Arkansas’s Remedial Action Trust Fund
The Arkansas Remedial Action Trust Fund Act, or “RATFA,” Ark. Code Ann. §8-7-501 et seq. provides the state of Arkansas with the funds and authority to investigate, control, prevent, abate, treat or contain releases of hazardous substances for the protection of human health and the environment. The RATFA also enables the state to participate in response actions pursuant to the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, also known as Superfund. Cleanups under RATFA may be on a voluntary basis, or pursuant to an order issued by DEQ or through suit brought by the state or any party authorized to bring suit for relief under the law.
Sites may be added to the RATFA State Priority List (SPL) after going through a rulemaking procedure. Following are criteria considered by DEQ before SPL listing proceeds:
- Proximity to population centers
- Potential impact to surface water
- Potential impact to groundwater
- Hydrologic and geologic characteristics
- Nature of hazardous substances present
- Known or threatened releases
The following sites are on the Remedial Action Trust Fund Priority Lists: