The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission held their bimonthly meeting in El Dorado Wednesday, after touring various infrastructures Tuesday.
The commission typically meets in Little Rock in the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission Arkansas River Room.
The tour Tuesday included the commissioners and the executive director visiting the Ouachita River water intake, the water treatment plant and the Entergy/Union Power Station power plant.
Tour guides included Mike Gathright, senior lead tech support specialists, Sherrel Johnson, project manager and funding coordinator and Robert Reynolds, current Union County Water Conservation Board volunteer and founding board president.
After seeing the Ouachita River intake, the group toured the water treatment plant, where Derek Bell, water treatment plant manager, and Gathright explained how the plant operates.
Following the power plant tour, the group attended a reception, hosted by the Union County Water Conservation Board at the Griffin Restaurant.
Wednesday morning, the commission held their meeting at the Oil and Gas Commission building in El Dorado, where they discussed various topics, including updates on current projects and considerations of applications for other projects.
The meeting began with Johnson and Reynolds speaking on behalf of the Union County Water Conservation Board. Johnson noted that their relationship with the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission was committed and “goes way back.”
She discussed the history of water conservation in Union County, stating that in 1996, Union County was declared critical because of the dramatic decline of ground water levels in the county. Union County was among the first five critical ground water counties in the state. The water board was officially formed in 1999.
In 2004, Union County converted the industries to river water.
“Since October 2004, the ground water levels have risen dramatically,” Johnson said. “The one that has risen the most, as of April, had risen 99.8 feet. Next year, the 20th anniversary, we’re looking for 100 feet.”
Commissioner Roy Reaves commended the Union County Water Conservation Board on being proactive with the project.
“I don’t think that I’ve seen a project where there’s a problem in a community, you found a way to solve it, you didn’t just wait for the federal government … you came up with a creative idea,” Reaves said. “I think this is a primer for the way every community should react to problems that we have. Great job.”
Executive Director Bruce Holland boasted Union County, noting the hospitality and welcoming they received during their visit.
The remainder of the meeting entailed discussion of past projects and potential future projects that pertained to the commission.
Kaitlyn Rigdon can be reached at 870-862-6611 or [email protected].