Summary of Consent Administrative Order: Failures in Wastewater Management

Introduction

The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment – Division of Environmental Quality recently issued a consent administrative order. This order addresses several critical failings by Donny Dawson, the supervisor for both Paradise Acres and White Oak wastewater treatment facilities, and public works director. This post summarizes key findings from the order and outlines potential areas for internal investigation and identification of best practices.

DMR Violations

The consent administrative order identified multiple Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) violations. These violations occurred at both Paradise Acres and White Oak Wastewater Treatment (WWWT) facilities. From June 2020 to May 2023, the facilities exceeded their permitted effluent discharge limits. Such persistent violations suggest significant lapses in operational oversight and compliance.

Key Findings Implicating Donny Dawson

Donny Dawson is directly implicated in the administrative order due to his roles at the aforementioned facilities. The findings highlight operational deficiencies and failures in maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. As the supervisor and public works director, Dawson's responsibilities include ensuring that wastewater treatment processes meet required standards. However, repeated exceedances in discharge limits underline an ongoing systemic problem.

Recommendations for Internal Investigation

Given the serious nature of the violations, a thorough internal investigation is warranted. This investigation should aim to:

• Identify the root causes of the DMR violations.
• Review operational protocols and maintenance practices at both facilities.
• Assess staff training and competency regarding environmental compliance.
• Evaluate the efficacy of existing monitoring and reporting systems.

Additionally, best practice identification should be a priority. Implementing corrective measures and improving operational standards will be crucial to prevent future violations and ensure compliance with environmental quality regulations.

Conclusion

The consent administrative order from the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment – Division of Environmental Quality serves as a critical reminder of the importance of operational compliance in wastewater management. Addressing the failures attributed to Donny Dawson and implementing robust corrective actions will be vital to safeguard environmental standards and public health in the affected areas.