SOUTHEASTERN FREIGHT LINES-FT. SMITH Stormwater Outfall, Fort Smith, Arkansas

SOUTHEASTERN FREIGHT LINES-FT. SMITH is a stormwater outfall located at 4125 N 6TH ST in Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas. This facility manages stormwater runoff from an industrial freight logistics site, classified under NAICS 488490 for other support activities related to road transportation. As a stormwater outfall, it discharges collected runoff into local waterways, operating under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act and EPA's NPDES MS4 permit program. The facility's primary technical function is to convey stormwater from the industrial catchment area to receiving waters. Typical stormwater outfalls at industrial sites in Arkansas handle runoff from impervious surfaces such as parking lots, loading docks, and building roofs. The facility is subject to stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) requirements under the NPDES industrial stormwater permit, which mandates best management practices (BMPs) to control pollutants. Operationally, this outfall plays a role in managing urban runoff in Fort Smith, a city along the Arkansas River. The environmental significance lies in preventing localized flooding and reducing pollutant loads from industrial activities. Compliance with permit conditions is critical to protect water quality in downstream water bodies, including the Arkansas River, which is a major tributary of the Mississippi River.

The outfall discharges into the Arkansas River watershed, which is a major waterway in the region. The local climate in Fort Smith features hot summers and mild winters, with average annual precipitation of about 45 inches, leading to significant stormwater runoff. The industrial catchment area includes freight logistics operations, which may contribute pollutants such as sediment, oil, grease, and heavy metals. Effective stormwater management is essential to prevent impairment of the Arkansas River, which supports aquatic life and recreational uses.