Air Healthy to Breathe
Under the Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is required to set and review National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six common outdoor air pollutants (also known as “criteria” air pollutants): nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ground-level ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and lead (Pb).
Four of these pollutants (NO2, SO2, CO, and Pb) emit directly from a variety of sources. Ozone is not directly emitted, but is formed when oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight. PM can be emitted, or it can be formed when emissions of NOx, sulfur oxides (SOx), ammonia, organic compounds, and other gases react in the atmosphere.
It is important for states to regulate these pollutants to minimize harmful health effects to Americans. Learn more.
Economic Indicators versus Emissions of Common Pollutants
Since xxxx, Arkansas's economy demonstrated continuous growth, its population increased, and its citizens drove more miles.
Concurrently, the combined emissions of common outdoor air pollutants xxxxed by xx%.
Communities directly affect pollutant emissions as populations increase and citizens engage in activities like driving cars. Common outdoor air pollutants are carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This measure encompasses both point and nonpoint source emissions.
Percent Change
Point Source Emissions
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
xx.x%
since xxxx
xx.x
in xxxx
(tons/yr)
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
xx.x%
since xxxx
xx.x
in xxxx
(tons/yr)
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
xx.x%
since xxxx
xx.x
in xxxx
(tons/yr)
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)
xx.x%
since xxxx
xx.x
in xxxx
(tons/yr)
Particles 10 micrometers or less (PM10)
xx.x%
since xxxx
xx.x
in xxxx
(tons/yr)
Particles 2.5 micrometers or less (PM2.5)
xx.x%
since xxxx
xx.x
in xxxx
(tons/yr)
Ambient Air Pollution
In 1999, X out of x standards measured in Arkansas were at or below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).*
The graph displays the percentages relative to the NAAQS. However, the values are presented in comparison to the latest, i.e. most stringent, standard. As a result, on a few occasions, and not for the extended time periods indicated on the chart, some pollutants, e.g. PM2.5, exceeded the NAAQS because the standard dropped more rapidly than the already declining ambient levels. Consequently, in order to accurately assess whether exceedances occurred at any given time, one must compare the values to the NAAQS during the corresponding time period.
Ambient (or atmospheric) air quality refers to the concentration of pollutants in the outdoor air. Ambient air is regulated by U.S. EPA and maintained by states through the NAAQS, which is the set of guidelines on acceptable concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ground-level ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and lead (Pb). NAAQS seek to protect the public, especially “sensitive” populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly, from harmful ambient air pollutants.
For the purposes of ECOS Results, individual states had discretion with regard to the geographical scope of areas reported.
Percent Above or Below NAAQS Standard
The data reflects measurements taken in Little Rock (Pulaski County), with the exception of SO2 P99V, which was taken in El Dorado (Union County).
Less and Properly Managed Waste
To adequately protect public health and the environment from hazardous waste contamination, U.S. EPA and states implement the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the national framework of solid waste control. States employ various metrics to illustrate how waste is managed and whether facilities are complying with regulations.
Brownfield Cleanups Since xxxx
As a result of Arkansas's efforts, xxxx acres of contaminated land have been made available for reuse!*
A brownfield is a property whose expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties increases local tax bases, facilitates job growth, utilizes existing infrastructure, removes development pressures from undeveloped land, and protects the environment.
For the purposes of ECOS Results, individual states had discretion with regard to whether they show both their state and U.S. EPA-led cleanups. States and EPA may have different definitions of “Acres Ready for Reuse.”
Cleanups Completed
Acres ready for reuse
Brownfield Cleanups in Arkansas
Facilities Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) protects communities and promotes resource conservation through safe management and cleanup of solid and hazardous waste, and encouragement of source reduction and beneficial use. Learn more about RCRA.
% of RCRA Inspections in Which No Significant Non-Compliance is Found (RCRA Subtitle C)
RCRA Subtitle C provides “cradle-to-grave” regulation of hazardous waste by establishing management requirements for generators and transporters of hazardous waste and for owners and operators of hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. Under Subtitle C, U.S. EPA may authorize states to implement key provisions of the requirements, including permitting, enforcement, and corrective action or cleanup.
Learn more about inspections in which no significant non-compliance is found.
% of Underground Storage Tank Facilities in Significant Operational Compliance Over Time (RCRA Subtitle I)
An underground storage tank (UST) is a tank connected to piping that has at least ten percent of its combined volume underground. USTs may contaminate groundwater, the source of drinking water for nearly half of all Americans. U.S. EPA and states collaborate with industry to protect the public health and the environment from potential releases.
States and EPA are in the process of implementing new UST standards, which may have an effect on compliance rates.
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) Cleanups Completed that Meet Cleanup Standards
Since xxxx, Arkansas has completed xxxx LUST clean up projects.
When a leaking underground storage tank (LUST) releases a fuel product, contamination of the surrounding soil, groundwater, surface water, or indoor air can occur. Early detection of the leak, accurate determination of the source and type of fuel released, and appropriate cleanup response is critical for protecting public health and the environment.
Cleanups
Completed
Cleanups
Remaining
since xxxx
xxxx Confirmed
Releases
since xxxx
Cleanups Remaining
Water Clean and Available for All Uses
U.S. EPA and states have made significant progress in improving water quality since enactment of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) decades ago. Challenges remain, however, in areas like maintaining infrastructure and limiting nutrient pollution. States have different means of assessing water quality, but all report on water quality by measuring the concentration of pollutants and sedimentation from point (direct) and nonpoint (indirect) sources. Water infrastructure funding and compliance with state and federal regulations are primary factors in improving the health of waterbodies. Learn more.
Drinking Water
The U.S. has one of the world’s most reliable and safe supplies of drinking water, with millions of Americans daily accessing high-quality public water systems. Drinking water facilities must comply with federal and state regulations to meet the stringent drinking water standards. Note that other Americans rely on non-community sources of water like private wells, which are not included in this measure.
Percent of Arkansas's population being served by compliant community water systems
Percent of Arkansas's community water systems meeting all applicable health-based standards
Point Source Water Pollution
Percent of Major Wastewater Dischargers without Significant Noncompliance
Wastewater discharges from industrial and commercial sources may contain pollutants at levels that could adversely affect the quality of receiving waters or interfere with publicly owned treatment works that receive those discharges.
Investments in Water Infrastructure
Wastewater
$ invested cumulatively
invested since xxxx
projects since xxxx
Drinking Water
$ invested cumulatively
invested since xxxx
projects since xxxx
