Arkansas Natural Resources (ANRC)
ANRC manages and protects water and land resources for the health, safety and economic benefit of the State of Arkansas. A nine-member Commission appointed by the Governor provides direction for ANRC. The Governor also appoints the ANRC Executive Director. ANRC is divided into three operating divisions: Conservation Division, Water Management Division and Water Development Division.
Since 1990, ANRC has been the lead agency for planning, coordinating and implementing the NPS Management Program, including development and maintenance of the Arkansas Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Program Update, submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval every five years. In addition, ANRC manages wide-ranging programs that address nonpoint source pollution both directly and indirectly across its three divisions. The list below highlights a few of those programs.§ Nonpoint Source Pollution Grants Program. ANRC offers competitive grants, funded through Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act, to support statewide programs and implementation projects on an annual cycle. Special emphasis is given to priority watersheds prioritized by the NPS Management Program Task Force. ANRC provides assistance to eligible entities on preparation of grant applications, including conceptual project design, development of the work plan and budget preparation. ANRC accepts work plans for projects to manage, reduce or abate NPS pollution. Projects are funded for one to three years.
§ Support for Conservation Districts. ANRC provides significant support for Arkansas’ 75 conservation districts in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). § Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts. The purpose of the Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts is to help conservation districts increase their capacity to effectively and efficiently conserve soil and water. Conservation districts are political subdivisions of the state of Arkansas. They are a creation by popular vote of resident landowners for the purpose of conserving land and water resources as authorized by Act No. 197 of the Arkansas General Assembly of 1937, the nation's first conservation district law. ANRC appoints two members of each local conservation district while three members are elected locally. § Technical Assistance. ANRC, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, the Arkansas Forestry Commission, the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, USDA NRCS and other entities may provide technical assistance to conservation districts through their staffs of professional engineers, geologists and/or biologists in the design and implementation of stream bank best management practices (BMPs) for reaches of streams identified as having significant erosion problems. Watershed assessment will normally identify these streams, but the district may also identify them in its annual plan of action. § Water Quality Technicians. The ANRC provides state funding to some local conservation districts for water quality technicians. The job of the technician is to provide assistance to landowners in the implementation of a water quality management plans and provide assistance in the implementation of water quality and conservation plans. The ANRC, in cooperation with the NRCS, also oversees ongoing training of the technicians to assure they are current on management techniques and practices. The NRCS District Conservationist provides daily supervision of the technician. § Poultry Registration. Poultry feeding operations, where 2,500 or more poultry are housed or confined on any given day, must register annually in accordance with the Arkansas Poultry Feeding Operations Registration Act. Persons in Arkansas with at least 125,000 broilers, 82,000 laying hens, 55,000 turkeys, 500 horses, or 1000 slaughter or feeder cattle that use dry waste systems must apply for coverage under General Permit Number ARG590000 for confined animal feeding operations (CAFO) that use dry waste systems or for coverage under an individual permit. The operator may submit the forms directly to Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) or through their local conservation district. ANRC will implement three new programs by 2006, including: § Nutrient Management Planner Certification Program. These rules govern the Commission’s Nutrient Management Planner Certification Program for individuals who prepare nutrient management plans. Planners prepare nutrient management plans to indicate how nutrients should be applied to fields and other land for crop production while protecting ground water and surface water from excessive nutrient enrichment. Plans contain operating procedures based on expected crop type, existing nutrient levels in the soil, organic residuals, optimum timing and placement of nutrients, environmental resource protection and agronomic practices such as liming, tillage and crop rotation. ANRC shall certify the competence of individuals to prepare these plans and determine information to be contained in nutrient management plans. § Nutrient Management Applicator Certification Program. These rules govern the Commission’s Nutrient Management Applicator Certification Program for individuals who apply nutrients to land. The Commission shall certify the competence of individuals to apply nutrients and provide training relating to nutrient application. The training shall at a minimum meet the USDA NRCS conservation practice standards for Arkansas. To maintain certification, certified nutrient planners must develop plans consistent with certified nutrient planner training. The Commission may issue distinct classifications of certification. Persons making nutrient application to nutrient surplus areas on or after the effective date of Title 22, Rules Governing the Arkansas Soil Nutrient and Poultry Litter Application and Management Program, must become certified. Persons making nutrient application outside nutrient surplus areas are not required to become certified. § Soil Nutrient and Poultry Litter Application and Management Program. This program will encourage prudent practices regarding the application and management of soil nutrients and poultry litter to protect and enhance the state’s surface water quality while allowing for optimum soil fertility and proper plant growth. The program’s primary goal will be to maintain the benefits derived from the wise use of poultry litter, commercial fertilizers and other soil nutrients while avoiding unwanted effects from excess nutrient applications on the waters within the state. To further this goal, the program provides requirements applicable to nutrient surplus areas, nutrient management plans, and poultry litter management plans. § Wetland and Riparian Zones Tax Credit Program. This program, created by the Arkansas Private Wetland Riparian Zone Creation and Restoration Incentive Act of 1995, allows a credit against the tax imposed by the Arkansas Income Tax Act for any taxpayer engaged in the development or restoration of wetlands and riparian zones. The program is designed to encourage private landowners to restore and enhance existing wetlands and riparian zones and, when possible, create new wetlands and riparian zones because the state continues to experience significant loss of wetlands and because most lands suitable for wetlands are privately owned. This program benefits the landowners through tax credits and the state by increasing wetlands and riparian zones, which provide flood control, water quality enhancement, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation and ground water recharge. § Wetland Mitigation Bank Program. The Arkansas Wetland Mitigation Bank Program is a state-sponsored initiative to re-establish wetland hydrology and vegetation with compensatory funds from Section 404 permit recipients for impacts of approved wetland projects in selected areas that meet program criteria. Within these areas, site selection takes into consideration current and potential contributions to ground-water quality and other factors. § Ground Water Protection Program. ANRC is the state’s water resources planning and management agency. ANRC is responsible for state level planning, management, and protection