Standard Gravel Company, Inc. Stormwater Outfall, Bearden, Arkansas | US Stormwater Facility

Standard Gravel Company, Inc. is a stormwater outfall located in Bearden, Ouachita County, Arkansas, United States. The facility manages stormwater runoff from a construction sand and gravel mining operation (NAICS 212321), classified under the stormwater outfall sector. As a Phase II small MS4, it operates under the Clean Water Act's NPDES permitting framework, which requires stormwater discharge controls for industrial activities. The facility's technical specifications include its classification under NAICS code 212321, indicating a focus on construction sand and gravel mining. Stormwater outfalls in this sector typically manage runoff from active mining areas, stockpiles, and haul roads, employing best management practices such as sediment basins, silt fences, and vegetative buffers to control erosion and sedimentation. Environmental significance lies in its role in mitigating impacts on local water bodies in the Ouachita River basin. The facility's discharge may affect downstream water quality, particularly sediment loads, requiring compliance with state and federal water quality standards. Proper stormwater management helps protect aquatic habitats and reduce flooding risks in the surrounding community.

The facility is located in Ouachita County, Arkansas, within the Ouachita River watershed. The region's geology, characterized by sedimentary rock and alluvial deposits, makes it susceptible to erosion from mining activities. Stormwater runoff from the gravel operation can carry sediment and pollutants into nearby streams, potentially impacting aquatic ecosystems. Regulatory oversight under the Clean Water Act ensures that the facility implements erosion and sediment control measures to minimize environmental harm.