SOUTHSIDE PIT Stormwater Outfall, North Pole, Alaska | United States Stormwater Facility

SOUTHSIDE PIT is a stormwater outfall facility located at 1625 Cobb Road in North Pole, Alaska, within the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area. As a stormwater outfall, it serves as a discharge point for stormwater runoff from the surrounding area, playing a key role in local drainage management. The facility is operational and contributes to the stormwater infrastructure in this region of Alaska. Stormwater outfalls like SOUTHSIDE PIT are regulated under the US EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, which governs discharges to waters of the United States. In Alaska, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) often administers these permits. The facility likely operates under a general permit for stormwater discharges, which requires compliance with water quality standards and best management practices to control pollutants. The environmental significance of SOUTHSIDE PIT lies in its role in managing urban runoff from North Pole, a community in interior Alaska. Proper stormwater management helps protect local water bodies, such as the Tanana River, from pollution and flooding. The facility's location in a cold climate presents unique challenges, including snowmelt and frozen ground conditions, which affect runoff patterns and treatment needs.

The facility discharges stormwater in a region characterized by subarctic climate, with long winters and significant snowmelt in spring. The Tanana River, a major water body in the area, receives runoff that may carry pollutants from urban and industrial activities. Regulatory oversight under the Clean Water Act and NPDES permits aims to minimize impacts on water quality and aquatic habitats.