Overview
U.S. Army Garrison Alaska operates a stormwater outfall in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, managing runoff from a military installation under EPA NPDES MS4 permit requirements.
U.S. Army Garrison Alaska is a stormwater outfall facility located at 1046 Marks Road in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, within Fairbanks North Star County. As a military installation, it manages stormwater runoff from its facilities and infrastructure, operating under the U.S. EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit program. The facility is classified as a stormwater outfall, discharging collected runoff into local waterways. Operating in the subarctic climate of interior Alaska, the facility faces unique challenges such as snowmelt and permafrost dynamics. The stormwater system likely includes Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control pollutants from the garrison's activities. Regulatory oversight falls under the Clean Water Act, with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) often delegated authority for NPDES permits. The facility's NAICS code 928110 indicates national security activities, emphasizing the need for compliance with federal environmental regulations. The environmental significance of this outfall lies in its discharge to the Tanana River watershed, which supports salmon habitats and other aquatic life. Proper stormwater management is critical to prevent contamination from military operations, including vehicle maintenance, fuel storage, and training areas. The facility's operational status ensures ongoing monitoring and treatment to meet water quality standards, contributing to the protection of Alaska's pristine water resources.
Environmental context
The facility discharges stormwater into the Tanana River watershed, a vital waterway in interior Alaska that supports salmon runs and diverse wildlife. The subarctic climate, with long winters and permafrost, influences runoff patterns and pollutant transport. Urban and industrial activities at the garrison, including vehicle maintenance and fuel handling, pose risks of sediment, heavy metals, and hydrocarbon contamination. Regulatory compliance under the Clean Water Act and ADEC oversight aims to mitigate these impacts through stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP) and best management practices.
Frequently asked questions
The facility is located at 1046 Marks Road in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, within Fairbanks North Star County.
It manages and discharges stormwater runoff from the U.S. Army Garrison Alaska military installation, operating under an NPDES MS4 permit to control pollution.
The facility is regulated under the U.S. Clean Water Act through the EPA's NPDES MS4 permit program, with oversight from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
Potential pollutants include sediment, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons from vehicle maintenance, fuel storage, and training areas, which can impact local waterways like the Tanana River.
Snowmelt and permafrost dynamics influence runoff timing and volume, requiring specialized best management practices to handle seasonal flows and prevent erosion.
Other Stormwater Outfall plants in United States · 6 nearby