Bartmess Open Pit Mine Application

A Mr. Bartmess has submitted an application to ADEQ to conduct open pit mining operations on a 58 acre site along Mill Creek in Izard County. Apparently he has already started clearing operations on the site and has cleared and/or moved material all the way to the edge of Mill Creek. Recently some of the local residents contacted Friends of the NF&WRs concerned about this operation and noticed that clearing is continuing and modifications have been made in the area surrounding a spring that feeds the creek. According to local resident reports, these operations have already caused some silting of Mill Creek and higher turbidity in the Little Piney. Mill Creek feeds the Little Piney Creek that flows to the White River creeks noted for fishing and other recreational use.

I talked to David Hartley of the ADEQ, Mining Division who has visited the site and acknowledged there appears to have been site work already conducted in the area. The site is located about 7 miles down a private road which passes through an AFGC permitted 3500 acre Twin Mountain Elk Ranch. David indicated that there also has been some timber operations in the vicinity of the proposed mine. Due to the recent flooding and perhaps modification of the banks by the floodwaters, We shared concern as to where the ordinary high water mark might be situated and what abnormal silting may have already taken place and might take place due to the operations already being conducted.

I also talked to Jenifer Harmon of ADEQ, Water Division to see if Mr. Bartmess had applied for a stormwater permit. She could find no record of such an application in Izard County. She said she would send an e-mail to the ADEQ Jasper office and suggest they also visit the site to see what is taking place. State law says no work can begin on a site prior to the issuing of a permit that would already place Mr. Bartmess in violation of Environmental Protection laws.

I intend to contact the Jasper office later today (May 28tth) if I don’t hear from Tony Morris or Burce Kirkpatrick this morning to see if they intend to follow up on my conversations with Jenifer Harmon by visiting the site. I am trying to get the latitude and longitude of this site to file a formal complaint with ADEQ based on the reports I’ve gotten from Izard County residents. I would encourage residents to file their own “anonymous” complaints with ADEQ also.

I am also going to contact AGFC to see if they are aware of this proposed mining operation apparently within the Elk Ranch to see if they might become involved in what is going on relative to the clearing being done on this permitted Elk Ranch.

Should Mr. Bartmess have violated rules and regulations, I intend to encourage ADEQ to pursue assessment of penalties and seek a court order to prevent any further operations prior to a full evaluation of damages already done and the risk to further stream damage as a result of clearing in the reparian zone.

Corps of Engineers: White River Flow Control

The Corps of Engineers has put online their operating guidelines for regulating the water flow through the four dams of the White River system. Those guidelines are pegged to two indicators:

• the river level at two points downstream (Newport and Georgetown), and
• the flood-control capacity of the four lakes at any point in time.

The document divides the "year" into specific seasonal guidelines. For those who are interested in anticipating White River water releases from system dams, those guidelines could provide a peephole.

They can be seen here.

New EPA Water Quality Short-Course

EPA is offering what appears to be a useful online training: Here is their announcement:

Water Quality Standards Academy: New On-line Training Course
EPA has developed a multi-media, web-based training course for state and tribal employees and the general public on key aspects of the water quality standards program and other related Clean Water Act programs.

This internet-based training program is an abbreviated version of the week-long, in-class Water Quality Standards Academy course, and includes the following modules:

1. Introduction to EPA and the Clean Water Act,
2. Waterbody Uses,
3. Water Quality Criteria,
4. Antidegradation,
5. Standards Submittal and Approval, and
6. Variances, Using Attainability Analyses, Mixing Zones and Other Flexibility Options.

Each of the modules is designed to be completed in about 15 minutes.

The online training course is designed for people with little familiarity with the water quality standards program, but it can also serve as a good "refresher" for people with experience in this subject.

To access the online training course, visit http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/academy/.

For more information, please contact Ibrahim (Bryan) Goodwin at 202-566-0762 or goodwin.bryan@epa.gov.

