AR HB1261

Amends Arkansas Code § 8-4-207(1) to authorize the director to require conditions in permits for the Section 404 dredge and fill permitting program under the Federal Clean Water Act.

Amends Arkansas Code § 8-4-208(a) to allow the Division of Environmental Quality, subject to Governor approval, to administer Arkansas's own permit program for the Section 404 dredge and fill permitting program in lieu of the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Requires that any rules, standards, or requirements adopted for the Section 404 permit program cannot become effective until the United States Environmental Protection Agency approves Arkansas's application for the state permit program.

Establishes that the legislative authority granted is sufficient to enable the Division of Environmental Quality to assume and implement the federal Section 404 dredge and fill permitting program in conjunction with other permitting programs established under state law.