Sewage Facility Appeal Process has Begun
Public Hearing Alert: CAW seeks new water service area
PUBLIC HEARING ALERT: NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION TO REVIEW A DECISION TO APPROVE CAW WATER EXPANSION NORTH OF ROLAND
Make plans to attend the public hearing! We need a large crowd! Residents deserve to know more details about this project!
WHO
Central Arkansas Water/Wye Mountain Water Association (the Facilities Board of Wye Mountain Water Association merged with Central Arkansas Water in 2011) has been asked by two (2) developers to expand water service into their area. The two developers were named by a CAW official at the June 24, 2024 public hearing at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Little Italy.
On September 5, 2024, The Director of the Arkansas Natural Resources Division, Chris Colclasure, approved the CAW project as being “in compliance with the Arkansas Water Plan”.
On or about September 25, 2024, commenters living in the area received letters stating the Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Commission will review (as requested by commenters) the decision in accordance with their rules and regulations. On October 1, another letter was sent with date/time/place of the hearing (Details below).
WHAT
Many residents of the area oppose the project for these main reasons:
1. Water service to this area will mainly benefit two (2) developers who own a majority of the acreage in the proposed service area for expansion & asked for this new service. CAW could not name one resident who requested the new service. One developer has a history of disregard for impacts to natural resources.
2. The current infrastructure was paid for and is currently being paid for via $32/month surcharge by the Wye Mountain Water Association (WMWA) users which will make possible new water to the expansion area. The WMWA water users should not be forced to pay for infrastructure that will benefit mainly 2 developers and a large water utility (CAW). This is reprehensible.
3. CAW held a poorly advertised meeting on June 24, 2024. Information on costs to voluntarily connect to the public line was missing at that meeting (example: monthly water consumption costs including $32 surcharge, one time ~$720 meter connection, etc.) and was necessary for residents to make an informed decision about this proposal. Since that meeting, many have learned facts not presented and are vocally against.
4. CAW failed to ask for comments from all the water systems within five (5) miles of the proposed expansion. The Bigelow Waterworks was not contacted and they are 2.83 miles from the proposed expansion.
WHERE
The expanded service area would be along Ross Hollow Road in Monnie Springs, Dwight Little Road, and Southridge Road - these areas are in both Pulaski and Perry Counties.
WHEN
The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission Public Hearing:
NOVEMBER 12, 2024 @ 2:00 PM
1 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
View a community member-edited CAW map showing the property owned by the two developers requesting service in the proposed new water service area.
Print the letter below, sign, and bring with you to the hearing.
OR sign the online petition opposing the CAW expansion until more information may be learned.
ENFORCEMENT REPORTS
Paradise Valley Clean Water Act Violation
Lakeview West Permitting and BMP Violations
Paradise Valley Clean Water Act Violation
On January 18, 2024, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued a Clean Water Act Violation for ground disturbing activities in the Waters of the US at Paradise Valley. Read the letter using the link below.
NEW: Paradise Valley EPA AOC
Lakeview West Permitting and BMP Violations
Paradise Valley Clean Water Act Violation
On August 1, 2024, the EPA sent the developer of Paradise Valley a letter that included an Administrative Order of Consent requiring the developer to comply with the provisions set forth in the order.
Lakeview West Permitting and BMP Violations
Lakeview West Permitting and BMP Violations
Lakeview West Permitting and BMP Violations
Lakeview West is within PMCC's area of operation. Violations include: ground disturbing work without a permit and violations of Best Management Practices. A proposed CAO is being issued. Community video after a rainstorm in March 2024 were submitted to the appropriate agencies showing construction stormwater flowing into Lake Maumelle.
PARADISE VALLEY PERMIT SENT BACK TO ADEQ
APC&E Commission affirms remand
PMCC STATEMENT regarding APC&E Commission vote Friday 4/26/24 RE: Paradise Valley’s sewage facility permit:
“We are very pleased that the APC&E Commission has asked the ADEQ to review these issues thoroughly.”
Pulaski County Begins Land Use Study
Due to Leap-frogging developments like Paradise Valley, the PMCC working with a commissioner on the board initiated a land use study. We have a fighting chance to have our voices heard and issues resolved. Please stay engaged in the study. Find out more using the link below. To be added as a stakeholder, email Van McClendon the Pulaski County Planning & Development Director vmcclendon@pulaskicounty.net
Visit our Sister Site: likearkansas.org
This site has detailed information about the history of Paradise Valley, an online petition, maps, helpful links, and more.
Donations Gratefully Accepted
Please send checks (no cash) to:
Pinnacle Mountain Community Coalition
c/o Chris Centofante
P.O. Box 73
Roland, AR 72135
Make checks out to: PMCC
Thank you.
About Us
Area of Operation
Pinnacle Mountain Community Coalition conducts its activities related to the areas of Roland, Little Italy, Wye Mountain, Natural Steps, Monnie Springs and surrounding areas in West and Northwest Pulaski County, Arkansas.
Purpose
- The general purpose shall be to plan and act in ways to make the area a better community in which to live and raise a family.
- To encourage the residential character of the neighborhood and quality of life through compatible land usage.
- To protect the ecological integrity, biodiversity and water quality of the Lake Maumelle & Mill Bayou Watersheds and surrounding tributaries.
- To develop local leadership and resources effectively to deal with neighborhood issues.
- To inform the residents of the neighborhood of events concerning this area.
- To provide a vehicle through which group unity may be directed when needed.
Membership
Membership is open to all residents and property owners within the Area of Operation, who support the stated purpose, and attend at least 2 meetings a year. Members must be eighteen years of age or older.
Dues
No dues are collected.
Community Meetings
As announced by the President and usually located at the Lake Maumelle Fire Department, 20720 Clay Street, starting at 5:45pm with a meet & eat and 6:00pm meeting. Sign up for email alerts for the meeting dates and location.