Overview
Tuscaloosa Iron and Metal Company operates a stormwater outfall in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, managing runoff from an industrial scrap metal recycling facility under US EPA NPDES MS4 regulations.
Tuscaloosa Iron and Metal Company is a stormwater outfall located at 3100 Kauloosa Avenue in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States. The facility manages stormwater runoff from an industrial scrap metal recycling operation, classified under NAICS 423930 (Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers). As a stormwater outfall, it discharges collected runoff into local waterways, subject to the regulatory framework of the Clean Water Act and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) NPDES MS4 permit program. The facility operates under the Phase II MS4 general permit for industrial stormwater discharges, which requires implementation of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and best management practices to control pollutants. The outfall is part of the Tuscaloosa urban watershed, draining an area with industrial land use. Typical stormwater management at such facilities includes sediment basins, oil-water separators, and regular monitoring of discharge quality. Environmental significance lies in the potential for stormwater runoff from scrap metal recycling to carry pollutants such as heavy metals, oils, and sediments into receiving waters. The outfall discharges into the Black Warrior River watershed, which supports aquatic life and downstream water uses. Compliance with NPDES permit conditions is critical to minimize environmental impact and protect water quality in the region.
Environmental context
The facility is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, within the Black Warrior River watershed. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with frequent rainfall, leading to significant stormwater runoff. Industrial activities at scrap metal recycling facilities can introduce pollutants like heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and suspended solids into stormwater. The outfall discharges into waters that may be impaired by urban and industrial runoff, necessitating robust stormwater management practices to meet water quality standards under the Clean Water Act.
Frequently asked questions
Tuscaloosa Iron and Metal Company is located at 3100 Kauloosa Avenue in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States.
It is a stormwater outfall that manages runoff from an industrial scrap metal recycling facility, discharging collected stormwater into local waterways under an NPDES MS4 permit.
The outfall is regulated under the US Clean Water Act through the NPDES MS4 program, specifically the Phase II general permit for industrial stormwater discharges, requiring a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and best management practices.
Common pollutants include heavy metals (e.g., lead, copper, zinc), oils and greases, sediments, and other contaminants from scrap metal processing, which can harm aquatic life if not properly managed.
Stormwater management practices such as sediment basins, oil-water separators, and regular monitoring help reduce pollutant loads, protecting water quality in the Black Warrior River watershed and supporting its ecological and recreational uses.
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