Daily Archives: October 27, 2014

Prescribed Fires Continue to Restore the Landscape

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Kaibab Forest burn crews watch the line along Perkinsville Road.

Kaibab Forest burn crews watch the line along Perkinsville Road.

WILLIAMS – With the primary objective of protecting the Williams, AZ watershed, fire managers will continue prescribed burning operations south of Bill Williams Mountain in the Twin project areas, during the week of October 26, 2014. This on-going effort to remove accumulated hazardous fuels is part of the multi-dimensional process of accelerated forest restoration taking place over time.

The Twin project areas are located on the southern base of Bill Williams Mountain immediately north of FR 122, also known as the Twin Springs Road. The planned project area is approximately 620 acres and smoke impacts are expected to be light to moderate. Smoke may be visible from Williams, AZ and surrounding communities, Interstate 40, State Route 89 and County Road 73.

All prescribed fire activity is dependent on regional Forest Service approval, personnel availability, weather – including winds and ventilation, and approval from the ADEQ.

Lights from a Friday night high school football game shine through smoke settling over Williams.

Lights from a Friday night high school football game shine through smoke settling over Williams.

ADEQ proposes rulemaking for the Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

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ADEQ has published the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking  for the Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System – Disposal, Use, and Transportation of Biosolids (18 A.A.C.  9, Article 10). The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is available here: http://www.azdeq.gov/function/laws/draft.html#water”

 ADEQ’s Biosolids/Sewage Sludge Management Program implements Section 405 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1345), A.R.S. § 49-255.03 and 18 A.A.C. 9, Article 10. ADEQ’s biosolids rules require that any person applying, generating or transporting biosolids/sewage sludge in Arizona must register that activity. The rules are self-implementing by the person who uses, transports, applies biosolids to land, or places biosolids on a surface disposal site. Incineration of biosolids has been prohibited under R18-9-1002(G), since 2001. ADEQ is proposing to repeal the prohibition on incineration of biosolids, thereby allowing incineration as a means of disposal.

 As a federally-delegated program, ADEQ’s laws, rules, and program must comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) requirements. EPA’s rules on biosolids are in 40 CFR, Part 503 and include Subpart E on Incineration. With the repeal on the prohibition of incineration, ADEQ proposes to incorporate by reference Subpart E of the federal rules in order to properly regulate biosolids incinerators. An owner of an incinerator would have to comply with both Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act requirements, but the Clean Air Act rules are much more extensive and contain more restrictions.

Safety project on SR 87 south of the SR 188 junction requires daytime lane restrictions

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As work continues on the new safety improvement project along State Route 87 approximately 14 miles south of the SR 188 junction, crews will narrow the highway to a single lane in both directions during the day for the next two weeks between mileposts 227 and 236.

Work hours are Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Drivers need to be aware of alternating daytime single-lane restrictions and some shoulder closures as crews continue to make progress on the reconstruction of the curve at milepost 227 and the building of a new northbound truck escape ramp at milepost 228. Minimal delays are expected.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.