Development: The Bluffs at Rivercliff

The Bull Shoals Planning Commission met to discuss the above proposed development. This summarizes that meeting, and upcoming events.

PROCESS:

• The development planning itself is in the 2nd stage (sketch plan previously okayed, and now preliminary plat approval is sought). Prelim Plat approval includes construction plans, which will be reviewed also.
• Once that stage is okayed (possibly in May), construction of infrastructure can begin (water, sewer, utilities, streets, storm system, etc).
• Final plat approval is AFTER this construction is completed; at this point, the City accepts the infrastructure.

The Commission looked at and discussed at length the proposed plat, construction plans, etc. No action at this point.Tomorrow night's City Council meeting will have this develoment on its agenda, as required by ordinance. However the council is only advisory; the Planning Commission has final authority, and will receive council's input as a part of their process.

KEY POINTS OF MEETING:

• Development has new engineering firm (Strider Engineering of Mountain Home); they've designed for six additional lots (now total 21).
• Topography is very steep. and slopes toward Rivercliff Golf Course, adjacent to the river.
• Chair has already submitted the storm water drainage plan to ADEQ for their review. The engineering firm representative said the developer has in place a permit for the site, and said ADEQ has been onsite with him.
• One commissioner said the storm drainage plan is so important it needs to be reviewed by people who know what they're doing -- not the commission.
• The individual commissioners expressed strong commitment to maintaining White River water quality. They desire to have both a "quality development" AND maintain water quality.
• As I understood the storm drainage plan (as an audience member, no detailed examination), the plan is to collect drainage to 4 locations, then channel it underground to the lower side of the development, where it will surface into 4-inch shot-rock "check dams" whose job will be to collect sediment. The city will own these and must maintain them. Water will then flow above-ground to golf course (10th fairway then 18th fairway), then to a creek which runs to the river.
• Chair expressed concern that the developer stabilize the road cuts.
• I expressed that while the development seems positive for the city (on paper high quality with water, sewer, curbed/guttered streets, underground utilities, etc), Friends is concerned that silt during construction and storm water after construction could affect water quality. I reminded them of the recent Norfork experience that affected that river. Commission members, to a person, stated strong support for maintaining water quality. I believe them.

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

• City Council: council members should express at tomorrow night's meeting a request to Commission that serious attention be paid to Storm Drainage review process. The council should also commit publicly to monitor the develoment (if it is approved) very closely to assure the adherence to construction plans approved as a part of the process. Recommend Friends contact at least one city council member and mayor prior to tomorrow night's meeting. I am not acquainted with Mayor Ron Richter.
• ADEQ review of storm drainage plan and protection measures is key.
• May 13th & 27th Commission 1 pm worksessions will almost certainly have this as an item.
• Next regular meeting for official action scheduled for May 28 @ 7 pm.
  

AETN documentary addresses state’s water concerns - Apr 24, 9pm

AETN documentary addresses state’s water concerns

CONWAY, Ark. (AETN) — Arkansas has long been a water-rich state, receiving approximately 42 inches of rain annually. But industry, agriculture, population growth and pollution are taking their toll, raising concerns about a water crisis in the state.

The Arkansas Educational Television Network addresses this potential crisis in “Troubled Water,” premiering Thursday, April 24, at 9 p.m.

The film complements the study, “Water Issues in Arkansas an Unfinished Story,” commissioned by the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and prepared
by FTN & Associates, Ltd.

“When you consider that 71percent of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, it’s hard to imagine that we could ever run out,” AETN Production Director Carole Adornetto said. “What we fail to realize are the demands
we’re placing on this fragile resource and the possibility that even in the Natural State we could so severely damage, pollute and exhaust our environment to the point that it might not replenish itself.”

“Troubled Water,” an AETN original documentary, travels across the state to learn more about the strains on Arkansas’s water resources from those who know it best: farmers, geologists, experts and concerned citizens.

