October 12, 2017
Public Comment Period on Draft 2018 Assessment Methodology
NORTH LITTLE ROCK—The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) today announces a thirty (30) day public comment period for the Draft 2018 Assessment Methodology. This public comment period begins Phase III of ADEQ’s public-input process on the methodology
The public comment period on the Draft 2018 Assessment Methodology is officially open. The deadline for submitting comments will be 4:30 p.m. (Central Time) November 13, 2017.
ADEQ welcomes comment on the entire document but specifically seeks input on the following:
- · The proposed assessment methodology for continuous data (Sections 6.1, 6.3, and 6.4),
- · The proposed assessment methodology for bacteria (Section 6.6), and
- · Use of the binomial distribution method (Section 3.7).
For Phase I, ADEQ held a public listening session in North Little Rock, Tuesday, October 11, 2016, and received input until October 31, 2016. Input received during Phase I listening session period was considered during Phase II.
Phase II consisted of six stakeholder workgroup meetings held at ADEQ from December 2016 to July 2017. This workgroup consisted of twenty-six individuals representing entities including state and federal agencies, environmental groups, municipalities, and industry.
Arkansas must assess the waters of the State every two years to determine whether or not they are supporting their designated uses and attaining water quality criteria. The Assessment Methodology contains procedures for making these assessments. If waters do not attain either their designated uses or water quality standards, they will be placed on the Impaired Waterbody List, also known as the 303(d) List.
Information about the Assessment Methodology, related documents, review schedules, and the sign up for the Assessment Methodology listserv can be found on the ADEQ website at: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/water/planning/integrated/assessment/default.aspx.
Written input should be delivered or mailed to: Mary Barnett, Water Planning, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, 5301 Northshore Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118. Email input should be sent to am-comments@adeq.state.ar.us. Comments will be considered if received no later than 4:30 p.m. (Central Time) November 13, 2017.
CONTACT: Kelly Robinson (Robinson@adeq.state.ar.us or 501.682.0916)