Connect with us

News from the South - Arkansas News Feed

New Arkansas environmental laws address waste application, Buffalo watershed

Published

on

arkansasadvocate.com – Ainsley Platt – 2025-05-08 05:00:00

by Ainsley Platt, Arkansas Advocate
May 8, 2025

Arkansas lawmakers passed a handful of bills during the 2025 legislative session to address environmental concerns, such as the application of industrial biosolids to farmland and a moratorium on medium and large swine farms in the Buffalo River watershed.

Rep. Brad Hall, R-Van Buren, rallied legislators to pass Act 1009 overwhelmingly in both chambers, after months of complaints by Crawford Country residents of noxious odors from a waste lagoon and fields where Denali Water Solutions, a waste disposal company, stores and applies waste from chicken processing plants to farmland as fertilizer.

The bill requires the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment’s Division of Environmental Quality to levy the maximum penalty allowed under state law when those permitted to apply industrial biosolids either over-apply or apply industrial biosolids near a rain event.

It also authorizes DEQ to write rules specifically “to authorize no-discharge land application permits of industrial waste.” 

Hall said he made it clear to company representatives that the odor from its operations, which he described as smelling “like death,” was unacceptable to him.

“I’m tired of people living like that,” Hall said. “It’s ridiculous. I mean, it’s obscene. They [Denali] don’t have to live like that where they live, so they shouldn’t expect everybody else to live like that.”

Hall’s bill went through numerous substantive amendments. Its final form, he said, was prompted because Denali promised it would shut down the open-air waste lagoon in Crawford County by Jan. 1, 2026.

A Denali spokesperson said they “have not committed” to a specific shutdown timeline.

“The Crawford County storage facility remains a critical storage asset, particularly during periods of inclement weather when land application is restricted,” Denali spokesperson Nancy St. Pierre wrote in an email. “Denali will continue to use the site through the remainder of 2025 as we work to continue developing alternative storage capacity and long-term infrastructure solutions throughout the region.”

St. Pierre said obtaining permits and permit modifications from DEQ were “critical” in order to shut down the lagoon.

Hall said “you better have your popcorn ready” if Denali doesn’t abide by the agreement he said they made and the situation has to be addressed again during the 2027 legislative session.

DEQ fined Denali $19,800 earlier this year after numerous incidents where the company was documented applying waste to farmland within 24 hours of a rain event — defined as when there is a 50% chance or greater of precipitation. 

Such application practices are prohibited in the company’s permits. A letter last year from Denali to state regulators stating its intent to violate its permits to apply during those periods while self-imposing requirements on itself earned a sharp rebuke from the head of DEQ’s Office of Water Quality, Stassie Wassel, who wrote that Denali had “a duty to comply” with the requirements “explicitly set forth” in its permits.

“DEQ does not recognize the legitimacy of ‘self-imposed requirements’ and will not rely upon any assertions from the May 8 letter as mitigating factors for future enforcement actions relating to non-compliance on behalf of Denali,” Wassel wrote in a letter dated May 2024

Buffalo River permit moratorium

Perhaps the most visible piece of environmental legislation that made it into law this year was Senate Bill 290, now Act 921.

SB 290 in its original form would have stripped away a decade-old moratorium that prevented medium and large concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs, from obtaining certain water permits necessary to operate within the Buffalo River watershed, while setting new hoops for agencies to jump through if one wanted to institute a watershed-based permit moratorium in the future.

Aided in their cause by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Buffalo River advocates expressed relief that the final form of Act 921 ultimately preserved the moratorium for the Buffalo watershed in its current form.

They also said that it never should have reached the 11th hour the way it had.

“We were pretty crestfallen after the three heads of three state agencies got in there and had their say, and in spite of that, the committee still voted to support SB 290 before it was amended,” said Gordon Watkins, president of the Buffalo River Watershed Alliance. “And then we were, needless to say, we were happy to find out that the governor subsequently stepped in and twisted some arms and amended it to a more acceptable level.”

Even with the protections for the existing moratorium, Watkins said his organization is still opposed to the legislation as a whole. He said he felt “sorry for the rest of the state that’s going to be under these onerous requirements” if other watersheds end up needing a similar moratorium in the future.

