The Bradley County Quorum Court met on Monday, November 18, and opened with the Levying Court to discuss taxes for the county. Following a report from County Clerk Karen Belin, the court approved the tax/millage report. A motion was made and all voted in favor. A motion was then made to adjourn from levying court.
After that, Bradley County Judge Klay McKinney motioned to open the monthly quorum court meeting.
A significant discussion took place regarding the enforcement of stricter illegal dumping laws. Anthony Gallegos, a deputy of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, addressed the court with an update on the county’s approach to combating illegal dumping and its environmental impact.
Illegal dumping has been a persistent issue in Bradley County, with residents often disposing of trash and large items improperly along county roads. The consequences of such actions go beyond unsightly messes; they contribute to environmental pollution and can cause hazardous conditions for local wildlife and residents. In his report, Gallegos highlighted that while the county landfill fees are relatively low, some individuals still choose to illegally dump waste rather than properly dispose of it.
“We’re dealing with people making a white-collar crime decision to burn and not clean it up,” Gallegos stated, emphasizing the severity of the problem.
Gallegos then further noted that illegal dumping could result in a hefty fine of up to $25,000 for violators. He also revealed that he recently attended an environmental officer class and is scheduled to be sworn in as an officer for the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) on December 6, 2024. His new role will help ensure that enforcement efforts are in line with state regulations.
The Sheriff’s Department will adopt a more proactive stance, focusing not only on enforcement but also on education and compliance. Gallegos explained that if deputies find an abandoned trash bag containing identifiable information, they will trace the materials back to the responsible party. Once identified, the Sheriff’s Department will contact the individual and hold them accountable for the illegal dumping.
For offenders, the process will include a timeline for cleanup. Initially, a verbal warning will be issued, with educational efforts to help individuals understand the consequences of illegal dumping. If the problem persists, a citation will follow. Gallegos also clarified that even dumping or burning waste on private property is considered a nuisance due to the potential for pollution and runoff into nearby areas.
“We will give the offender up to 30 days to clean up the site,” said Gallegos. “If informal actions don’t work and the dump is not cleaned up, remediation costs will factor into the fine, which could lead to up to a year in jail.”
In addition to the discussion about illegal dumping, Bradley County Judge Klay McKinney shared some exciting news regarding economic development. He announced that after over 25 years of effort, the county had received confirmation that Weyerhaeuser Company plans to build a new plant in the area. The project, which covers 364 acres, will create approximately 200 high-paying jobs, providing a major boost to the county’s economy.
McKinney also highlighted another exciting development—the Sky Blue Carbon company’s new biocarbon plant, located at the former poultry facility. The factory, which aims to start production by Thanksgiving, will initially employ 20 individuals, with plans to expand to 50 as additional production lines are added.
“They hope to have it up and running very soon,” said McKinney. “I met with them and told them that we appreciate them coming to Bradley County. We need the jobs.”
With the Bradley County Sheriff’s Department ramping up efforts to combat illegal dumping and the county making strides in economic development, residents can expect a cleaner, more prosperous future. As Bradley County continues to grow and develop, these initiatives are vital in maintaining the county's integrity and safety and appeal for new businesses and residents.
