W & W Fiberglass Tank LLC Stormwater Outfall, Fort Smith, Arkansas

W & W Fiberglass Tank LLC is a stormwater outfall located at 1901 Wheeler Avenue in Fort Smith, Arkansas, United States. The facility is operational and serves as a point of discharge for stormwater runoff from an industrial site classified under NAICS 326199 (All Other Plastics Product Manufacturing). As a stormwater outfall, it is part of the broader network of facilities regulated under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for industrial stormwater discharges. In the United States, industrial stormwater discharges are regulated under the Clean Water Act through NPDES permits, which require facilities to implement stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs) and monitor effluent quality. The facility's location in Fort Smith, within the Arkansas River watershed, places it under the jurisdiction of the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment - Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Typical stormwater management practices for industrial sites include detention basins, oil-water separators, and regular inspections to prevent pollutants from entering waterways. The environmental significance of this outfall lies in its potential impact on local water bodies. Stormwater runoff from industrial areas can carry pollutants such as sediment, heavy metals, and chemicals. Proper management and compliance with NPDES requirements are critical to protecting the Arkansas River and its tributaries. The facility's role in managing stormwater contributes to the overall water quality and ecological health of the region.

Fort Smith is located in the Arkansas River Valley, a region characterized by a humid subtropical climate with significant rainfall, which increases the potential for stormwater runoff. The Arkansas River is a major waterway that supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water for downstream communities. Industrial stormwater discharges, like those from W & W Fiberglass Tank LLC, must be managed to prevent contamination from plastics manufacturing byproducts, such as microplastics and chemical additives. The facility operates under NPDES permit requirements that mandate best management practices to minimize pollutant loads and protect water quality.