Homowner requests CAW investigation over alleged infractions

PULASKI COUNTY, AR - A property owner filed a formal complaint with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality on Friday alleging violations by Central Arkansas Water in the Lake Maumelle Watershed.

Lorie White is a property owner living near Lake Maumelle in unincorporated western Pulaski County.

White made an approximately five minute presentation to the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission on Friday alleging infractions by CAW to maintain clean work areas along its construction of a 6-mile pipeline to provide drinking water to residents in Wye Mountain.

ADEQ cited CAW for infractions in April and May related to the construction project but later issued a letter indicating the problems were addressed satisfactorily.

White says problems persist.

"To me, this is not how a site should be taken care of," White told commissioners.

Graham Rich, CEO of CAW says the utility welcomes the scrutiny.

"We're pleased to see landowners so invested in preserving the pristine quality of Lake Maumelle," Rich says. "We saw some poor housekeeping by one of our contractors. Can they do a better job? Yes. Can we make them do a better job? Absolutely."

Several landowners in the Lake Maumelle Watershed have been outspoken in their opposition to the proposed Pulaski County Comprehensive Land Use Plan backed by CAW which would enact zoning to address future development.

The proposed ordinance is on hold at the Pulaski County Quorum Court pending the results of a water quality study by the U.S Geological Survey expected to be completed in August.

ADEQ says it will review the new complaints presented Friday against CAW.