LATEST INFORMATION:

E&E Enforcement Guidance

Earlier this month, Governor Asa Hutchinson declared a state of emergency for Arkansas, in response to the coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic facing our state and nation. The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment (E&E) recognizes that businesses all across the state are being impacted by this sudden reduction in the workforce, including many of our regulated entities that require staff to maintain normal operations at their facilities. Despite the current environment and its extraordinary difficulties, E&E will continue to fulfill its mission and responsibilities, while also protecting staff and customers from unnecessary exposure. We remain open for business and stand ready to serve the people of Arkansas. Inspectors will continue to conduct monitoring rounds and are responding to environmental emergencies and complaints. Additionally, inspections that can be performed at unmanned sites, or without public interaction, will also continue.

E&E has created an email address, COVID19EE@adeq.state.ar.us, for regulated entities that face unavoidable noncompliance situations to request regulatory flexibility and assistance in providing alternative approaches to maintaining compliance, where possible. A copy of the Department’s Enforcement Guidance can be found here.

The Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Provisional COVID-19 Enforcement Guidance contains provisional guidance on how DEQ may respond to instances of noncompliance that are verifiably caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency. This guidance will apply retroactively, beginning March 17, 2020, the date of Executive Order 20-06. DEQ will assess the continued need for and scope of this temporary guidance and will update it as needed. A copy of the DEQ Provisional Enforcement Guidance can be found here.

DEQ COVID-19 Update

During this critical time, the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment (E&E) is taking precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Following Governor Hutchinson’s announcement on Thursday, March 19, Secretary Keogh has directed that our staff begin working remotely effective Monday, March 23. Thankfully, E&E is prepared for this type of remote work, and we are equipped to continue our mission to protect the State’s health and environment through regulatory programs, essential department functions, and emergency response efforts. If you have a question or need assistance, then please call 501.682.0744 For COVID-19 information please visit the Arkansas Department of Health’s website: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/novel-coronavirus.

DEQ Emergency Order for Licensing programs

The Director of the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment, Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued Emergency Order LIS# 20-137 in connection with the outbreak of novel coronavirus COVID-19 in Arkansas and its impacts on the licensing programs administered by DEQ’s regulatory programs. A copy of the DEQ Executive Order can be found here.

Governor Hutchinson's Executive Order 20-06

On March 17, 2020, Governor Asa Hutchinson issued Executive Order 20-06 to amend Executive Order 20-03 regarding the public health emergency concerning COVID-19 for the purpose of assisting state agencies in rendering maximum assistance to the citizens of Arkansas. A copy of Executive Order 20-06 can be found here.

Governor Hutchinson’s Executive Order 20-03

On March 11, 2020, Governor Hutchinson declared a state of emergency for Arkansas, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic facing our state and nation. A copy of Executive Order 20-03 can be found here.