They share their opinions and stories about how water is managed and what should be done to protect this irreplaceable resource.

“Issues related to water quality, quantity and availability are affecting the people of Arkansas more and more,” hydrologist Jim Petersen of the U.S. Geological Survey Arkansas Water Science Center said.

“Water affects human health and safety, ecosystem health and our economy – think floods and droughts; drinking water; agricultural usage; nutrients, sediment and
pharmaceuticals in our waterways and drinking water; recreational use and aesthetics.

“There are hard choices ahead that will require an informed public. This documentary explores many of these issues.”

Topics highlighted in the film include: the 8 billion gallons of water per day needed to irrigate Arkansas’s 4 million acres of crops; cones of depression in the Sparta and Alluvial aquifers; the Grand Prairie Area Demonstration Project; Union County’s response to being declared as a
critical groundwater area; taste and odor problems with the water in Beaver Lake in Northwest Arkansas; development in the Lake Maumelle Watershed; Oklahoma’s lawsuit over the Illinois River; and sustainability practices.

Interviewees discuss the many ways water is changing in the state, from the need to dig wells deeper and deeper to a decline in waterfowl hunting due to dry seasons. They express their opinions on using water more
efficiently, finding new sources for water, development in watersheds and changes in quality.

“Troubled Water” features segments taped at Lake Maumelle, Beaver Lake, Stuttgart, De Valls Bluff, Weiner, El Dorado and Clarendon.

The film is closed-captioned in both English and Spanish. It was produced by AETN’s Mark Wilcken and narrated by Julian Rebolledo.

The film is funded in part by a grant from the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation - http://www.wrfoundation.org/, and the
“Water Issues in Arkansas” report is expected to be published by summer.

The Arkansas Educational Television Network
- http://www.aetn.org/ - provides lifelong learning opportunities, improves and enhances Arkansans’ lives and celebrates the unique culture of Arkansas through its programming and services. AETN’s analog and digital transmitters and numerous cable system connections give it statewide reach.

Interview Subjects in the documentary

Hunter Jones: Rice & Soybean Farmer, Weiner

Cathy Hood: President, Arkansas Rice Festival, Weiner

Shawn Lynn: Owner/Operator, Kill Zone Duck Calls, Weiner

Billy Adams: Rice Farmer, Weiner

Buddy Schwartz: Retired Rice Farmer, Weiner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Tiffany L. Verkler
501-682-4157
April 15, 2008

New Development in Bull Shoals asks for plat approval - Public meeting Apr. 23

Dear all,

Following is a notice from the Bull Shoals Planning Commission on a plat for a new development. A plat describes the area to be developed, size of lots and other design proposals for streets, drainage and other services. These meetings focus on whether the proposals fits within the framework of present regulations regarding development in this area.

You'll learn a lot. Citizens are often frustrated by the fact that current regulations seem inadequate to provide sufficient protection of our water, adjoining landowners and the character of the neighborhood itself. However, these regulations are set by ordinances passed by the City or County, not the Commission. The Commission itself has authority only to enforce those ordinances and related regulations. Talk to your City and County officials if you have suggestions.

Gene

Strider Engineering has turned in a preliminary plat for Bluffs at Rivercliff, a proposed project next to Rivercliff Golf Course. It will be discussed at the planning commission meeting Wednesday, April 23 at 7PM at city hall. The public is invited to attend and comment. The approval of the preliminary plat is the go-ahead to begin construction. A vote will not be taken at the April meeting, but at a special or regular meeting in May.

Carol Short, Chair

Bull Shoals Planning Commission

870-405-4133

870-445-2805

2008 Impaired Waters List Available for Comment

Mike has been prompting me to post to our blog, so here goes.

Following is a notice about the new Impaired Stream List, commonly called the 303(d) list. Arkansas is required to monitor, analyze and list streams (and lakes) that are "impaired" because they do not meet water quality standards, set by the State with approval from EPA. This requirement of the Clean Water Act occurs every two years.

