Arkansas Environment Agency, Lawmaker Look to Halt Fee Rise at Landfills

Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Fees charged to companies that dump trash into landfills will go up next year if the Arkansas Legislature doesn't approve a change to the laws surrounding the fee.

The increase could add $3 million to $3.5 million in a year's time to Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality revenue for the landfill post-closure trust fund, said Becky Keogh, department director.

But Keogh and others are looking at ways to prevent that from happening.

"I think it can be worked out," said Rep. Sheilla Lampkin, D-Monticello, who submitted two bills in the spring legislative session related to the post-closure fund. One would have addressed the fees but was not heard before the session ended.

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