Regional Haze/Arkansas: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Public Notices Approval of Arkansas' State Implementation Plan
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) published in the August 27th Federal Register a final rule approving the Arkansas State Implementation Plan (“SIP”) revision for the 2022 Planning Period II regional haze requirements. See 91 Fed. Reg. 55268. Under the final rule, the…
Environmental Criminal Enforcement/Clean Water Act: Puerto Rico Meat Processing Facility Charged with Alleged Violations
September 3, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The United States Attorney’s Office (Puerto Rico) stated in a news release that it has charged Ganaderos Borges Inc. (“GBI”) for allegedly violating the Clean Water Act. Four individuals were also charged. The alleged violations included: Four violations of the Clean Water Act. Conspiracy to…
2025 United States Paper Recycling Rates: American Forest & Paper Association Releases Data
September 3, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The American Forest & Paper Association (“AFPA”) announced its annual paper recycling rates in the United States for 2025. Two key rates released included: Paper recycling rate was 61-65%. Cardboard recycling rate was 70-75%. Paper and paper packaging are noted to be collected for recycling from…
Drinking Water Systems/Lead and Copper Rule: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Issues Guidance Addressing Pipe Replacement
September 2, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) released guidance on August 21st that it described as advancing: … the agency’s commitment to clear and plain language communication while sharing information, definitions, and useful examples to help water systems comply with lead pipe replacement…
Arkansas Environmental Personnel Moves: Lance Jones, P.E. (Former Director of Engineering/Arkansas Department of Health) Joins Hawkins-Weir Engineers
September 2, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The Arkansas Department of Health publication Arkansas Drinking Water Update announced that Lance Jones, P.E., BCEE, Director of Engineering, retired from the Arkansas Department of Health (“ADH”) on May 1st after 33 years of service with the Public Health Engineering Branch. Mr. Jones recently…