of ground water resources. This is accomplished through monitoring of the aquifers water levels and water quality, implementation of BMPs, conservation, enforcement of the proper construction of water wells and education. These goals are accomplished through a strong working relationship with the public and with other agencies. The Commission works closely with other state and federal agencies to monitor a water well network of more than 1200 sites for water level and water-quality information. Pursuant to the Arkansas Ground Water Protection and Management Act of 1991, ANRC produces an annual ground water report on the condition of the state’s ground water resources, makes recommendations on critical areas, coordinates the interagency Arkansas Ground Water Protection and Management Committee and enforces Water Well Construction Commission rules and regulations. § Arkansas State Water Planning. In 1969, the Arkansas Legislature passed Act 217 making the ANRC responsible for water planning at the state level and the development of the first Arkansas State Water Plan. Since its completion and publication in 1975, the plan has served as a guide for efficient development of land and water resources. In 1985, the Legislature enacted Act 1051 directing the Commission to update the plan so it will remain a valid and reliable document addressing current issues. The most recent data and extensive research guide planning objectives and potential solutions. The Arkansas State Water Plan, in accordance with Acts 217 of 1969 and 1051 of 1985, consists of twelve basin reports. Each basin report includes a land resource inventory (land use & soil resources), identifies quantity and quality problems for surface and ground water, and provides solutions and recommendations.§ Additional Financial Assistance Programs. The Arkansas General Assembly has authorized ANRC to create seven financial assistance programs that use the state’s bonding authority to assist local units of government to finance water-related facilities and projects, including:
§ Water Development Fund§ Water, Sewer & Solid Waste Fund§ Water Resources Cost Share Revolving Fund§ Safe Drinking Water Revolving Fund§ Water, Waste Disposal & Pollution Abatement Facilities General Obligation Bond Program§ Water Plan Compliance§ Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund ProgramArkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
ADEQ protects, enhances and restores the natural environment for the well-being of all Arkansans. A 13-member commission provides oversight. The Governor appoints seven of members while six agencies are represented by their director or his/her designee, including the Arkansas Department of Health (ADHHS), Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), Arkansas Forestry Commission (AFC), ANRC, Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC) and the Arkansas Geology Commission (AGC). The Governor appoints the ADEQ Director, who directs 12 operating divisions. Three divisions are particularly related to the NPS Management Program: the Water Division and the Surface Mining and Reclamation Division. Below is a partial list of ADEQ programs and responsibilities that directly and indirectly relate to the NPS Management Program. § Holds responsibility for protecting the physical, chemical, biological and human health integrity of all state water bodies.§ Promulgates rules to implement state water quality standards§ Develops monitors and determines both long and short-term impacts of land use management practices on water quality standards for surface and ground water, and also develops waste load allocations. § Maintains a network of ambient water quality monitoring stations, roving monitoring sites and a program for biological monitoring. § Produces special studies and mandated reports, including the 303(d) inventory of impaired waters and the 305(b) water quality assessment report.§ Issues permits under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), including pretreatment, individual and storm water permits for water discharge of any sort within the state of Arkansas.§ Issues permits relating to "no-discharge" waste disposal systems (those that do not discharge directly to waters of the state) and saltwater disposal systems, including industrial septic tank systems, animal waste facilities such as hog farms and chicken operations with wet waste disposal systems § Manages the Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program § Issues 401 Water Quality Certifications for any water project requiring a federal permit or license.§ Sixteen district field office inspectors and two supervisors enforce compliance with permits described above, including:o Conduct permit compliance evaluation inspections for NPDES facilities permitted for surface water discharges, primarily municipal wastewater treatment plants and industrial discharges for process wastewater and for subsurface or no discharge facilities, including industrial septic tank systems, animal waste facilities such as hog farms and chicken operations with wet waste disposal systems and oil and gas related inspections that address deep well injection of brine from oil productiono Conduct storm water inspections which address storm water runoff from construction and industrial siteso Investigate citizen complaints against municipalities, industries, other citizens or agricultural facilitieso Respond to spills of materials from industries, transportations and municipalities to assure protection of the environmento Investigate fish kills related to environmental causeso Collect routine water samples from a network of sampling stations to monitor ambient water quality of waters of Arkansas. § Regulate Surface Mining and Reclamation, which includes two programs. o Non-Coal Program. Act 827 of 1991, as amended, deals with the reclamation of land affected by the mining of non-coal minerals, such as bauxite, clay, sand and gravel, using open cut mining methods. An amendment to the law passed in 1995 authorized the regulation of the practice of removing sand and gravel from the beds of streams within Arkansas. A 1999 amendment authorized the regulation of soil and shale pits with some exemptions based on the size of the pit and the distance from adjacent property lines. Regulation 15, the Arkansas Open Cut Mining and Land Reclamation, set performance standards that must be followed during mining and during the process of reclaiming land to a beneficial use. Act 1166 of 1997 provided a regulatory framework for the operation, reclamation and safe closure of new stone quarries and any land purchased or leased for a quarry. o Coal Program. Active coal mines must comply with Rule 20, the Arkansas Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Code (ASCMRC). Active coal mining sites are inspected on a monthly basis for compliance.§ Provides technical, administrative and professional assistance to citizens groups and state and federal agencies. § The Arkansas Watershed Advisory Group (AWAG) is a consortium of state and federal agency personnel and private citizens that promotes local voluntary approaches to watershed management and conservation. AWAG provides technical assistance to organize watershed groups, facilitates quarterly discussion of voluntary approaches, and hosts an annual water quality conference. ADEQ provides staff support for AWAG. Project WET is a national water education program for educators and grades K-12 that promote awareness, appreciation, knowledge and stewardship of water resources through the development and dissemination of classroom ready teaching aids. AWAG coordinates the program in Arkansas.Arkansas Forestry Commission (AFC)