Thompson also emphasized that his organization was “extremely grateful” to Sanders for her role in preserving the existing swine farm moratorium.

“It was a tough position for her to take,” Thompson said. “Still though, the fact that the agencies will have to jump through additional hoops down the road is unfortunate, but we did get a big part of what we wanted, so we were pleased. We owe it to the governor.”

Other environmental laws

  • Senate Bill 427 / Act 945 of 2025: Sponsored by Sen. Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, and Hall, the act creates the Arkansas Wind Energy Development Act, “to minimize any adverse effect upon the environment” or upon Arkansans’ quality of life as a result of wind turbine construction, operation and decommissioning. It creates a requirement that the construction, operation or redevelopment of a wind turbine be permitted by the Arkansas Public Service Commission and local governments if there are specific local regulations regarding wind turbines.
  • House Bill 1681 / Act 812 of 2025: Sponsored by Rep. DeAnn Vaught, R-Horatio, and Sen. Joshua Bryant, R-Rogers, the act creates a matching grant program for water and sewage utilities for use in infrastructure and improvement projects. Vaught has been vocal about the deterioration of utility infrastructure, especially in rural areas of the state.
  • Senate Bill 421 / Act 578 of 2025: Sponsored by Hester and Rep. Howard Beaty, Jr., R-Crossett, the act reauthorizes the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission to borrow money via general obligation bonds “for the development of water, waste disposal, and pollution abatement projects.” The measure will require approval by voters either during the 2026 general election or via a special election called by the governor before bonds can be issued.

GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.

SUBSCRIBE

Arkansas Advocate is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Arkansas Advocate maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sonny Albarado for questions: info@arkansasadvocate.com.

The post New Arkansas environmental laws address waste application, Buffalo watershed appeared first on arkansasadvocate.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Center-Left

This content presents a focus on environmental legislation and the challenges faced in regulating industrial practices, emphasizing accountability and environmental protection. It highlights legislative efforts to address pollution, regulate industrial waste, and protect natural resources, portraying government actions and environmental advocates in a favorable light. The article criticizes corporate non-compliance and underscores the importance of environmental safeguards, aligning with themes commonly associated with center-left perspectives on governance and environmental policy. However, it maintains a balanced tone without strong partisan language, positioning it moderately on the center-left spectrum.

News from the South - Arkansas News Feed

Sylvan Hills defeats Maumelle in Zero Week thriller

Published

on

www.youtube.com – THV11 – 2025-08-28 23:12:00

SUMMARY: Sylvan Hills ended a 20-game losing streak by defeating Maumelle 55-54 in a thrilling zero-week high school football game. Despite trailing at times, the Bears showcased resilience with key plays from Bubba Johnson and Tyler Hampton, tying the game 28-28 at halftime. Maumelle’s Levi Warrior made impressive catches, keeping the Hornets competitive. In the closing seconds, Maumelle nearly secured the win, but a controversial goal-line stop gave Sylvan Hills the victory. This dramatic opener signals an exciting 2025 season ahead, marking Sylvan Hills’ first win in two years and an intense start for both teams.

Sylvan Hills breaks a 20 game losing streak with a 55-54 win over.

Source

Continue Reading

News from the South - Arkansas News Feed

Judge orders Central Arkansas district to remove Ten Commandments displays

Published

on

arkansasadvocate.com – Antoinette Grajeda – 2025-08-28 21:24:00


In August 2025, a federal judge ordered the Conway School District to remove Ten Commandments posters from classrooms, effectively halting enforcement of Arkansas’s Act 573 of 2025. This law mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools. The ruling came after a lawsuit filed by seven multifaith families who argued that the law violates the First Amendment’s Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses. The judge had previously blocked the law in four Northwest Arkansas districts and recently included Conway in the lawsuit. The plaintiffs are represented by the ACLU and other organizations, while state officials, including Attorney General Tim Griffin, have pledged to defend the law, citing the historic influence of the Ten Commandments.

by Antoinette Grajeda, Arkansas Advocate
August 28, 2025

A federal judge Thursday evening ordered the Conway School District to remove Ten Commandments posters from classrooms and libraries, less than 24 hours after the district was added to a lawsuit challenging a state law requiring the displays. 

