Wiregrass Construction - Fort Payne Plant | Stormwater Outfall in Fort Payne, Alabama

Wiregrass Construction - Fort Payne Plant is a stormwater outfall located at 2101 Godfrey Ave SE, Fort Payne, Alabama, within DeKalb County. The facility is operational and serves as a point of discharge for stormwater runoff from an industrial catchment area, likely associated with the NAICS code 324121 (Asphalt Paving Mixture and Block Manufacturing). As a stormwater outfall, it is subject to the US EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program, specifically under the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) regulations. In Alabama, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) administers the NPDES program, including permits for industrial stormwater discharges. The facility's stormwater management involves controlling runoff from industrial activities to prevent pollutants from entering water bodies. Typical best management practices (BMPs) for such sites include sediment basins, retention ponds, and regular monitoring of discharge quality. The outfall likely discharges to a nearby waterway, potentially the Little River or a tributary, which flows into the Coosa River basin. Compliance with NPDES permit conditions, including effluent limits and monitoring requirements, is essential to minimize environmental impact. Environmental significance lies in the facility's role in managing stormwater from an industrial site, which can contain pollutants like sediment, oil, grease, and heavy metals. Proper operation helps protect local water quality and aquatic habitats. The facility contributes to the broader stormwater management infrastructure in Fort Payne, supporting community and environmental health by reducing flood risks and preventing contamination of downstream waters.

Fort Payne is located in the Appalachian foothills of northeastern Alabama, characterized by karst topography with limestone bedrock and numerous springs. The area receives abundant rainfall (around 55 inches annually), which can lead to significant stormwater runoff. Industrial facilities like Wiregrass Construction must manage runoff to prevent erosion and pollution of sensitive karst aquifers and surface waters, including the Little River, which is part of the Coosa River basin. The region's ecology includes diverse aquatic species, and stormwater controls are critical to maintaining water quality and habitat integrity.