Overview
USCG Aviation Support Facility operates a stormwater outfall in Cordova, Alaska, managing runoff from a U.S. Coast Guard aviation base. The facility discharges into the Copper River region under EPA NPDES MS4 regulations.
The USCG Aviation Support Facility is a stormwater outfall located at Mile 13, Copper River Highway in Cordova, Alaska. It serves the United States Coast Guard aviation base, managing stormwater runoff from the facility's operational areas. As a stormwater outfall in a remote coastal region, it plays a role in controlling discharges to local waterways. Operated under the U.S. EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), this outfall is subject to MS4 permit requirements for stormwater management. The facility's location in Valdez-Cordova County places it within a region characterized by mountainous terrain and significant precipitation, necessitating effective runoff control to prevent erosion and pollutant transport. The environmental significance of this outfall lies in its proximity to the Copper River Delta, a critical habitat for salmon and migratory birds. Proper stormwater management helps protect water quality in this ecologically sensitive area, supporting both local wildlife and the region's fishing industry.
Environmental context
The Copper River Delta near Cordova is one of the largest contiguous wetlands on the Pacific coast, providing essential habitat for salmon, waterfowl, and other wildlife. Stormwater runoff from the USCG facility must be managed to prevent sedimentation and contamination of these sensitive waters. The region's heavy rainfall and snowmelt increase runoff volumes, making effective stormwater control critical for maintaining water quality and ecosystem health.
Frequently asked questions
The outfall is located at Mile 13, Copper River Highway in Cordova, Alaska, within Valdez-Cordova County.
It manages stormwater runoff from the U.S. Coast Guard aviation support facility, discharging treated or untreated runoff into local waterways under an NPDES MS4 permit.
The outfall operates under the U.S. EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program, which requires permits for stormwater discharges.
Proper stormwater control reduces sedimentation and pollutant loads, preserving water quality in the Copper River Delta, a critical habitat for salmon and migratory birds.
Located near the ecologically sensitive Copper River Delta, the outfall's stormwater management helps protect a vital wetland ecosystem that supports fisheries and wildlife.
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