Editor’s note: The Stop Work Order at the BJ’s Wholesale construction site was lifted on Dec. 11 after crews removed sediment from the drainage ditch and installed additional erosion and sediment control measures. As of Dec. 11, 2025, the city confirmed the site was in compliance with local ordinances.

The City of Foley has halted construction at the new BJ's Wholesale Club site after inspectors documented clay-laden stormwater leaving the property and moving toward waterways that eventually connect to the Bon Secour River.

The stop-work order was issued Dec. 5 after the City of Foley Environmental Department observed turbid runoff discharging from the site during a rain storm. Environmental Manager Jacqueline McGonigal said the muddy water indicated erosion controls at the construction site had failed to prevent sediment from washing off the property.

"This site began discharging turbid stormwater runoff during a rain event," McGonigal said. "Deficiencies in the site's erosion and sediment control measures were noted, and a Stop Work Order was issued."

According to the city, inspectors found that sediment flowed into a drainage ditch along South Juniper Street before continuing into drainage areas near Highway 59. The water ultimately drained into an unnamed stream that connects to the Bon Secour River.

The city attributes the runoff to a combination of heavy rain and lack of properly installed erosion controls on a site where clay soils are commonly used.

"Clay particles are very small and light, which makes them easy to wash away during storms," McGonigal said.

When erosion control practices aren't properly installed, she said, stormwater "ends up carrying clay off the property."

While turbidity from sediment does not directly pose a human health risk, McGonigal said high levels can disrupt ecosystems by blocking sunlight, increasing water temperatures and reducing oxygen. Clay particles can also carry pollutants such as metals and bacteria.

Construction at the BJ's site will remain on hold until the developer addresses all deficiencies. Under Foley's land disturbance ordinance, a stop-work order requires contractors to halt building activity while they remediate off-site impacts and install stronger erosion and sediment controls.

"All construction activity ceased, with the contractor's sole efforts focused on installing more robust erosion and sediment control measures and removing the sediment from the drainage ditch," McGonigal said.

McGonigal said this is the first runoff issue recorded for the project and that the city issued the stop-work order within hours of the problem becoming visible.

Environmental inspectors have since been visiting the site multiple times per week to monitor progress.

"It can be as often as two or three times a week depending on the site and the issues that are occurring," she said.

The Foley environmental department has expanded in recent years as the region continues to see rapid development paired with some of the highest rainfall totals in the country. Earlier this year, the city enacted a moratorium on new subdivision developments and is now updating its land disturbance and tree protection ordinances to tighten environmental requirements.

McGonigal said the city is also developing a stormwater management plan for the Bon Secour watershed and encouraging residents to participate in community monitoring and environmental stewardship efforts.

"It really does take all of us to protect the places we care about," she said.

Gabriella Chavez is a Report for America corps member who writes about growth and development in Baldwin County and our natural spaces for Gulf Coast Media. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://tinyurl.com/yaf8yf5n.