AFC promotes forest resource health, conservation and stewardship of forests. The governor appoints the nine-member AFC Board of Commissioners and also selects the State Forester , who oversees day to day operations. The following partial list of AFC programs relate to silvicultural nonpoint source pollution management. § Best Management Practices (BMPs). AFC develops and maintains BMPs, a set of voluntary techniques and practices that forest managers can use to control nonpoint sources of pollution at a given site.§ BMP Monitoring. AFC collects and analyzes survey data on the implementation of recommended forestry BMPs in Arkansas' non-point water source silvicultural program. § BMP Training and Technical Assistance. AFC collaborates with forest industry associations and the Cooperative Extension Service to provide training and technical assistance to help loggers, landowners and forest managers implement recommended silvicultural BMPs to control nonpoint sources of pollution.§ Pollution Abatement. Through a Memorandum of Understanding, ADEQ refers citizen complaints about pollution from silvicultural activities to AFC for investigation and voluntary resolution before taking enforcement action. § Forest Management Incentives. AFC helps landowners apply for federal cost-share assistance for improving management of their forestland, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) and other related programs administered by USDA NRCS and Farm Service Agency (FSA).§ The Forest Land Enhancement Program (FLEP) is a new cost-share program administered by the Arkansas Forestry Program with federal funds.§ The Forest Stewardship Program recognizes and rewards landowners that are managing their forestlands according to a multiple-use concept. Landowners have access to resource professionals to assist them in obtaining a written forest management plan addressing multiple-use management.§ The Forest Legacy Program (FLP) uses conservation easements and fee-simple acquisitions to protect environmentally important privately-owned forest areas that are threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. § Forest Inventory and Analysis. AFC, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station, is responsible for collecting scientific data from permanently established plots located all over the state. The plots, each representing 5,937 acres, are strategically located on a three-mile by three-mile grid. Natural resource managers use the data to make management decisions. The inventory plots have been generating data since they were established in the 1950’s. The forest survey allows resource managers to monitor Arkansas’ natural resource trends through time.§ The Urban and Community Forestry Program provides technical assistance and grants for urban forestry through a cooperative agreement with the USDA Forest Service. Communities, non-federal government agencies, educational institutions, and 501(c)3 non-profit organizations may apply for these competitive grants. Arkansas Department of Health & Human Services (ADHHSHS) As it relates to nonpoint source pollution, ADHHS protects the health of all Arkansas’ citizens by providing technical assistance, analytical services, training, regulation, and public education related to public and private water, waste disposal and other systems. The 22-member Board of Health provides policy oversight and is appointed by the Governor. The Governor also appoints the Director of the Department of Health.§ Public Water Systems Regulation and Enforcement. ADHHS regulates and provides oversight of public water systems throughout the state. This program consists of plan review of new water system facility construction, inspection of water system facilities, troubleshooting water treatment and distribution problems, investigating complaints and collecting and analyzing samples to determine water quality. ADHHS also performs related functions, such as review of new sewer system construction plans, inspection of proposed cemetery sites and provision of water system operator training and certification. ADHHS promulgates rules to ensure public water systems ADHHSere to EPA regulations. § The Wellhead Protection (WHPP) Program is a pollution prevention and management program used to protect underground sources of drinking water. The federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Amendments of 1986 specified that certain program activities, such as delineation, contaminant source inventory, and source management, be incorporated into State Wellhead Protection Programs, which are approved by EPA prior to implementation.§ Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP). The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Amendments of 1996 required the states to develop and implement Source Water Assessment Programs (SWAP) to analyze existing and potential threats to the quality of the public drinking water sources throughout the state. States were given considerable flexibility in design of their programs. A state SWAP includes: delineating the source water assessment areas, conducting contaminant source inventories, determining the susceptibility of each public water supply source to contamination from the inventoried sources, and releasing the results of the assessments to the public. § Individual Sewage Disposal Systems. ADHHS approves and inspects individual disposal systems, including alternate and experimental sewage system applications and subdivisions. ADHHS also issues annual licenses for septic tank manufacturers, installers and pumpers and provides training for professional staff and industry personnel, as well as education materials for rural homeowners.§ Subdivisions. ADHHS consults with developers on proper sewage disposal plans for proposed subdivisions; provides information on soil suitability determinations which may determine lot size and the number of lots; and reviews plans for drinking water supply and sewage disposal. § Septic Tank Cleaning. Septic tank cleaners are required to pass a test and pay an annual fee for each vehicle in order to be licensed. ADHHS conducts an annual inspection of all pumping vehicles and monitors documentation of the legal sites where tank cleaners dispose of septage waste.§ Outdoor Bathing Places & Swimming Beaches. ADHHS consults with the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Forest Service, Arkansas State Parks and private individuals concerning the development and operation of swim beaches. ADHHS monitors bacteriological water quality throughout the swimming season. ADHHS administers regulations in compliance with EPA recommendations. § Environmental Complaints. ADHHS responds to environmental complaints involving vectors, marine sanitation, garbage, sewage and other basic sanitation regulations. Arkansas Highway & Transportation Department (AHTD) Through its Environmental Division, AHTD provides multidisciplinary review and analysis of project development and operations to ensure compliance with environmental laws, regulations and policies. Federal environmental legislation includes the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and others. AHTD is committed to environmental stewardship and mitigation of environmental and cultural impacts. The partial list of programs below describes how AHTD participates directly and indirectly in the NPS Management Program. § National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Project Review. The NEPA of 1969 establishes procedures that all federal agencies are required to implement to make environmental consideration a necessary part of their decision-making processes, including approval and construction of federally funded highway projects. To this end, AHTD produces environmental documentation for all construction projects. Full disclosure of environmental issues includes scoping with resource agencies and a public involvement process that includes early public involvement meetings and public hearings. NPS related activities routinely undertaken include geographic information systems analysis, wetland impact assessments, and storm water permitting. In addition, the Division monitors water quality and implements wetland mitigation property management strategies. § Storm Water Management. The AHTD recently developed and filed a notice of intent for a statewide small municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) NPDES permit. AHTD is working on a plan to address minimum control measures, including public education and outreach, public participation/involvement; illicit discharge detection and elimination; construction site runoff control; post-construction runoff control and pollution prevention/good housekeeping. The Environmental Division provides training to AHTD personnel on storm water management and permit requirements. Training for contractors is planned in the future. § Resource Agency Permit Facilitation. AHTD obtains all required environmental permits for state and federal highway projects, including filing notices of intent, preparing permit applications and obtaining permits. § Highway Construction Best Management Practices. AHTD maintains a manual of best management practices for construction storm water management and provides training to its contractors and staff on best management practices. Training for contractors is planned in the future. § Along with the Environmental Division, AHTD operates the T2 Technology Transfer Program, which is responsible for assisting cities and counties in implementation of transportation related technology. While the program focuses on construction and maintenance, materials, administration and computer programs, cities and counties also could benefit from training on storm water BMPs. The Arkansas Technology Transfer Program is a cooperative effort of AHTD, the Federal Highway Administration's Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (AGFC)
