WHITE SMITH LAND CO. PIT Stormwater Outfall in Whatley, Alabama

WHITE SMITH LAND CO. PIT is a stormwater outfall located in Whatley, Clarke County, Alabama, United States. The facility serves as a discharge point for stormwater runoff, likely associated with industrial or mining activities given its NAICS code 212321 (Construction Sand and Gravel Mining). As a stormwater outfall, it is part of the broader network of regulated stormwater discharges under the US Clean Water Act. In the United States, stormwater outfalls are regulated under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, specifically through MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permits for urban areas and industrial stormwater permits for facilities like this one. The facility's location in rural Clarke County suggests it may be subject to Alabama's NPDES program for industrial stormwater discharges, which requires compliance with effluent limitations and monitoring requirements. Environmental significance of this outfall includes its potential discharge to nearby water bodies, which may be impaired by sediment or other pollutants common to mining operations. Proper management of stormwater runoff is critical to protect water quality in the region, particularly given the ecological importance of Alabama's rivers and streams. The facility's operational status indicates ongoing activity, with regulatory oversight ensuring compliance with stormwater management practices.

The facility is located in Clarke County, Alabama, within the Gulf Coastal Plain region. Stormwater runoff from mining operations can carry sediment, metals, and other pollutants that may impact local water bodies. The area's hydrology is characterized by streams draining to the Tombigbee River system, which supports diverse aquatic habitats. Regulatory oversight under the Clean Water Act aims to minimize these impacts through best management practices and monitoring.