WASHITA MOUNTAIN QUARRY Stormwater Outfall, Fountain Lake, Arkansas

WASHITA MOUNTAIN QUARRY is a stormwater outfall located in Fountain Lake, Garland County, Arkansas, United States. The facility manages stormwater runoff from a quarry operation, classified under NAICS 212319 (Other Crushed and Broken Stone Mining and Quarrying). As a stormwater outfall, it is subject to US EPA NPDES MS4 permit requirements, which regulate discharges to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), specifically for stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity. Quarry operations typically generate runoff that may contain sediment and other pollutants, requiring best management practices (BMPs) to minimize environmental impact. The outfall likely discharges to a nearby waterbody, with monitoring and reporting obligations under the MS4 permit. Stormwater management at quarry sites is critical to prevent erosion and sedimentation in local waterways. The facility's location in Garland County, near the Ouachita National Forest, underscores the importance of maintaining water quality in the region. Effective stormwater control helps protect downstream aquatic habitats and supports compliance with state and federal water quality standards.

The quarry is situated in the Ouachita Mountains ecoregion, characterized by forested hills and numerous streams. Stormwater runoff from quarry operations can carry sediment and potential pollutants into nearby waterbodies, impacting water quality and aquatic life. The facility's discharge likely flows into the Ouachita River basin, which supports diverse fish and wildlife. Regulatory oversight under the Clean Water Act aims to minimize these impacts through erosion control and sediment management practices.