Lamar Council Agrees To ADEQ Order
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The Lamar City Council approved a consent administrative order from the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) during its monthly meeting Tuesday, June 10, to address noncompliance with wastewater treatment regulations.
In January 2023, the city and ADEQ executed a consent administrative order which assessed a penalty of $5,400 for violations of the Arkansas Water and Air Pollution Control Act. However, the order conditionally suspended $3,400 of the penalty if required improvements to the wastewater system were completed by Dec. 31, 2024.
However, the revised order presented to the Council on Tuesday states the city failed to complete the repairs to the wastewater treatment plant and failed to comply with the permitted effluent limitations by the agreed-upon deadline.
Therefore, the suspended portion of the penalty is due and payable to ADEQ within 30 days. The Council authorized Mayor Jerry Boen to sign the amended order and approved the expenditure of funds required for compliance.
The amended order also states the city must submit a certification of compliance from a professional engineer by March 31, 2027, stating the corrective actions listed in the order have been completed and the city is in compliance with the effluent limitations of its permit.
Other Matters
–Boen read a formal letter of resignation from Alderman Jodi Pearson, effective as soon as a replacement for her position is confirmed.
–Boen announced the cemetery was slated to be mowed on Friday, June 12, and flowers needed to be removed by that date.
–The annual car show and family fun day were held on June 6, with a total of 82 cars entered. Lower attendance at the events was attributed to inclement weather.
–The Fourth of July fireworks show will be held on Saturday, June 27.
–Fire Chief Roy Hall reported the department responded to 46 calls in May.
–Police Chief Gaston Griggs presented an oral and written report for the department’s May activity.
–Superintendent Clayton Hudnall reported on maintenance and repair projects in both the street and water/sewer departments.
Council members present included Lorrie Chesser, Tanif Crotts, Jason Higgins and Tod Higby, with Joe McCarley absent.
Read this story and others in the June 17 issue of The Graphic, available online and at businesses throughout Franklin and Johnson counties. Subscribe or donate here to support more hometown journalism.
