One of the most valuable roles that citizens can play in protecting our rivers and watersheds is by filing a complaint with ADEQ when you see some activity that is damaging the environment or your property. ADEQ is the State agency responsible for protecting, enhancing and restoring our environment and welcomes complaints for citizens. In fact, the enforcement system in Arkansas is basically "complaint driven." This is partially because of a lack of funding but practically it would be impossible and unpopular to have the "environmental police" monitoring our entire watershed. Like the litter prevention program, citizens can play a crucial role by alerting agencies of possible violations. This saves the agencies time and money and increases efficiency.
To file a complaint on line, go here where there are links to several Departments which regulate water, hazardous waste, air, solid waste, spills, dumps, etc.
For water complaints like erosion from subdivisions or illegal mining go here or write ADEQ Water, 5301 Northshore Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118-5317, Call (501) 682-0657 or fax (501) 682-0910.
To file directly with an Inspector in your area (click for a map of local inspectors)
Anonymous Complaints are welcomed and most citizens prefer this method. To remain anonymous, do not give your name and personal information. If you do, ADEQ must release it, if asked, even to a potential offender. You need only supply enough information to identify and locate the problem you are reporting. Give as detailed a description as possible of the problem and information about its location (address, driving directions, county, etc.) so the inspector can locate it.
ADEQ primarily tries to work with offenders to bring them into compliance. It is compliance we want, not punishment, but vigorous enforcement inspires compliance among those who would blatantly destroy our streams and ignore the law.
Information on filing other types of complaints:
FOR ANY EMERGENCY SITUATION LIKE A PETROLEUM OR HAZARDOUS WASTE SPILL contact the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management at 800-322-4012, OPEN 24/7.
The main issues we see in our watershed are unstable development, illegal mining, dumping and contaminated water. If you file an anonymous complaint, you can let us know and we can follow up periodically to see if your concerns are being addressed.
Illegal Development or erosion issues - Any person that clears more than 1 acre of land for construction must have a storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), designed to control and reduce pollutants in storm water runoff from these sites. If more than 5 acres is involved, the person must have a written permit and relevant information about the permit should be DISPLAYED AT THE SITE, usually in a mail box kind of structure. If you see someone clearing a large area and you don't see the "mailbox" information, report it immediately, because it will take some time for an inspector to get to the site. No clearing should be going on until a permit is obtained. You can reach an inspector for your area directly by clicking here. You can also print out a form to file in writing by clicking here.
Illegal mining - It is estimated that 75% of mining in Arkansas is "unpermitted." We are particularly concerned about mining near or in streams. Report these sites to the water division here.
Illegal Dumping - For solid waste, trash, dumps, etc., file on line here or call Flora Wrather at (501) 682-0591 or fax to (501) 682-0611 or report directly to an inspector here.
Air Complaints - On line here or call (501) 682-0729 or fax to (501) 682-0753) or report directly to an inspector here.
Asbestos or lead paint - here.
Health Related Questions and Complaints - For concerns about drinking water, septic tanks, wells, milk, medical waste disposal, etc. contact the Department of Health here.