AGFC controls, manages, restores, conserves and regulates bird, fish, game and wildlife resources of the state, including acquiring and establishing hatcheries, sanctuaries, refuges, reservations and all property now owned or used for these purposes under the auspices of a seven member commission appointed by the Governor for seven-year terms. Some of the AGFC programs related directly and indirectly to the NPS Management Program are listed below.· Water Development Projects. Coordinate among federal, state, and other interests to protect fish and wildlife resources on private and public lands associated with federal water development activities, including to: (1) review and evaluate federally permitted projects such as Section 404 Permits (Clean Water Act), and Section 10 Permits (Rivers and Harbors Act) administered by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers; (2) identify and recommend opportunities for fish and wildlife restoration and enhancement features associated with planning of federal and state water development projects; and (3) coordinate with federal assistance programs (Section 1135, Section 206, and Section 22 programs) administered by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. · Stream Teams are voluntary groups of citizens interested in working on water conservation efforts sponsored by a coalition of agencies and private groups, including the AGFC, Keep Arkansas Beautiful, ADEQ, Audubon Arkansas, USDA NRCS, the Arkansas Bass Association, the ANRC, the Arkansas Cattleman’s Association, the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, the Arkansas Chapter of the Sierra Club and about two dozen other agencies and groups. Stream Teams help control litter, work on stream bank stabilization projects, improve fish habitat, and monitor water quality. Some 500 stream teams are active in Arkansas. · Threatened and Endangered Species Conservation. In cooperation with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), AGFC has developed and maintains conservation programs for resident federally-listed threatened and endangered species · Wildlife Conservation State Grants Program. AGFC offers competitive grants to public agencies, universities and nonprofit organizations to conserve non-game species of concern and their habitats, including aquatic species and habitats. · Nature Centers. The Governor Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center located in Pine Bluff opened in 2001, followed by the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center in Jonesboro. The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center opened in Fort Smith in 2005. The final center will be located in central Arkansas. These nature centers offer an opportunity to expand water quality education for the general public; for example, the Pine Bluff center focuses on wetlands education. · Lakes and Wildlife Management Areas. AGFC manages more than 100 lakes and wildlife management areas spanning thousands of acres in Arkansas.Arkansas State Plant Board (ASPB)
ASPB is primarily responsible for regulating pesticides and other agricultural chemicals used in Arkansas. The Plant Board has primacy under the federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the authority to regulate the proper labeling, distribution, storage, transportation, use, application and disposal of pesticides within the state of Arkansas. Some of the ASPB programs that directly or indirectly relate to the NPS Management Program, particularly the agricultural statewide program, are listed below. · Ground Water Protection. In February 1992 the ASPB implemented a Generic PMP. The goal of the Pesticide Management Plan is to prevent the state’s ground water from becoming contaminated by agricultural chemicals and, if contamination is found, to respond appropriately. Additionally, the PMP provides for the protection of public health and welfare, the propagation and protection of terrestrial and aquatic life, the protection of the environment, the operation of existing industries and agriculture and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term economic health of the state. The PMP also recognizes that preserving ground water quality is far less costly and more ecologically sound than restoring ground water back to its natural state. · Ground Water Monitoring. ASPB monitors ground water wells for non-point source contamination of pesticides. · Pesticide Registration. Before a pesticide can be sold in Arkansas, it must first be registered with the Plant Board in accordance with the Arkansas Pesticide Control Act and Regulations. This allows the Plant Board to confirm that the product meets all state and federal requirements to provide for both human and environmental protection. Each year ASPB registers approximately 10,000 pesticides for use in the state.· Dealer Licensing. Dealers that wish to sell or distribute those pesticides designated by the EPA as restricted use pesticides must first obtain a license from the Plant Board to do so in accordance with the Arkansas Pesticide Use Regulations. ASPB processes more than 400 dealer applications annually.· User and Applicator Training/Certification. Both users and applicators of restricted use pesticides must be trained in the proper handling of such pesticides and then licensed by the Plant Board in accordance with the Arkansas Pesticide Use and Application Act and Regulations. Those applicators that will apply pesticides commercially must also be tested before a license can be issued. Each year ASPB issues approximately 15,000 private applicator licenses, 900 commercial applicator licenses, 2000 non-commercial applicator licenses, 500 commercial firm licenses (ground and air), and 250 custom applicator licenses.· Enforcement. The division also is responsible for taking enforcement action against those persons and businesses that fail to comply with pesticide laws and regulations. Penalties can range from a warning letter to a monetary assessment of up to $1000 and license revocation.· Worker Protection. The Pesticide Division is also responsible for enforcement of the worker protection standard in Arkansas as it applies to the use of pesticides. Arkansas Livestock & Poultry Commission (ALPC) ALPC was created by Act 87 of 1963, and has authority for the control, suppression, and eradication of livestock and poultry diseases and pests, and supervision of sanitation related to livestock and poultry production. In addition, ALPC is responsible for promoting development of Arkansas livestock and poultry industries and for administering regulations pertaining to livestock and poultry production. With respect to the NPS Management Program, ALPC is responsible for regulation of carcass disposal. ALPC regulates carcass disposal under two sets of regulations: Carcass Disposal – Poultry (Act 87 of 1963, Act 150 of 1985, Act 168 of 1985, and Act 20 of 1989) and Regulation for the Disposal of Large Animal Carcasses, Excluding Dogs and Cats (Act 87 of 1963-Code 2-33-101 and Act 150 of 1985-Code 19-6-448) Arkansas Oil & Gas Commission (AOGC) AOGC’s mission is the regulation of the Arkansas oil, gas and brine industries to prevent waste, encourage conservation and protect the correlative rights of mineral ownership associated with