Category Archives: State Government

Buckeye proposed AZPDES renewal permit

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PROPOSED ARIZONA POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (AZPDES) RENEWAL PERMIT

Pursuant to the Clean Water Act and in accordance with Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R18-9-A907, the Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) proposes to issue an Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) Permit to discharge pollutants to Waters of the United States to the following applicant, subject to certain effluent limitations and special conditions:

Public Notice No. 15-63                            Published on June 11, 2015

Published in the Arizona Business Gazette
AZPDES Permit No. AZ0025216
City of Buckeye
423 Arizona Eastern Avenue
Buckeye, Arizona 85326

The City of Buckeye applied for a renewal AZPDES permit for the proposed discharge of up to 1.0 million gallons per day (mgd) of treated domestic wastewater from the Festival Ranch Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) to Wagner Wash in the Middle Gila River Basin in Township 4 N, Range 4 W, Section 28, Maricopa County, Arizona. The Festival Ranch WRF is a publicly owned treatment works which receives domestic wastewater from residential and commercial sources from the Festival Ranch community located in Buckeye. Sludge is put through a digester, belt pressed, and dewatered. Treated sludge is then hauled to an approved landfill for disposal.

The permit and fact sheet may be viewed online at http://www.azdeq.gov/cgi-bin/vertical.pl by typing the permit number in the box left of “Search Event”. The public notice and related documentation also are available for public review, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the ADEQ Records Center, 1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, Arizona, 85007. In Phoenix, please call (602) 771-4380 or e-mail recordscenter@azdeq.gov 24 hours in advance to schedule an appointment to review the file.

Persons may submit comments or request a public hearing on the proposed action in writing, to Ramona Chomor, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division, 1110 W. Washington St., 5415B-3, Phoenix, Arizona 85007. All written comments received by ADEQ by the close of business on the date 30 days after publication of this notice will be considered in the final permit decision. A public hearing request must be in writing and must include the reasons for such request. If there is a significant degree of public interest, the Director will hold a hearing in accordance with A.A.C. R18-9-A908(B).

UPDATE: Paving project on Interstate 17 near Camp Verde ahead of schedule

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CAMP VERDE — Crews have completed paving work this week at the Middle Verde Road traffic interchange on Interstate 17 (milepost 290) earlier than expected and will move to the off and on-ramps of State Route 260 (milepost 287) on Thursday, June 11 and Sunday, June 14.

In addition to work on the SR 260 interchange crews will continue paving work on northbound I-17 tonight and tomorrow, June 9 and 10 between mileposts 290 and 292. Drivers will be narrowed to one lane through the work zone during work hours.

Work hours are Sunday through Thursday nights between 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night.

This $7.5 million project consists of the removal of a layer of the existing pavement, repaving the roadway, bridge work and shoulder improvements. Work is expected to be complete by September.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

Maintenance scheduled Tuesday night on US 89 south of the I-40 and Country Club Drive traffic interchange in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — Travelers heading northbound on US 89 south of the Interstate 40 and Country Club Drive interchange in Flagstaff this Tuesday night (June 9) will encounter reduced lanes as Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) crews perform maintenance work in the area.

The maintenance work will occur on northbound US 89 at milepost 418, from 7 p.m. Tuesday (June 9) to 6 a.m. Wednesday, (June 10). Drivers are asked to use caution while in the work zone, be alert for ADOT maintenance crews, and observe lane closures and speed reductions while work is underway.

ADOT seeks public input on its Disparity Study and overall Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goals for federally funded highway, transit and aviation contracts

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PHOENIX — Nearly every month, the Arizona Department of Transportation awards contracts to companies specializing in design, construction, transit and other components of transportation projects throughout the state. Some of these companies are federally certified as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), which are small businesses owned by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals. ADOT operates a DBE program to assist these firms with securing contracts that use U.S. Department of Transportation funds, and ADOT is currently seeking public input on its proposed goals for DBE participation in contracts for the next three years, along with public input on the results of a draft Disparity Study Report.

