatory oversight under the Clean Water Act requires monitoring and implementation of stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP) to mitigate these impacts.