the production of oil, natural gas, brine and associated products. The AOGC has issued more than 38,000 permits to drill oil, gas and brine wells since the Commission’s creation in 1939. The Commission maintains well-specific permitting, drilling, plugging and abandonment and production records for these wells. A nine-member Commission appointed by the governor provides oversight. Arkansas Geological Commission (AGC) Dating back to 1857, AGC’s mission is to develop and provide knowledge of the geology and hydrogeology of the state, to stimulate orderly development and to encourage effective management and utilization of the state's mineral, fossil-fuel and water resources, while protecting the environment. This is accomplished through services which include consultation on water well and septic tank inquiries and water well construction records. AGC has on file over 145,000 water well construction records, filed by county and township/range, dating from the early 1970’s. Other services include geologic mapping on areas of the state where the State Mapping Advisory Committee determines need. The AGC also provides topographic maps and interpretation, as well as many publications. Mineral occurrences are developed to the benefit of our state and nation while keeping economic development to the benefit of our people. Service is provided to mineral and fossil fuel companies through geologic interpretation of the state. Natural hazards are identified and noted where protection can be developed and instituted. Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism (ADPT) The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens by providing facilities and skilled leadership for the development and safeguarding of natural resources. Conservation of valuable state resources through ADPT policy plays an indirect role in the management of nonpoint source pollution in the following ways: § Arkansas State Parks. The planning and development (P&D) section of Arkansas State Parks designs and reviews designs of professional architectural/engineering consultants for renovations and new construction within the state park system. P&D also cooperates with regulatory agencies (i.e., Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Building Authority, International Building Code, etc.) for compliance with environmental laws, rules and regulations. Some of the regulations considered are: The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; The Clean Air Act; The Clean Water Act; Executive Order 115114, Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality; Executive Order 11288 concerning prevention, control and abatement of water pollution, Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968; Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands; and The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, etc. § SCORP. The Outdoor Recreation Grants section of Arkansas State Parks prepares the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) identifying outdoor recreation concerns and goals. The Department seeks the input of all interested federal and state agencies when updating the SCORP. A section of the plan is dedicated to the conservation of natural and cultural resources. Special consideration is given to wetlands, consistent with the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986, Section 303. The Arkansas Multi-Agency Wetland Planning Team (MAWPT) has contributed valuable wetland information for publication in the SCORP. Applicants seeking grant monies to assist in the development of parks and trails address SCORP issues. § Grant Applications. Staff members of the Outdoor Recreation Grants Program (ORGP) administer grants for the development of local parks and trails. ORGP coordinates grant projects with the statewide clearing house by requiring Matching Grant Applicants to submit an environmental review with their applications. Any proposed park or trail development project near a lake, stream, or other water resource must contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Stream Team for environmental examination before consideration for a grant award. § Environmental Review. Throughout the state, projects subject to environmental review are examined by ADPT for consideration and commentary. Projects impacting parks, streams, and wetlands raise concern. On-site visits are conducted when concerns warrant them. Comments and recommendations are sent to project applicants and the Arkansas Technical Review Committee. University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture The University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, is divided into two groups: the Cooperative Extension Service and the Agricultural Research Station. The Cooperative Extension Service develops research-based education and training programs and delivers programs through county faculty located in every county of the state. The Agricultural Research Station supports research, including highly applied demonstration projects with direct application to nonpoint source pollution management. Faculty members are located on four campuses and nine other locations statewide, including the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Arkansas State University, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, which is Arkansas’ 1890s land grant institution. Many faculty with joint research and extension responsibilities contribute to the NPS Management Program. Working closely with ANRC and the Arkansas Conservation Partnership (ACP), the Division of Agriculture conducts applied research on new and innovative agricultural best management practices, provides soil testing services to the state’s land users, and works with state agencies in the development of effective policy for the management of agricultural nonpoint source pollution. Specific to the 2006-2010 NPS Management Plan Statewide Agricultural Program: The University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service is the primary agency for development and delivery of agricultural education and training programs, including nonpoint source management. With respect to the 2006-2010 NPS Management Program, some of Extension’s education and training programs include: · In-Service training for multi-agency personnel. · Program planning and leadership for community and natural resource leaders. · Water quality awareness curriculum for school children.· Training on BMPs, regulatory frameworks and the relationship between production/biological processes that impact water quality for agricultural producers. · Farm*A*Syst, Urban*A*Syst and Home*A*Syst programs help agricultural producers as well as urban and rural dwellers identify and reduce sources of nonpoint source pollution in their environments.· Urban storm water management education.· Certification programs for pesticide applicators, nutrient applicators, etc.· Regulatory requirements and required training mandated in regulation (e.g., Regulation 5 requires training for permitted liquid animal waste management systems).· Sources of cost share and other financial assistance.· BMP training for landowner and logger education for private non-industrial forestlands.· An extensive library of up-to-date, research-based fact sheets, applied research publications and BMP manuals and guidelines. Content of these educational materials is carefully coordinated with ANRC, NRCS, AFC and other members of the ACP.The University of Arkansas, Agricultural Research Station maintains research and demonstration farms in all the major agricultural areas of the state, where farmers learn about the most recent information available to them on production and environmental methods. Arkansas’ NPS Management Program works with the Division of Agriculture to utilize these research and demonstration farms to evaluate the effectiveness of BMPs and to educate farmers and landowners about how they can be beneficial to them in reducing the loss of sediment, nutrients and organic material from their farms. In addition, faculty is involved in modeling watersheds, evaluating alternative products and markets to utilize poultry litter, designing stream bank restoration projects, geomorphological assessment, evaluating technologies to improve storm water management and other critical projects.
