Report: Complaint Filed Against Tontitown Mayor for Burning Trash
Date: [Insert Date]
Location: Tontitown, Arkansas
Introduction
The Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has filed a complaint against Tontitown Mayor Angela Russell after reports of trash being burned in her yard during an air quality test in February. This report aims to provide an overview of the incident and its implications.
Background
The complaint, dated Feb. 6, stated that smoke was observed coming from Mayor Angela Russell’s residence at around 8 a.m. on the second day of the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment’s (ADEE) five-day air test. Inspectors from the Office of Air Quality visited Russell’s residence near the Eco-Vista Waste Management Landfill on Arbor Acres Avenue and spoke with Russell’s housekeeper, who informed them that Russell’s husband was responsible for the burning.
Violation of Regulations
ADEQ states in the complaint that the burning of the dog food bag and wood trim is a violation of Rule 18.602, which prohibits the open burning of refuse, garbage, trade waste, or other waste material. The operations manager at the landfill also confirmed witnessing black smoke and flames coming from the residence and believed the house was on fire. He further stated that Russell’s husband was present in the backyard during the burning.
Warning and Potential Penalties
In a letter dated Feb. 16, ADEQ urged the mayor to consider alternative waste disposal methods to prevent fire hazards and protect air quality in the community and its immediate surroundings. The letter also warned that further incidents of open burning could result in fines of up to $10,000 per incident.
Mayor’s Response
Russell claims that she and her husband were unaware of the air testing, but once they learned about it, they refrained from burning on the remaining scheduled days. She emphasized her support for air quality testing and expressed her commitment to ensuring the well-being of her citizens.
Permitted Burning
The couple had obtained permission from the local fire department to burn items for three days. Russell clarified that her husband did not burn interior wood house trim or a dog food bag. She explained that what was mistaken for wood trim was actually cornstalks, and the dog food bag was used to transport leaves, rubbish, and debris to the burn pile.
Community Reactions
Some Tontitown residents believe that the mayor should not have received a violation and feel that she is being unfairly targeted. They express gratitude for her efforts in addressing the landfill issue and criticize what they perceive as a personal vendetta by the government. Others argue that this complaint is an attempt to divert attention from the landfill problem.
Conclusion
This incident involving the burning of trash in Tontitown has raised concerns about air quality and waste disposal practices. It highlights the importance of adhering to regulations, such as those outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Moving forward, it is crucial for all stakeholders to work together to find sustainable solutions that protect the environment and the well-being of the community.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article discusses air quality testing and the potential harm caused by burning waste materials.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article mentions the landfill controversy in Tontitown and the need to protect air quality in the community.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The article highlights the violation of open burning rules and the need to consider alternatives for waste disposal.
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.
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 hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator for SDG 11.6: Ambient air pollution measured in terms of annual mean concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and annual mean concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO2).
- Indicator for SDG 12.4: Percentage of hazardous waste generated that is treated, disposed of, or recycled in an environmentally sound manner.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Indicator: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 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. | Indicator: Ambient air pollution measured in terms of annual mean concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and annual mean concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO2). |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 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. | Indicator: Percentage of hazardous waste generated that is treated, disposed of, or recycled in an environmentally sound manner. |
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