The Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment – Division of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”) and Jet Asphalt & Rock Co., Inc., (“Jet”) have recently entered into a
Consent Administrative Order (“CAO”) to address an alleged violation of an air permit. LIS No. 23-047 lays the groundwork for the agreement.
The CAO contains pertinent information that Jet owns and operates an asphalt plant in Bearden, Arkansas. The plant operates according to the guidelines of the General Air Permit Minor Source Hot Mix Asphalt Facilities. The alleged infringement pertains directly to these operations. Legal professionals and corporate entities dealing with environmental regulations would do well to consider the implications of this case.
Environmental regulations are pivotal in ensuring companies perform their operations in ways compatible with the wellbeing of their surrounding communities and ecosystems. Violations can lead to serious consequences, including administrative orders such as been issued in this case.
Legal practitioners should consider the possible effects of these rulings on their clients’ operations, particularly if they are involved in industries with significant environmental impacts such as the asphalt industry. How industry players respond to such regulatory pressures is central in defining future legal and operational landscapes.
This case offers a glimpse into how environmental regulatory bodies and corporations can come to agreements that address alleged violations swiftly and effectively. It serves as another reminder of the significance of maintaining legal compliance in all aspects of business operations, particularly those impacting the environment.