University of Arkansas, Arkansas Water Resource Center (AWRC)AWRC is one of 54 water research institutes in the United States established through the Water Resources Research Act of 1964. AWRC’s mission is: 1) to plan and conduct water resource research, cooperating closely with colleges, universities and other institutes in Arkansas to address the state's water and land-related problems; 2) to promote the dissemination and application of research results; 3) to provide for the training of scientists in water resources; 4) to formulate a research program that is responsive to state water issues; and 5) to work closely with state and federal agencies. AWRC has contributed substantially to Arkansas’ water resources via research and educational outreach activities through established partnerships with federal, state and local entities. AWRC also provides one of the primary mechanisms in the state for technology transfer and has over the years trained a large pool of students who eventually move into the workforce that targets water resource concerns throughout Arkansas. Through these collaborative partnerships AWRC provides effective coordination between the university research community and watershed-based implementation projects by providing technical assistance that is delivered to land users throughout the state, but especially within the priority watersheds.AWRC's Water Quality Lab provides analytical, field and technical support to the water quality investigative community, which includes university researchers, state agencies, federal agencies and private groups or individuals. The Water Quality Lab is accredited for microbiological examination of drinking water by the ADHHS, for surface water examination by the ADEQ and for trace level drinking water examination by the Louisiana Department of Health. The lab is the only lab in the state accredited under the new EPA National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) standards.
Other State & Private Universities Faculty at nearly every public and private university in Arkansas are involved in activities that directly and indirectly improve the results of the 2006-2010 NPS Management Program Update, including education and training of professionals, applied research, project design and management and public outreach. Universities that are represented on the NPS Management Program Task Force include: § University of Arkansas at Monticello§ Arkansas State University§ Arkansas Tech University§ University of Arkansas at Little Rock§ University of Central Arkansas§ University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff§ Southern Arkansas University§ Ouachita Baptist College U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) NRCS helps landowners and communities conserve, maintain and improve the state’s natural resources and environment. NRCS coordinates with its partners through the State Technical Committee. The State Technical Committee is comprised of individuals who represent a variety of natural resource sciences and occupations, including soil, water, plants, wetlands and wildlife. NRCS employees provide information and technical assistance to private landowners and land users. In addition, NRCS provides financial assistance to landowners to implement conservation measures through the following programs authorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, also known as the 2002 Farm Bill.· Conservation Security Program (CSP). CSP is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to producers who advance the conservation and improvement of soil, water, air, energy, plant and animal life, and other conservation purposes on private working lands. Such lands include cropland, grassland, prairie land, improved pasture, and range land as well as forested land and other non-cropped areas that are an incidental part of the agriculture operation. NRCS annually selects priority watersheds where the CSP program is targeted. For example, NRCS selected the Cadron, Lower Neosho, Lower St. Francis and Lower White-Bayou Des Arc watersheds for focus in FY2005.· Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land. Persons engaged in livestock or agricultural production on eligible land may participate in the EQIP program. EQIP activities are carried out according to a plan of operations developed in conjunction with the producer that identifies the appropriate conservation practice or practices to address the resource concerns. The practices are subject to NRCS technical standards adapted for local conditions. EQIP offers contracts with a minimum term that ends one year after the implementation of the last scheduled practices and a maximum term of ten years. These contracts provide incentive payments and cost-shares to implement conservation practices. EQIP may cost-share up to 75% of the costs of certain conservation practices. Incentive payments may be provided for up to three years to encourage producers to carry out management practices they may not otherwise use without the incentive. However, limited resource producers may be eligible for cost-shares up to 90%. Farmers and ranchers may elect to use a certified third-party provider for technical assistance. In FY2003, Arkansas allocated approximately $11 million for 570 EQIP projects while eligible producers requested $76 million. · Wetlands Reserve Project (WRP) is a voluntary program that provides incentives to landowners to restore, protect or enhance the functions of wetland ecosystems. In Arkansas, the program focuses on restoring bottomland hardwood forest ecosystems and restoring water quality in the Lower Mississippi River Valley, Arkansas River Valley and Red River Valley through reforestation and hydrology restoration. Arkansas is currently ranked second in the nation in enrolled Wetlands Reserve Program acres. The program annually results in reforestation of 8,000 acres of bottomland hardwoods and restoration of hydrology on more than 6,000 acres.· The Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program (PL 83-566) objective is for NRCS to cooperate with state and local agencies to carry out works of improvement for soil conservation and for other purposes, including flood prevention; conservation, development, utilization and disposal of water; and conservation and proper utilization of the land. NRCS implements the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act through two program areas: Watershed Survey and Planning, and Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations. NRCS in Arkansas has approximately 63 watershed projects either completed or actively being implemented and has completed 14 river basin surveys.· Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program is to undertake emergency measures, including the purchase of flood plain easements (see next item), for runoff retardation and soil erosion prevention to safeguard lives and property from floods, drought and the products of erosion on any watershed whenever fire, flood or any other natural occurrence is causing or has caused a sudden impairment of the watershed. EWP provides funding to project sponsors for work such as clearing debris from clogged waterways, restoring vegetation, and stabilizing river banks. The measures that are taken must be environmentally and economically sound and generally benefit more than one property owner. NRCS provides up to 75% of the funds needed to restore the natural function of a watershed. The community or local sponsor of the work pays the remaining 25%, which can be provided by cash or in-kind services. The joint efforts of NRCS, the Clark County Conservation District, Arkansas Forestry Commission, provided land users in Arkansas with technical and financial assistance to establish or refurbish firebreaks damaged by ice storms.· The Emergency Watershed Protection-Floodplain Easement Program goal is to reduce the recurring cost of flood damage in areas prone to flooding while restoring or protecting fish and wildlife habitat, especially wetland habitat. The program will accomplish this goal by acquiring perpetual easements from interested landowners and, where necessary, restoring the hydrology and vegetation of the floodplain. NRCS has designated the following rivers or watersheds as priority areas in Arkansas in order to maximize environmental benefits: L’Anguille River and Departee Creek Watersheds, Bayou Bartholomew, St. Francis River/Little River Floodway and Mississippi River, White River, Black River and Buffalo River. L’ Anguille, Bayou Bart, and the Upper White River watersheds are priorities for the 2006-2010 NPS Management Program.· Nonpoint Source Project NRCS is providing technical and financial assistance in Arkansas through the Buffalo River Tributaries Land Treatment Watershed Project.· Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is a voluntary program that offers landowners easements, long-term rental agreements or restoration agreements to protect, restore and enhance grasslands, including grassland, rangeland, pastureland, shrubland and certain other lands. The program is jointly administered by NRCS, FSA and U.S. Forest Service (USFS). The program will conserve vulnerable grasslands from conversion to cropland or other uses and conserve valuable grasslands by helping maintain viable ranching operations. The first GRP sign-up period in Arkansas ended in late 2004.· Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI). Funded in 2003, this program provides technical and educational assistance to owners of private grazing lands to improve management. In its first year, the program conducted more than 25 workshops, field days and presentations for more than 600 farmers and purchased 11 easements. The program is not a cost share program. The Arkansas Grazing Lands Advisory Committee provides oversight and the Cooperative Extension Service and NRCS carry out the program.
· Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program that provides cost-share to implement practices that improve habitat for game and non-game species. NRCS and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission biologists work with the applicant to conduct a sound habitat evaluation of the proposed area, carefully prioritize the habitat needs, and meet those needs by planning and timely installation of the appropriate management practices.· Resource Conservation and Development Councils (RC&Ds) are independent regional nonprofit organizations staffed with NRCS employees and partially funded by NRCS. RC&Ds improve the capability of state and local units of government in rural areas to plan, develop and carry out resource conservation and development projects designed to meet unique needs of rural communities. The councils often convene wide-ranging partners and develop resources to implement important projects that otherwise might not be undertaken. For example, one RC&D was instrumental in the creation of the Lower Little River Watershed Coalition while another RC&D pulled together a partnership to implement an extensive education program for private non-industrial landowners in an area of the state where BMP compliance was less than desirable. US Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA)FSA is dedicated to achieving an economically and environmentally sound future for American agriculture. In the 1930s, Congress set up a unique system under which federal farm programs are administered locally. Farmers eligible to participate elect a three- to five-person county committee, which reviews county office operations and makes decisions on how to apply the programs. This grassroots approach gives farmers a say in how federal actions affect their communities and their individual operations. After more than 60 years, it remains a cornerstone of FSA's efforts to preserve and promote American agriculture. FSA administers three conservation programs authorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, also known as the 2002 Farm Bill.
· Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary program for agricultural landowners. Through CRP, producers can receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource conserving covers on eligible farmland. CRP is administered by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) through FSA. Program support is provided by NRCS, Cooperative Extension Service, state forestry agencies, and local conservation districts. · Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). FSA and the state of Arkansas launched a $10 million CREP program to improve water quality of the Bayou Meto watershed and wildlife habitat in five central Arkansas counties in 2001. Producers enrolled in CREP remove lands from agricultural production and plant native grasses, trees, and other vegetation to improve water quality, soil and wildlife habitat under voluntary 10-15 year contracts. The Arkansas CREP will target 4,700 acres to establish tree buffers around streams and rivers in the Bayou Meto watershed. · Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) provides emergency funding and technical assistance for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters. US Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USFS) The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. In addition to managing national forests and grasslands, the USFS is also among the largest forestry research organizations in the world, and provides technical and financial assistance to state and private forestry agencies. Some of the USFS programs that relate to the 2006-2010 NPS Management Program Update are listed below. The Ouachita National Forest covers 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. The Ouachita National Forest includes land in three priority watersheds for the 2006-2010 NPS Management Program, including the Poteau River watershed, the Upper Saline River watershed and the Lower Little River watershed. The Ozark-St. Francis National Forest is actually two distinct forests. The Ozark National Forest covers 1.2 million acres, mostly in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas. A small section of the forest is in the Upper White River watershed, which is a 2006-2010 NPS Management Program priority watershed. The St. Francis National Forest covers 22,600 acres in eastern Arkansas, one of the smallest and most diverse forests in the country.· Forest Planning. Each forest in the National Forest System operates under a Forest Plan. The Amended Forest Plan for the Ouachita National Forest was signed in March 1990. The current plan for the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests was signed in July 1986. Both of Arkansas’ national forests are in the process of developing new plans that will provide direction for the next 10-15 years. In its capacity as lead silviculture agency for the 2006-2010 NPS Management Program, the Arkansas Forestry Commission (AFC) will participate in these planning processes to encourage federal consistency. In addition, local watershed groups will also participate in these planning processes. · Forest Service Research and Development (R&D) scientists carry out basic and applied research to study biological, physical, and social sciences related to diverse forests and rangelands. USFS research promotes ecologically sound management of national forest lands as well as private forest lands. Examples of relevant research products include:o Forest Inventory and Analysis reports on status and trends in forest area and location. The program is managed in cooperation with State and Private Forestry and National Forest System. o Fish and Water Research enhances understanding of organisms, populations, ecosystems, and ecological processes that is essential for managing forests and rangelands to sustain water quality and biological diversity. This research is crucial to the agency's ability to comply with requirements of key environmental statutes, including the Clean Water Act.o Ozark-Ouachita Highlands Assessment of Aquatic Conditions provides an inter-disciplinary comparative assessment of 73 watersheds in portions of three states that make up the Ozark-Ouachita Highlands. US Geological Survey (USGS) USGS is the principal federal agency for generating hydrologic information and appraising the nation's water resources. The water resources of Arkansas consist of numerous streams, springs, lakes and aquifer systems. USGS collects stream flow, ground water levels and water quality data throughout the state. These hydrologic data and other data are used in research and hydrologic studies to describe the quantity, quality and location of Arkansas' water resources. The collection, analysis and interpretation of these data are done in cooperation with other federal, state and local agencies, universities, and research centers. The USGS Arkansas Water Resources website at http://ar.water.usgs.gov provides a wealth of data and links to research publications that inform the 2006-2010 NPS Management Program Update, such as: § 2004 Annual Data Report by