Arkansas Utility Facility Act Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions for Developers and Consultants

Arkansas Utility Facility Act Key Terms & Definitions

Ambient Air: The portion of the atmosphere, external to buildings, to which the general public has access. (Arkansas Code Annotated § 23-18-502)

Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment (E&E): The state agency responsible for reviewing permit applications and ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations under the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act.

Arkansas Public Service Commission: The state agency responsible for reviewing and approving utility facility projects under the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act.

Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (CECPN): A certificate required for utility facilities before beginning construction, which assesses the environmental and economic impacts of the proposed facility. (Arkansas Code Annotated § 23-18-510)

Civil Penalties: Monetary fines imposed by the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment for violations of the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act.

Criminal Penalties: Punishments, such as imprisonment or fines, imposed for knowing or willful violations of the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act.

Electric Utilities: Entities engaged in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, which are regulated under the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act.

Emission: The release or discharge of a substance into the environment, such as air pollutants from a utility facility.

Environmental Impact Assessment: A study required as part of the CECPN application process, which evaluates the potential environmental effects of a proposed utility facility.

Gas Utilities: Entities engaged in the transmission and distribution of natural gas, which are regulated under the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act.

Hazardous Waste: Waste materials that pose a substantial or potential threat to public health or the environment, and are subject to special handling and disposal requirements under the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act.

Monitoring: The continuous or periodic measurement of emissions, discharges, or other environmental factors to ensure compliance with applicable standards and limitations.

Notice of Violation: A formal written notification issued by the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment to a regulated entity, indicating a violation of the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act or related regulations.

Permitting Process: The procedure by which utility facilities obtain the necessary permits and approvals, including the CECPN, to construct and operate in compliance with the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act.

Pipelines: Infrastructure used for the transportation of oil, gas, or other materials, which are regulated under the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act.

Power Plants: Facilities that generate electricity, which are subject to the requirements of the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act.

Public Hearings: Meetings open to the public, held as part of the CECPN process, to allow for public comment on proposed utility facilities. (Arkansas Code Annotated § 23-18-513)

Public Participation: The involvement of the public in the decision-making process for utility facility projects, as required under the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act. (Arkansas Code Annotated § 23-18-513)

Recordkeeping: The maintenance of detailed records on facility operations, emissions, and compliance activities, as required under the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act.

Reporting: The regular submission of information to the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment or other relevant agencies to demonstrate compliance with applicable regulations.

Solid Waste: Non-hazardous waste materials, such as garbage or refuse, which are subject to proper management and disposal requirements under the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act.

Substations: Facilities used for the conversion, transformation, or switching of electrical energy, which are regulated under the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act.

Telecommunications Companies: Entities engaged in the transmission of voice, data, or video communications, which are regulated under the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act.

Transmission Lines: Infrastructure used for the transmission of electricity or telecommunications signals, which are subject to the requirements of the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act.

Untreated Wastewater: Water that has been used and contains dissolved or suspended waste materials, which is prohibited from being discharged into any waters of the state without proper treatment under the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act.

Utility Facility: Any plant, equipment, or property used for the generation, transmission, or distribution of electricity, gas, telecommunications, or water and wastewater services, which is subject to the requirements of the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act. (Arkansas Code Annotated § 23-18-502)

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants: Facilities used for the treatment of water and wastewater, which are regulated under the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act.

Water and Wastewater Utilities: Entities engaged in the treatment and distribution of water, and the collection and treatment of wastewater, which are regulated under the Arkansas Utility Facility Environmental & Economic Protection Act.