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EPA reports end-of-year enforcement results for Arkansas

Release Date: 11/15/2007
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Tressa Tillman at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

(Dallas, Texas – November 15, 2007) Enforcement activities by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency produced historic results from industry, government, and other regulated entities to protect the nation’s air, water, and land in fiscal year 2007. The record $10.6 billion in pollution controls and environmental projects to achieve compliance with federal environmental laws exceeds the previous record of $10.2 billion set in FY2006.

In Arkansas, EPA achieved more than two million pounds of pollution reductions, more than $250,000 in penalties and environmental improvements, and concluded 58 enforcement cases with facilities in the state.

“EPA is committed to safeguarding our nation’s environmental health through effective compliance assistance and a strong enforcement program,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “Today’s report shows that we continue to make significant progress in protecting people and the environment.”

EPA’s enforcement numbers were released today by its Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance as part of its end-of-year report for FY2007, which ended September 30.

Among the Agency’s enforcement achievements for Arkansas is working with its state counterparts to reduce stormwater pollution. EPA coordinated with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality to conduct numerous stormwater inspections in Little Rock, Rogers, Bentonville, Springdale, Hensley, Jonesboro and Mabelvale. These inspections resulted in 25 enforcement actions that required facilities to develop stormwater plans and install proper equipment to prevent pollution.

EPA also issued a cease and desist order to D and D Properties in El Dorado for violations of the Clean Air Act and Resource Conservation Recovery Act. The company was cited for storing hazardous waste at its facility without proper authorization. EPA’s order against the company prevented an estimated 380,000 pounds of volatile organic compounds from being released into the environment.

Total enforcement results for EPA Region 6 included more than 92 million pounds of pollution reductions, more than $237 million in environmental improvements, and 674 enforcement cases concluded with facilities across Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. In addition, EPA provided help to 11,839 regional businesses and individuals in understanding and complying with environmental responsibilities.

The EPA enforcement program is a vital tool in ensuring compliance with the nation’s environmental laws and inspiring businesses, governments, and others to focus on pollution prevention. More information on the EPA FY2007 enforcement and compliance program is available at https://www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6en/07-axns.htm.

To learn more about activities in EPA Region 6, please visit https://www.epa.gov/region6.