T.H. Brossett, T.P. Schrader, and D.A. Evans (WDR-04-1)§ Water-Quality Assessment of Lakes Maumelle and Winona, Arkansas, 1991 Through 2003 by Joel M. Galloway and W. Reed Green (SIR 2004-5182)§ Development of a Traveltime Prediction Equation for Streams in Arkansasby Jaysson E. Funkhouser and C. Shane Barks (SIR 2004-5064)§ Magnitude and Frequency of Floods in Arkansas by Scott A. Hodge and Gary D. Tasker Software Disk (WRIR95-4224.zip) (WRIR 95-4224)§ Water Quality and Streamflow Gains and Losses of Osage and Prairie Creeks, Benton County, Arkansas, July 2001 by Matthew W. Moix, C. Shane Barks, and Jaysson E. Funkhouser (WRIR 03-4187)§ Water resources data for the 2002 water year for Arkansas consist of records of discharge and water quality (physical measurements and chemical concentrations) of streams, water quality of lakes, and ground water levels and ground water quality by T.H. Brossett and D.A. Evans (AR-02-1)§ Quality of Ozark Streams and Ground Water, 1992-1995 by James C. Petersen, James C. Adamski, Richard W. Bell, Jerri V. Davis, Suzanne R. Femmer, David A. Freiwald and Robert L. Joseph (FS 092-99)§ Periphyton Communities in Streams of the Ozark Plateaus and Their Relations to Selected Environmental Factors by James C. Petersen, and Suzanne R. Femmer (WRIR 02-4210)§ Simulation of Hydrodynamics, Temperature and dissolved oxygen in Beaver Lake, AR 1994-1995 by Brian E. Haggard, and W. Reed Green (WRIR 02-4116)§ Phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations and loads at Illinois River south of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, 1997-1999 W. Reed Green and Brian E. Haggard (WRIR 01-4217) US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) USFWS’s mission is to conserve, protect and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats through consultation, cooperation and communication for the continuing benefit of the American people. In partnership with the state, USFWS provides a range of environmental services programs to protect endangered and threatened species, conserve habitat and reduce environmental contaminants. In cooperation with USFWS, the AGFC has developed and maintains conservation programs for resident federally-listed threatened and endangered species. § Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires all federal agencies to conserve threatened and endangered species. While managing federal lands or engaging in other federal business that could affect listed species, agencies must first consult with USFWS to ensure that their actions will not harm a listed species or damage or destroy its habitat. These actions include the issuing of federal permits, licenses granting approval to certain private activities or federally funded actions. In the relatively few cases where USFWS determines a proposed action will harm a species, it suggests ways for landowners to modify their proposals to conserve listed species. USFWS also works with agencies to minimize potential harm to protected species, allowing projects to continue. Private landowners who develop and implement an approved habitat conservation plan providing for conservation of threatened or endangered species can receive an incidental take permit that allows the development project to go forward. § The Habitat Conservation and Environmental Contaminants programs are responsible for providing information and consultative services for the protection and conservation of fish and wildlife species and their habitats to a widely diverse audience including federal, state, and local governments; businesses; and private individuals. Consultations include: mapping of wetlands; habitat restoration and management; contaminant risk assessment, restoration, and remediation; and public outreach and education. The program provides USFWS with internal and external review to insure compliance for a variety of federal environmental and resource laws. § Federal Permits & Projects. The USFWS evaluates federally constructed, licensed or permitted water resource development projects and provides recommendations to reduce impacts to fish and wildlife resources. Under the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Clean Water Act and other legislation, federal agencies permitting or constructing these projects must consult with the USFWS during the planning of projects. The USFWS provides technical support to the agencies in the planning process, providing fish and wildlife resources information and analyses while recommending measures to mitigate impacts. § National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). The NWI prepares and distributes maps showing the location and types of wetlands found throughout the region. It also provides technical assistance in wetland delineation, wetland soils, wetland plants, wetland hydrology, wetland trends and wetland values to individuals, other USFWS programs and other federal and state agencies. § Partners for Fish and Wildlife program provides financial and technical assistance to restore, improve and protect fish and wildlife habitat on private lands through partnerships with private landowners and other organizations while leaving the land in private ownership. § Land Management. USFWS manages 10 national wildlife refuges, three national fish hatcheries, two ecological service offices, a law enforcement office and a migratory bird field station in Arkansas. US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) The mission of USACE is to provide quality, responsive engineering services to the nation for planning, designing, building and operating water resources and other civil works projects for navigation, flood control, environmental protection and disaster response as well as providing engineering support for the armed forces and federal agencies. Its workforce includes biologists, engineers, geologists, hydrologists, natural resource managers and other professionals. Through its centers of expertise, USACE provides environmental consulting services to federal, state, local and private entities. In granting or denying permits to developers, the USACE strives to prevent environmental damage. Evaluating public interest, regulatory experts balance the need of economic development with environmental considerations. USACE forms numerous partnerships with other agencies, state and federal governments, environmental groups and private citizens to help solve ecological problems. Some of its programs that relate to the 2006-2010 NPS Management Program Update include:§ Wetlands and Waterways Regulation and Permitting (Section 404 Permits). Passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972 greatly broadened this role by giving USACE authority over dredging and filling in the waters of the United States, including many wetlands. A major aspect of the regulatory program is determining which areas qualify for protection as wetlands. In reaching these decisions, the USACE uses its 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual. Working toward a national goal of no net loss of wetlands, the Civil Works program is undertaking projects to restore existing wetlands or to create new ones.
