Applications for new and major permits are placed on public notice for a minimum of 10 days to receive comments from the public and the permittee. During the public notice period, any interested party, including the permittee, may request that a public hearing be held to allow those in attendance to present oral and written comments to the ADEQ regarding conditions of the permit.

Prior to issuance, the permit is placed on public notice for a minimum of 30 days to receive comments from the public and the permittee. During the public notice period, any interested party, including the permittee, may request that a public hearing be held to allow those in attendance to present oral and written comments to the ADEQ regarding conditions of the permit. The ADEQ must respond to all oral and written comments prior to or in conjunction with the issuance of the final permit. If permit conditions are significantly changed in response to the comments, the permit may be placed on public notice for another 30-day period with the opportunity for a public hearing. There is no limit on the number of times that a permit may need to be public noticed prior to issuance.

After permit conditions are finalized, the permit is issued. Any affected party may request an adjudication of the permit including a stay of any contested permit condition within 30 days of permit issuance. If adjudication is not requested within 30 days, the permit becomes effective. The permit can be effective for no more than five years unless the permittee applies for a renewal of their NPDES permit prior to the expiration date of their existing permit in which case the existing permit is automatically extended until the effective date of a new permit.

Reviewing of the NPDES Discharge Permit

Check for completeness and accuracy of the application.
A Completeness letter will be sent to the permittee and the following agencies:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Corps of Engineers regulatory@mvk02.usace.army.mil
- Health Department hart.robert@arkansas.gov
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Margaret_Harney@fws.gov
- Arkansas Heritage george@arkansasheritage.org
- Arkansas Game and Fish marmstrong@agfc.state.ar.us
In-house technical review of draft permit 90 days
“Major” draft permits are sent to EPA for review 30 days
The draft permit is sent to Public Notice 30 days
Public Hearing is held (if required) 30 days

A response to Comments to Interested Parties is prepared and the final permit is issued.