Occurrence of Arsenic in Ground Waters of Arkansas and Implications for Source and Release Mechanisms. Water Quality Report, Arkansas Ambient Ground-Water Monitoring Program, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality

The Water Quality Planning Branch has seven biologists/ecologists and two geologists on staff. This branch deals with a variety of issues related to surface and ground water. Among the numerous activities is the management of the State Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Network for both surface and subsurface waters. Included in the network is routine monitoring as well as intensive, special investigations of watersheds and/or aquifers. The data generated from these activities are used to prepare the biennial Water Quality Inventory Report (305B) and the List of Impaired Waterbodies, (303(d) list), and to develop Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for impaired waterbodies. The data are also used to develop water quality standards and criteria for designated use assessment. The staff continues to develop and/or enhance ecoregion-based, biological assessment criteria for both fish and macroinvertebrates. The staff additionally is active in the development and updating of water quality standards and technical review and administration of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permits Biomonitoring Program. Ground-water issues of concern in recent years have included the investigation of pesticides in ground water, potential impacts from confined animal operations, saltwater intrusion in southeastern Arkansas, and th