ZEKES MARINA Stormwater Outfall, Orange Beach, Alabama | United States

ZEKES MARINA is a stormwater outfall located at 26619 Perdido Beach Blvd in Orange Beach, Baldwin County, Alabama, United States. The facility is operational and serves as a discharge point for stormwater runoff from the marina area, which is classified under NAICS code 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing). As a stormwater outfall, it is part of the broader municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) that manages urban runoff in the coastal community of Orange Beach. In the United States, stormwater outfalls like ZEKES MARINA are regulated under the Clean Water Act through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) MS4 permits. Phase II MS4 permits apply to smaller municipalities and facilities such as marinas, requiring stormwater management plans to control pollutants. The facility's location in a coastal area means it likely addresses runoff from impervious surfaces, boat maintenance areas, and parking lots, with typical best management practices including sediment controls and spill prevention. The environmental significance of ZEKES MARINA lies in its role in protecting the water quality of the Gulf of Mexico and nearby estuaries. Stormwater runoff from marinas can carry pollutants like oil, heavy metals, and nutrients, making proper management critical. The outfall contributes to the local stormwater infrastructure that helps mitigate flooding and erosion in Orange Beach, a popular tourist destination on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

ZEKES MARINA discharges stormwater into the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico near Orange Beach, Alabama. The area is ecologically sensitive, supporting marine habitats and recreational fisheries. Stormwater runoff from marinas can introduce pollutants such as hydrocarbons, antifouling agents, and sediment, which may impact water quality and aquatic life. The facility operates under the US EPA NPDES MS4 permit framework, which requires controls to minimize pollution from urban runoff. Given the coastal setting, effective stormwater management is essential to protect the region's natural resources and tourism economy.