There is a public hearing in Little Rock March 12, but comments can be made until March 26th, as indicated near the end of the notice.

If you want in depth information, I direct your attention to the following link on the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality 9ADEQ) Web site

http://www.adeq.state.ar.us/water/reports_data.htm

Check out the 2004- 303(B) document, which is a much more in-depth look at how Arkansas monitors and evaluates streams. (Note: Arkansas was sued a few years back to inspire compliance.)

Also check out link on the West Fork. A good analysis of what is happening on many of our tributaries. Warning: These are very long documents.

Best,
Gene Dunaway
President
Friends

2008 IMPAIRED STREAMS LIST HEARING SCHEDULED

The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) will hold a public hearing at North Little Rock March 12, 2008, to receive comments on the agency’s proposed 2008 Impaired Waterbodies List (commonly called the 303d List). The hearing will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the Commission Room at the ADEQ headquarters building, 5301 Northshore Drive.

(A separate public hearing on the 2006 303d List was announced last month and is still scheduled for 2:00 p.m. February 19 at the ADEQ offices.)

Prior to accepting formal public comments at the hearing, the ADEQ Water Division staff will present a short program discussing the proposed 2008 303d List. A period of time will also be set aside for informal discussion and questions and answers before the formal public comment period begins.

The 303d List is developed by the ADEQ every two years under provisions of Section 303d of the federal Clean Water Act. The ADEQ assesses water quality monitoring data from numerous locations around the state, and utilizes a comprehensive assessment methodology approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine which waters are not meeting all of their designated uses as listed in the Arkansas Water Quality Standards (Regulation No. 2 of the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission).

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2006 Impaired Streams List, Page Two

Water quality data from more than 700 stream sampling sites and 210 lake sampling sites were considered during the development of the proposed 2008 303d List. The sampling stations were either part of the ADEQ’s statewide water quality monitoring network, special surveys conducted by the ADEQ, or sites sampled by the U.S. National Park Service within the Buffalo River Watershed. Other water quality data from federal state, and local government agencies, as well as from private entities in Arkansas and adjoining states, were also evaluated during development of the proposed list.

A complete listing of impaired waterbodies can be found in the tables following the narrative of the draft 2008 303d List. Copies of the list are available on the ADEQ’s Internet web site at www.adeq.state.ar.us or can be obtained by contacting Jim Wise in the ADEQ Water Division; telephone, 501-682-0663; e-mail, wise@adeq.state.ar.us.

Copies of the proposed 2008 Arkansas 303d List also are available for public inspection during normal business hours at the ADEQ’s Public Outreach and Assistance Division, located on the second floor of the ADEQ headquarters building, 5301 Northshore Drive, North Little Rock. In addition, copies of the list are available for public review during normal business hours at ADEQ information depositories located in public libraries at Arkadelphia Batesville, Blytheville, Camden, Clinton, Crossett, El Dorado, Fayetteville, Forrest City, Fort Smith, Harrison, Helena, Hope, Hot Springs, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Magnolia, Mena, Monticello, Mountain Home, Pocahontas, Russellville, Searcy, Stuttgart, Texarkana, and West Memphis; in campus libraries at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and the University of Central Arkansas at Conway; and in the Arkansas State Library located on the State Capitol grounds at Little Rock.

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2006 Impaired Streams List, Page Three

Oral and written comments on the proposed 2008 303d List will be accepted at the public hearing, but written statements are preferred in the interest of accuracy. In addition, written statements will be considered if received no later than 4:30 p.m. March 26, 2008. Written statements should be sent to: Jim Wise, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, Water Division, 5301 Northshore Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118; e-mail: wise@adeq.state.ar.us.

Proposed revisions to the 2008 Arkansas 303d List will be incorporated into the 2008 Arkansas Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report (commonly called the 305b Report), after approval by the ADEQ director and the Region 6 office of the EPA.

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