Horseshoe Bend Wastewater Compliance: The Public Record

A documented look at wastewater compliance reports, environmental oversight, and the responsibility of municipal leadership in Horseshoe Bend.

For years, the City of Horseshoe Bend has operated a municipal wastewater system subject to state and federal environmental regulations. Official records provide critical data regarding facility upkeep, monitoring reports, and regulatory obligations.

May 3, 2011 — Wastewater Treatment Facility Violations

ADEQ Compliance Inspection | NPDES Permit AR0039608

On April 7, 2011, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality conducted a routine compliance inspection of the City of Horseshoe Bend's wastewater treatment facility. The official inspection report, dated May 3, 2011, was addressed to Donny Dawson, representing the City of Horseshoe Bend.

The inspection identified two permit violations:

1. Excessive Ammonia Nitrogen Levels: January 2011 testing revealed ammonia nitrogen concentrations of 15.2 mg/L, exceeding the permitted seven-day average limit of 10.3 mg/L and monthly average limit of 10 mg/L.

2. Structural Deficiencies and Potential Wastewater Leakage: Inspectors documented cracks extending through the treatment plant's foundation. Previous repairs had failed to completely seal the cracks, creating the potential for wastewater to leak into the surrounding ground.

ADEQ required immediate corrective attention, including a written response documenting corrective measures by May 13, 2011.

Public Accountability Question: Were these structural deficiencies properly repaired, and what measures were implemented to prevent future violations?

Source: Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, Compliance Inspection Letter, May 3, 2011. AFIN: 33-00020 | NPDES Permit: AR0039608.

March 26, 2014 — Multiple Wastewater and Sewer System Violations

ADEQ Compliance Inspection | NPDES Permit AR0035254

On February 27, 2014, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) conducted a compliance inspection and sanitary sewer overflow inspection of the White Oak Wastewater Treatment Facility in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. The official report, dated March 26, 2014, was addressed to Donnie Dawson, Wastewater Superintendent.

The inspection documented numerous violations involving facility maintenance, operational safety, equipment deficiencies, and regulatory reporting.

Key Findings Included:

1. Dead Animals in Wastewater Facilities: Inspectors discovered a dead dog and a dead deer in the sludge pit.

2. Unsafe and Deteriorating Conditions: Unsecured gates, exposed electrical wiring, uncovered manholes, rusted equipment, vegetation overgrowth, and a substantial oil leak.

3. Broken Treatment Equipment: A broken chlorination line and a secondary flow gauge that was not properly calibrated.

4. Sewer Lift Station Deficiencies: Missing or malfunctioning alarms, inadequate security, inoperative pumps, and exposed electrical wiring.

5. Failure to Submit Required Reports: Sanitary sewer overflow reports had not been submitted with discharge monitoring reports since August 2013.

6. Failure to Meet Design Standards: Lift Station #7 operated with only one pump, contrary to the applicable Ten States Standards.

ADEQ required immediate corrective attention and a written response documenting corrective actions by April 9, 2014.

Public Accountability Question: How were these extensive operational and safety deficiencies allowed to develop, and what corrective measures were taken under the wastewater department's supervision?

Source: Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, Compliance Inspection Report, March 26, 2014. AFIN: 33-00257 | NPDES Permit: AR0035254.

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February 6, 2018 — Wastewater Collection System Violations

ADEQ Inspection | NPDES Permit AR0039608

On February 6, 2018, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) inspected the City of Horseshoe Bend's Paradise Acres wastewater collection system. Donald (Donny) Dawson was identified as the Wastewater Supervisor and participated in the inspection.

The inspection documented permit violations at Lift Stations #4 and #5, including missing audible and visual emergency alarms and the absence of posted emergency contact information. These deficiencies raised concerns about the system's ability to provide timely warnings of sewage overflows and equipment failures.

The facility received an overall evaluation rating of “Marginal.”

On March 26, 2018, Dawson, identified in the city's response as Public Works Director and Sewer Superintendent, submitted a written response stating that emergency contact signs had been posted and alarms had been ordered for installation.

Public Accountability Question: Why were these basic wastewater safety measures missing, and were the corrective actions ultimately completed?

Source: ADEQ Water Division Inspection Report, February 6, 2018. AFIN: 33-00020 | Permit: AR0039608.

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HORSESHOE BEND WASTEWATER INSPECTION — APRIL 27, 2023

An Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality inspection of the Paradise Acres Wastewater Treatment Plant, conducted while Donnie Dawson served as Public Works Director, documented equipment and wastewater sampling concerns.

Although the facility received a satisfactory rating and no formal violations were cited, inspectors identified a damaged flow-measurement weir that needed repair to ensure accurate readings.

Inspectors also questioned the location where wastewater samples were being collected, warning that upstream water could mix with the samples and affect their accuracy.

The question for city leadership is simple: Were these problems corrected, when were they corrected, and where are the maintenance records?

Public infrastructure requires accountability, proper maintenance, and responsible oversight.