DEQ Planning Segment

"Arkansas DEQ Planning Segments," refers to a system used by the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment, Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to organize and manage water quality within the state. Here's a breakdown:

• Purpose:
  • These planning segments are used to divide Arkansas's waterways into manageable units for the purpose of water quality management.
  • This division aids in assessing, monitoring, and regulating water quality throughout the state.
  • They are particularly important in the context of programs like the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program, which addresses impaired water bodies.
• Function:
  • By dividing the state into these segments, the DEQ can more effectively:
    • Monitor water quality.
    • Identify impaired waters.
    • Develop and implement strategies to improve water quality.
    • Establish and enforce water quality standards.
• Structure:
  • The system divides the state into areas, each assigned to a unique alpha numerical code.
  • Planning segments are based on USGS Hydrologic Unit Code 8 (HUC 8).
    • A Planning segment may encompass one or more HUC 8s.
• Relationship to TMDLs:
  • Planning segments are closely tied to the development of TMDLs. When a water body within a planning segment is found to be impaired (not meeting water quality standards), a TMDL is developed to determine the maximum amount of a pollutant that the water body can receive without violating those standards.
  • Therefore, the planning segments are used to organize and track where those TMDL's are being applied.

In essence, Arkansas DEQ Planning Segments provide a geographical framework that helps the DEQ systematically manage and protect the state's water resources.