Southern Metal Processing Company Stormwater Outfall, Oxford, Alabama | Industrial Stormwater Management

Southern Metal Processing Company is an industrial facility located at 130 Allred Lane in Oxford, Calhoun County, Alabama, United States. The facility operates a stormwater outfall that manages runoff from its industrial operations, which include metal processing activities classified under NAICS codes 332999, 333310, 333318, and 333999. As a stormwater outfall, it is subject to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting framework, specifically under the Clean Water Act's industrial stormwater regulations. The facility's stormwater management is regulated under the US EPA's NPDES program, which requires industrial facilities to obtain permits for stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity. In Alabama, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) administers the NPDES program. The facility must implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to control pollutants in runoff, including best management practices (BMPs) for erosion control, spill prevention, and material storage. The environmental significance of this outfall lies in its potential to affect local water quality in the Coosa River basin, which receives runoff from the Oxford area. Industrial stormwater discharges can carry pollutants such as metals, sediment, and chemicals, making proper management critical for protecting downstream aquatic ecosystems. The facility's compliance with its NPDES permit ensures that discharges meet water quality standards and minimize environmental impact.

The stormwater outfall discharges into the Coosa River watershed, a major tributary of the Alabama River system. This region experiences a humid subtropical climate with frequent rainfall, increasing the potential for runoff-related pollution. Industrial facilities in the area must manage stormwater to prevent contamination from metals and other process materials, as the receiving waters support diverse aquatic life and are used for recreation and drinking water downstream.