Documents and Highlights from 2017 |
C&H submits partial response to ADEQ's request for supplemental information and asks for a 90-day extension to complete. ADEQ grants only a 10-day extension until December 29, 2017. See documents posted here from 12/6-12/14/2017
The Buffalo National River is featured during November on American River's 2017 Most Endangered Rivers List, with a blog by our friend Lin Wellford, "Saving the Buffalo River for Future Generations"
BRWA submits comments to ADEQ on 2018 Assessment Methodology. November 13, 2017
Unpermitted hog CAFO in Buffalo watershed, Sanders Farm, found in violation of state law:
Citizen's Complaint, July 16, 2017
Inspection Report, October 25, 2017
Court Order, Nov 7, 2017
Court Order/Permanent Injunction allowing Sanders to continue operations. Feb. 5, 2018
Agreed Order, imposing a fine and conditions but allowing Sanders Farm to operate without a permit, June 4, 2018
BRWA Report on tourism in Newton County, August 30, 2017
Buffalo River Watershed Management Plan
Recommendations were presented at a meeting in Jasper on Oct 12. The draft plan may be useful to landowners, communities, and organizations interested in improving water quality on the Buffalo River tributaries listed in the plan. Everyone should understand that this report has nothing to do with the CAFO problem on Big Creek.
Letter to ADEQ from BRWA attorney requesting copies of C&H responses to Sept. 19 letter (below) and the opportunity for public comment on any new information provided. Oct 2, 2017.
ADEQ letter requesting more information from C&H to complete review of their Reg 5 permit application. Sept.19, 2017
BRWA submits data to ADEQ in response to its request for outside data for inclusion in its 2018 biennial Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report. See the "Data" section of the KHBNR page. July 31, 2017
Press Release and Review of Arkansas Water Quality from 2008 to 2016 by White River Waterkeeper, Jessie Green, refuting Gov. Hutchinson's press release that 76% of Arkansas streams had improved since 2008. July 23, 2017
EPA Letter approving ADEQ's 303(d) list for the periods 2008-2016. July 19, 2017 In spite of data showing elevated E. coli and low dissolved oxygen levels in Big Creek, and concerns expressed by NPS, USGS and many private citizens, EPA approved ADEQ's determination that Big Creek was not impaired because there was insufficient data.
Read this note to supporters from Mike Masterson
Take a video tour of the Buffalo National River Water Quality Lab
Buffalo among nation's Most Endangered Rivers. Read about it here.
Waterkeepers et al vs EPA, Ruling by the US Court of Appeals, April 11, 2017. This important ruling vacates the EPA Final Rule which exempts farms from reporting emissions and now requires CAFOs to notify authorities when large quantities of hazardous materials (such as ammonia or hydrogen sulfide) are released into the environment.
BRWA Comments on C&H Reg 5 Draft Permit, submitted April 5, 2017
Appendices to comments
Read other's comments here
Read expert reports here
Watch Ken Smith 2017 Arkansas Tourism Hall Of Fame Acceptance Speech. March,15, 2017.
BRWA Press Release with preliminary comments on C&H permit, March 1, 2017
Report Released: Permitted Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Assessment Buffalo National River, Arkansas, David N. Mott November 2016 Released March 15, 2017.
BRWA Requests 20-day Extension of Comment Period, March 14, 2017
- ADEQ Question and Answer Session on C&H Hog Farm Permit, (Youtube video )immediately preceding the formal permit hearing below, Jasper AR, March 7, 2017
- C&H Hog Farm Permit Hearing - (Youtube video) Jasper, AR March 7, 2017
Public Notice of 30-Day Comment Period on draft approval of C&H Reg 5 permit. (Link includes draft permit.) A public hearing will be held in Jasper on March 7 and the comment period closes on March 17. Please send copies of your comments to BRWA and we will post them here.
PETITION TO REVISE THE CLEAN WATER ACT REGULATIONS FOR CONCENTRATED ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIONS, Citizens Petition to EPA, March 8, 2017
Buffalo National River Water Quality Report, 1985-2011, Watershed Conservation Resource Center, Sandi Formica, Director. March 9, 2017.
Mayor of Fayetteville proclaims "Buffalo National River Preservation and Appreciation Day", Jan. 29, 2017
Request for Oral Arguments regarding the EC Farms Permit Appeal, scheduled before the APC&E Commission on Friday, January 27, 9 am.
Rapping' Ranger rhymes on the River