WALPAR, LLC Stormwater Outfall in Birmingham, Alabama | Industrial Stormwater Management

WALPAR, LLC is a stormwater outfall located at 4200 Jefferson Ave. SW in Birmingham, Alabama, within Jefferson County. The facility is operational and serves industrial activities classified under NAICS codes 332312 and 332313 (fabricated metal manufacturing). As a stormwater outfall, it manages runoff from industrial catchments, which is a key component of urban stormwater management in the Birmingham area. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, specifically the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits. Birmingham is subject to Phase I MS4 requirements as a large municipality, meaning stormwater discharges from industrial facilities like WALPAR must comply with stormwater pollution prevention plans and monitoring requirements. The outfall likely conveys runoff from impervious surfaces and industrial processes, requiring treatment or best management practices to control pollutants. Environmental significance lies in its role in managing stormwater quality in an industrial area of Birmingham. Discharges from such outfalls can affect local water bodies, including nearby streams and the Black Warrior River watershed. Proper operation helps reduce pollutant loads from industrial activities, supporting compliance with water quality standards and protecting aquatic ecosystems in the region.

Birmingham, Alabama, has a humid subtropical climate with frequent thunderstorms, leading to significant stormwater runoff. The area's industrial history, particularly in metal fabrication, contributes potential pollutants such as heavy metals, oils, and sediments to stormwater. Discharges from outfalls like WALPAR, LLC enter local waterways that ultimately drain to the Black Warrior River, which is a vital resource for drinking water, recreation, and aquatic life. Effective stormwater management is critical to prevent impairment of these water bodies and to comply with Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements for pollutants.