Groups challenge EPA’s decision to allow poultry companies to continue dumping waste into waterways.
A coalition of environmental groups has filed a lawsuit challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to allow poultry companies in Arkansas to continue dumping waste into waterways. The groups argue that the EPA’s decision violates the Clean Water Act and will harm the state’s water quality and wildlife.
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas by the Arkansas Sierra Club, Audubon Arkansas, Buffalo River Stewardship Council, and Earthjustice. The groups are asking the court to vacate the EPA’s permit and require the agency to issue a new permit that complies with the Clean Water Act.
The EPA’s permit allows poultry companies in Arkansas to discharge up to 1.2 million gallons of wastewater per day into waterways. The wastewater contains a variety of pollutants, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and pharmaceuticals. The groups argue that these pollutants will harm the state’s water quality and wildlife.
Nitrogen and phosphorus can cause algae blooms, which can deplete oxygen in the water and harm fish and other aquatic life. Pharmaceuticals can also harm aquatic life and may have human health risks.
The groups also argue that the EPA’s permit does not adequately protect the Buffalo River, a designated Wild and Scenic River. The Buffalo River is home to a variety of fish and wildlife, including endangered species. The groups argue that the EPA’s permit will allow too much pollution into the river, which will harm these species.
The EPA has not yet responded to the lawsuit.
Arkansas Governor Declares State of Emergency Due to Water Shortage
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has declared a state of emergency in six counties in Arkansas due to a water shortage.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has declared a state of emergency in six counties in Arkansas due to a water shortage. The counties affected are:
- Baxter
- Cleburne
- Conway
- Faulkner
- Lonoke
- Pope
The state of emergency will allow the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to provide funding for water assistance programs in the affected counties. The programs will provide financial assistance to residents who are unable to afford their water bills or who need to repair their water wells.
The water shortage is due to a combination of factors, including drought, population growth, and increased demand for water. The drought has been particularly severe in the affected counties, and it has caused water levels in reservoirs to drop significantly.
The state of emergency will remain in effect until the drought is over or until the water shortage is no longer a threat to public health and safety.
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Approves New Regulations for Bear Hunting
The new regulations will increase the number of bear hunting permits available and allow hunters to use bait to attract bears.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has approved new regulations for bear hunting. The new regulations will increase the number of bear hunting permits available and allow hunters to use bait to attract bears.
The AGFC approved the new regulations after a public hearing in which commissioners heard from both supporters and opponents of the changes. Supporters of the changes argued that the current regulations are too restrictive and that the bear population is large enough to support increased hunting. Opponents of the changes argued that the increased hunting will harm the bear population and that the use of bait is unethical.
The new regulations will go into effect in 2024. The number of bear hunting permits available will increase from 400 to 500. Hunters will also be allowed to use bait to attract bears. The AGFC will monitor the impact of the new regulations on the bear population.
Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality Approves Permit for New Poultry Processing Plant
The new plant will be located in Harrison, Arkansas.
The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has approved a permit for a new poultry processing plant in Harrison, Arkansas. The plant, which will be owned and operated by Tyson Foods, will be able to process up to 16.5 million chickens per year.
The ADEQ’s approval of the permit came after a public hearing in which commissioners heard from both supporters and opponents of the plant. Supporters of the plant argued that it will create jobs and boost the local economy. Opponents of the plant argued that it will pollute the environment and harm the quality of life in the community.
The ADEQ has imposed a number of conditions on the permit to protect the environment. The plant will be required to treat its wastewater before it is discharged into waterways. The plant will also be required to monitor its air emissions and to take steps to reduce them.