Act 573 of 2025 requires public schools to “prominently display” a 16”x20” poster or framed copy of a “historical representation” of the Ten Commandments. U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks issued a preliminary injunction earlier this month that blocked enforcement of the law at four Northwest Arkansas school districts — Bentonville, Fayetteville, Springdale and Siloam Springs. 

Seven multifaith families who filed the lawsuit against the four districts in June allege the new law violates the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, which guarantees that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,” and its Free Exercise Clause, which guarantees that “Congress shall make no law … prohibiting the free exercise [of religion].” 

Supporters of the law argue the Ten Commandments are a historical document because they influenced the nation’s founders and their creation of the country’s legal system.

Central Arkansas school district added to Ten Commandments suit

Brooks granted a request from plaintiffs’ attorneys Wednesday to add the Conway School District as a defendant to the case and families from the district who allege they’ve been injured by the district hanging Ten Commandments displays in their children’s schools. 

Plaintiffs’ attorneys filed a supplemental complaint adding the new parties to the case Thursday and filed a motion for a temporary restraining order on behalf of two Conway School District families. Brooks granted the temporary restraining order later on Thursday and held the request for a preliminary injunction in abeyance. 

“Conway Plaintiffs are identically situated to the original Plaintiffs: They advance the same legal arguments, assert the same constitutional injuries, and request the same relief,” Brooks wrote.

School districts named in the lawsuit and Arkansas attorney general’s office, who intervened in the case, may submit briefs no later than Sept. 8 to address why the current preliminary injunction should not be modified to include the Conway School District, according to the order. 

Brooks also temporarily enjoined the Conway School District from enforcing the law and directed the district to remove all the Ten Commandments posters by 5 p.m. Friday. 

“Conway School District had every opportunity to do the right thing and respect families’ constitutional rights, but instead chose to defy a clear federal ruling,” ACLU of Arkansas Legal Director John Williams said in a statement. “The court has now made it crystal clear: forcing the Ten Commandments into public school classrooms is unconstitutional. We stand ready to defend the rights of every Arkansan against this kind of government overreach.”

The ACLU of Arkansas is representing the plaintiffs along with the national American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is serving as pro bono counsel. 

“I am disappointed in the ruling but will continue to vigorously defend Act 573,” Attorney General Tim Griffin said in a statement.

Support our third anniversary fundraiser with a donation today.

SUPPORT

Arkansas Advocate is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Arkansas Advocate maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sonny Albarado for questions: info@arkansasadvocate.com.

The post Judge orders Central Arkansas district to remove Ten Commandments displays appeared first on arkansasadvocate.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Center-Left

The content presents a legal challenge to a state law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, emphasizing constitutional concerns and the involvement of civil liberties organizations like the ACLU. While it includes perspectives from supporters of the law, the overall tone and focus on constitutional rights and government overreach align more closely with a center-left viewpoint that prioritizes separation of church and state and individual rights.

Continue Reading

News from the South - Arkansas News Feed

Catholic community in Fayetteville prays for Minneapolis victims, reflects on safety

Published

on

www.youtube.com – 40/29 News – 2025-08-27 21:29:53

SUMMARY: Father Jason Tyler of the Catholic community in Fayetteville reflects on the Minneapolis shooting, expressing sadness and anger over the senseless violence. He acknowledges the natural questioning of God’s presence during such tragedies. Despite the distance, the event feels close due to shared faith. Father Tyler assures families that St. Joseph prioritizes safety, with ongoing training for staff and recent security upgrades funded by grants. Counselors are available for students needing support, and he remains open to parents. He emphasizes the fragility of life and the importance of unity within communities as God’s people in response to such events.

Catholic community in Fayetteville prays for Minneapolis victims, reflects on safety

Subscribe to 40/29 on YouTube now for more: http://bit.ly/PTElbK

Get more Northwest Arkansas news: http://www.4029tv.com
Like us: http://facebook.com/4029news
Follow us: http://twitter.com/4029news
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4029news/

Source

Continue Reading

Trending