In recognition of his efforts to halt runoff from a local development project from reaching the North Fork River, the Arkansas Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has named a Norfolk, Ark., man its water conservationist of the year. Leon Alexander, nominated by AWF board member Fred Wiseman, has fought for two years to stop runoff from local 100-acre subdivision Overlook Estates from reaching the North Fork River.

Alexander won the title for obtaining signatures and urging state agencies to take corrective actions in relationship to the development. He asked his contacts to set standards for storm water runoff and presented information to local groups about the impact of development on natural resources.

According to the award narrative, Alexander's perseverence resluted in less damage and raised community awareness of the costs of improper development along an important stream.

"The AWF water conservationist of the year is presented to a citizen volunteer who makes extraordinary contributions to improving water quality in our state," Wiseman said. The award review committee included AWF board members, but Wiseman did not sit in as a part of the committee.

"It's a reflection on the community. I see it as an award for the community that worked to bring an end to the situation on North Fork," Alexander said. "I'm certainly very honored and pleased to receive the award."

The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued an emergency order in April 2006 requiring developer Benny Doyal to stop sediment from entering the North Fork River near the Norfork Dam. Doyal owns Homeport Land Co., Yellville, Ark., and is building Overlook Estates.

Arkansas DEQ officials, in June 2006, said they were satisfied with the steps Doyal had taken to stablize the site. A heavy rainstorm in August, however, washed away erosion controls, and the agency filed a lawsuit demanding Homeport Land cease construction until it installed new erosion controls and complied with environmental laws.

In March 2007, Doyal and the DEQ reached a consent decree, and Doyal agreed to address all erosion problems within 45 days. The latest Arkansas DEQ inspection report showed that all work was completed, including the sediment basin size increases and erosion barrier installations. The basins collect storm water runoff, and the barriers keep it and sediments from leaving the property. Officials from the DEQ said they will continue to visit the site and ensure it is being maintained properly.

In June, the Baxter County Planning Board began requiring that all development occurring near a river obtain an Arkansas DEQ permit. The quorum court's environmental committee also developed minimum standards for developments regarding ground alteration, grading and erosion. This ordinance, if is passes, would require developers to have erosion and sediment control plans solidified before clearing any trees.

"The Baxter County Planning Commission and the quorum court stepped up and enacted new ordinances to prevent this situation," Alexander said. "They took a leadership role to make sure this situation does not happen again in Baxter County."

Source: Baxter Bulletin