Short Term Activity Authorization STAA

Short Term Activity Authorization

Anyone planning to conduct any activity in waters of the State, which might cause a violation of the Arkansas Water Quality Standards, must obtain authorization from DEQ prior to entering waters of the State. This authorization is subject to the provisions that such activity is essential to the protection or promotion of the public interest and that no permanent or long-term impairment of beneficial uses is likely to result from such activity. Nothing in this authorization is intended to supersede existing state or federal permitting processes or requirements. The STAA only covers the activity requiring entry into and disturbance of waters of the state.

Such STAAs shall not be granted for activities which result in the adverse impact on any federally threatened or endangered species of on critical habitat of such species.

STAAs do not take the place of a construction stormwater permits and best management practices (BMPs) which are required for development of construction sites greater than one (1) acre. If the project is associated with a construction site that will disturb more than one (1) acre, the applicant must obtain coverage under an NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit prior to start of construction at the site.

Search the database of applicants for an existing STAA.

What Activities Require a STAA?

Activities eligible for authorization include, but are not limited to:

  • Wastewater treatment facility maintenance
  • Fish eradication projects
  • Mosquito abatement projects
  • Algae and weed control projects
  • Dredge and Fill Projects
    1. Gravel Removal
  • Construction Activities
    1. Bridge or crossing repair/maintenance
    2. Culvert replacement
    3. Pipeline repair/placement
    4. Utility repair/replacement
  • Activities which result in overall enhancement or maintenance of beneficial uses
    1. Bank stabilization
    2. Debris removal
    3. Flood control projects
  • Debris removal

If you are required to secure an STAA, you may also be required to obtain a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 404 Permit or a Bridge Permit . You may need an STAA to remove debris from wetlands. You may need permission from the city or county if your activity is within an area covered by an active General Stormwater NPDES - Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. Other local permits may be applicable such as building, grading, or floodplain permits.

Emergency STAA

If a temporary Emergency Activity (an activity needed to prevent an immediate risk to health, life, property, or environment) is needed, the submittal of an Emergency STAA is not required before conducting emergency activity. Notification of the Emergency Activity should be made within seventy-two (72) hours after making temporary repairs and shall include what additional work is needed for completion of the repairs.

How Do I Apply for an STAA?

The applicant shall apply electronically through DEQ’s ePortal website, unless the applicant receives an electronic submittal waiver from DEQ. Click on the ePortal dropdown box below for complete instructions.

How to get started:

  1. You will need to register online.
    1. Once the registration process is completed, a verification email with a confirmation code will be sent to the email address listed during registration.
    2. Once the email is received, the confirmation code will need to be entered on the registration screen.
    3. Failure to complete the validation process will render the account registration incomplete. If this occurs, this account will not be able to submit any requests until this process has been completed.
  2. The Responsible Official will need to apply for an electronic signature (https://eportal.adeq.state.ar.us/webfiles/ADEQ/
    ADEQ_ElectronicSignatureAgreement.pdf)

After completing the registration process, the application process can begin.

How to submit a STAA Request:

  1. Log-in using the email that was used during the registration process.
  2. Click the "Form Finder" button in the left menu or the "Finder" button in the top menu bar.
    1. Type STAA in the box above the words "Recommended Forms".
    2. Recommended forms will appear in a list.
    3. Click on the Short Term Activity Authorization (STAA) form.
  3. Click the "Begin Form Entry" button at the bottom of the webpage and follow the directions on the application.

STAA Fees

Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 8-4-234(b)(2) and APC&EC Rule 9, the STAA fee shall not exceed two hundred dollars ($200) for each stream crossing, in-stream activity, or other eligible activity.

Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 8-4-234(b)(5) and APC&EC Rule 9, DEQ shall waive twenty-five percent (25%) of the STAA fee for state agency, board, commission or municipality, city, or county. Therefore, the STAA fee shall not exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150) for each stream crossing, in-stream activity, or other eligible activity.

Electronic Waivers

Waivers from electronic reporting may be granted based on the following conditions:

    1. If the operational headquarters is physically located in a geographic area (i.e. Zip Code of census tract) that is identified as under-served for broadcast internet access in the most recent from the Federal Communications Commission;
    2. If available computer access or computer capability is limited; or
    3. If the applicant is a religious community that choose not to use certain modern technologies pursuant to 40 C.F.R. §127.15(c)(1).