AR HB1309

Appropriates $5,089,920 for Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) state operations, including $3,606,769 for regular salaries for 427 maximum employees and $25,674 for extra help.

Appropriates $17,747,259 in federal funds for ADEQ federal operations, including $5,091,841 in regular salaries and funding for contractual services, professional fees, and capital outlay.

Appropriates funds for 14 specialized programs including hazardous waste cleanup ($7,730,028), petroleum storage tank trust fund ($21,776,909), waste tire recycling grants ($6,425,000), and landfill post-closure program ($7,864,235).

Establishes staffing levels and appropriations for Pollution Control and Ecology Commission administrative hearing officer position ($260,705 total appropriation) and commission expenses ($3,977).

Includes special provisions suspending certain landfill disposal fees until July 1, 2012 and implementing alternative fee structure; restricts hazardous waste equipment purchases to fund interest earnings; requires quarterly reporting to Legislative Council on permits, fees, enforcement actions, and rulemaking activities.