ADEQ to hold solid waste plan meetings

The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality will hold several meetings around the state over the next few weeks to discuss the proposed update to the Statewide Solid Waste Management Plan.

A public meeting will be held in Hot Springs from 5- 7 p. m. Aug. 19 at the Southwest Central Regional Solid Waste Management: West Central Arkansas Planning and Development Office, 1000 Central Ave.

ADEQ and stakeholders, including business, industry, government, consulting, environmental, and resource management entities have been working since mid- 2011 to develop recommendations for the 10- year plan update, according to a news release.

Under Act 1376 of 2001, ADEQ is charged with developing a new comprehensive statewide solid waste management plan every 10 years and establishing minimum requirements for the development of new waste management plans by Regional Solid Waste Management Boards.

The statewide plan sets requirements for strategic planning, reporting, public notice and participation.

After receiving public input at the meetings, ADEQ will finalize the state plan and submit it to the governor and legislative council. Regional Solid Waste Management Districts will then develop regional plans based on requirements contained in the state plan.