Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Environmental Studies

The three departments that comprise the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality [ADEQ] are as follows, and all complete their annual reports under the ADEQ:

The Office of Air Quality is responsible for monitoring the general air quality in the state of Arizona as well as violation enforcement, permits and compliance, asbestos abatement in schools, vehicular emission inspections, air quality assessments including studies, data gathering, testing and developing regulations and controls for air quality and pollution abatement.

The Office of Waste Programs monitors solid, liquid and hazardous waste sites including those designated as federal superfund sites by the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA]. Performs studies, data collection and site surveys as well as enforces violations of waste disposal and storage. Ensures proper storage, transportation, clean-up and disposal of hazardous chemicals and pollutants.

The Office of Water Quality acts to protect, and preserve groundwater, aquifers, surface water and drinking water from contamination and contamination from pesticides, and to ensure that wastewater is properly stored and disposed, and that any underground storage areas are properly constructed to prevent leakage and contamination.

In order to monitor and enforce each regulatory program, the Department uses permitting requirements, scheduled inspections, reviews of ADEQ records, and enforcement procedures. The Department is empowered to enforce violations and prosecute violators of waste and quality laws.

Nearly all of the studies would fall under the ADEQ’s Office of Waste Programs, as nearly all of the studies directly relate to EPA superfund sites in the state of Arizona. Many of these sites will also be mentioned as part of the [WQARF] or Water Quality Assurance Fund.

Unlike the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act [RCRA] which mandates a regulatory program for facilities presently handling hazardous waste, the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act [CERCLA], created in 1980 and commonly known as superfund, establishes a comprehensive response program to clean up existing hazardous waste contamination at abandoned sites.

On October 17, 1986 the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 [SARA] was signed into law by President Reagan. This law and its amendment provide broad federal authority to respond directly to releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health, welfare, or the environment. Superfund-financed remedial actions may be taken only at sites included on the National Priorities Lists [NPL].