Arkansas State Overview

Stormwater runoff (discharge) from Arkansas construction sites is regulated under section 402 of the Clean Water Act (CWA).  Section 402 outlines the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program.  The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)’s stormwater management program is one whose regulations are comprised of three different General Permits: (1) The Construction General Permit; (2) The Industrial General Permit and (3) The Sewer System (MS4) Permit.

An operator of a construction site is required to apply for ADEQ Construction General Permit coverage if he/she will be discharging into waters of the state of Arkansas. More specifically, an operator or discharger is required to apply for an ADEQ General Permit if his/her project site will include (1) land disturbing activities equal to, or greater than one (1) acre; (2) construction activities involving less than one (1) acre but is part of a common plan of development or sale equal to or greater than one (1) acre; and (3) where discharges enter surface waters of the state.

The rules and regulations associated with the Arkansas Construction General Permit for discharges from large and small construction activities is intended to protect the natural water resources of the State of Arkansas.  These regulations are vital to Arkansas’ effort to protect and improve water quality within the state.  These important regulations were framed in accordance with the provisions of the Arkansas Water and Air Pollution Control Act and the Clean Water Act.

To learn more about stormwater management check out the Stormwater Management section of this website and enroll in one of our online certificate programs today.