ADEQ files complaint against Tontitown mayor for allegedly burning materials during air quality test
ADEQ files complaint against Tontitown mayor for alleged burn KFSM 5Newsonline
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Tontitown Mayor Accused of Burning Trash During Air Quality Test
The Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) filed a complaint against Tontitown Mayor Angela Russell after reports of trash being burned during an air quality test in February. The complaint stated that smoke was observed coming from Mayor Russell’s residence on the second day of the five-day air monitoring test conducted by the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment (ADEE).
Concerns about Eco-Vista Landfill
ADEE had previously received multiple complaints from residents about alleged fumes from the Eco-Vista Landfill. In response to these concerns, ADEE deployed the National Guard in December.
Municipal Official’s Health Issues
In addition, Mayor Russell claimed that she had to seek medical attention after falling ill due to the landfill’s fumes in the same month.
Open Burning Discouraged
ADEQ strongly discouraged the open burning of any materials and urged Mayor Russell to consider alternative waste disposal methods to prevent fire hazards and protect air quality in the community and surrounding areas.
Recommendations for Waste Disposal
- Mulch grass clippings and leave them on the ground for a healthier lawn
- Mulch fallen leaves to use on your lawn, shrubs, and flower beds
- Compost yard waste and add it to your soil for enrichment
Mayor’s Response
Mayor Russell denied interfering with the air test and stated that her family had received approval from the local fire department to burn the materials for their annual garden. She also mentioned that the city was not notified about the air tests until after they had already started burning, and they immediately stopped once they became aware of the tests. Additionally, Mayor Russell disputed the accuracy of the ADEQ complaint, claiming that no wood trim was burned on that particular day.
Potential Consequences
ADEQ warned that any further incidents of open burning and any additional information related to these incidents could result in fines of up to $10,000 each.
Conclusion
The case involving Mayor Russell’s alleged burning of trash during an air quality test highlights the importance of adhering to sustainable waste management practices. It serves as a reminder of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), which aim to promote sustainable urban development and responsible waste management.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
- SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution.
- Indicator for SDG 11.6: Municipal solid waste generated per capita.
- Indicator for SDG 12.4: Amount of hazardous waste generated and treated.
- Indicator for SDG 13.3: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Municipal solid waste generated per capita. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | Amount of hazardous waste generated and treated. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning. | Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: 5newsonline.com
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