SPRINGERVILLE — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today that the Town of Springerville in Apache County is the third municipality in the state to complete a Small Community Environmental Protection Plan (SCEPP).
With a SCEPP in place, Springville is now better positioned to contribute to a cleaner, natural environment and more livable community. The Town also is eligible for up to a 100 percent penalty reduction for future environmental violations.
Steve West, Springerville Town Manager said, “Participation in the ADEQ Small Communities Environmental Compliance Assistance Program exemplifies the Town of Springerville’s commitment to continual improvement and environmentally stewardship for the benefit of those we serve.”
A SCEPP is a component of the ADEQ Small Communities Environmental Compliance Assistance Program (SCECAP). Small cities, towns and special water and wastewater districts often lack resources and staff to address their environmental concerns. This program helps them comply with state and federal environmental laws and reduce the number of violations and enforcement actions.
“We are committed to helping small communities in the state affordably protect their public health and air, land and water resources,” said ADEQ Director Misael Cabrera. “We congratulate the Town of Springerville for being a leader in the effort to build environmental cooperation and hope other small towns and wastewater and water districts join the program,” Director Cabrera added.
With completion of this milestone, the Town of Springerville also applied for recognition under Arizona’s Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program (VESP). ADEQ accepted the Town into the VESP at the Silver Level for its superior compliance history demonstrated by at least three years without environmental enforcement action.
The Silver Level recognizes organizations going above and beyond what is legally required to prevent pollution and conserve natural resources. The Town of Springerville has an ongoing commitment to protect air quality through its Branch Cleanup Project, which reduces smoke in residential neighborhoods. Town officials are measuring program participation, working to increase each year.
ADEQ will present the Town with Certificates of Recognition for both proactive, voluntary environmental protection programs at the Jan. 20, Springerville Town Council meeting.