Every three years, ADOT must set an overall annual goal for the participation of DBEs. For federal fiscal years 2015 through 2017, ADOT is proposing a final goal of 8.90 percent of the total dollars of Federal Highway Administration-funded contracts awarded to DBE firms, with 5.00 percent to be achieved through race and gender conscious-neutral means (ADOT small business programs and other efforts) and 3.90 percent to be achieved through race and gender-conscious means (contract goals). ADOT is also proposing overall DBE goals for Federal Transit Administration contracts of 7.25 percent for federal fiscal years 2016-2018 and Federal Aviation Administration contracts of 4.87 percent for federal fiscal years 2017-2019, both of which to be met through race and gender-neutral means.

Recently, ADOT completed a draft Disparity Study Report that provides the data to support the DBE goals. The draft study provides analysis and results of the utilization and availability of minority- and women-owned firms — by race, ethnic and gender group — to determine whether there are disparities in the past utilization of those firms in ADOT and local public agency contracts. In addition, the study includes analysis of in-depth interviews with business owners, trade associations and others about their experiences related to the transportation contracting industry in Arizona.

Business representatives and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to comment on the size of the proposed overall DBE goals, the means proposed to achieve the goals and the results of the Disparity Study. ADOT would also like to receive public input on experiences competing for or working on ADOT projects, suggestions on how to improve contracting opportunities for DBEs and other small businesses, and what ADOT and the transportation industry can do to enhance support of the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.

Public Hearings 
Interested persons are encouraged to attend one of four public hearings in July. All public hearings will be held from 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., with an ADOT presentation at 3:15. Time will be allotted to allow members of the public to provide comments.

July 8 – Flagstaff    
High Country Conference Center — 1899 Ballroom
201 W. Butler Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86001

July 13 – Yuma 
Pivot Point Conference Center (near Hilton Garden Inn Yuma) — Anza/Redondo boardrooms
301 N. Madison Ave., Yuma, AZ 85364

July 14 – Tucson
Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center
1660 W. Ruthrauff Rd., Tucson, AZ 85705

July 16 – Phoenix
Arizona Department of Transportation Human Resources Development Center
1130 N. 22nd Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009

45-day Public Comment Period
All documents related to the proposed DBE goal, methodology and draft Disparity Study Report will be available for review from June 8 through July 23, 2015, online at adotdbestudy.com or at the ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office, 1135 N. 22nd Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009.

During the 45-day public comment period, comments may be provided in the following ways:

  • Verbal Testimony: At public hearings
  • Online: adotdbestudy.com
  • Email: info@adotdbestudy.com
  • Fax: 928-684-3021
  • Mail: Keen Independent Research, 172 N. Washington St., Wickenburg, AZ 85390

The public comment period will close on July 23, 2015. All public comments will be reviewed before ADOT submits final DBE goal requests to the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration and Federal Aviation Administration.

Interstate 17 travel at JW Powell to have restrictions in place beginning Monday June 8

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FLAGSTAFF — Motorists headed to the Flagstaff Airport, Fort Tuthill County Park, and to SR 89A from I-17 will need to be aware of a traffic restriction that prevents travel across JW Powell Boulevard beginning early morning on Monday, June 8.  This restriction will be in place continuously until early July while work is being performed at the tie-in and on the ramp for the new eastern roundabout.

Recommended detours as follows:

  • Travel for southbound I-17 connections to the Flagstaff Airport can be accommodated by continuing to Exit 333 (Kachina Blvd/Mountainaire Road) and then travel back northbound to Exit 337.
  • Travel from the Flagstaff Airport returning to southbound I-17 can be accommodated by traveling northbound on I-17 to Exit 339 (Lake Mary Road) and following detour signage to return to the interstate.
  • Travel for northbound traffic on I-17 needing to connect to SR 89A and Fort Tuthill County Park can be accommodated by continuing to Exit 339 (Lake Mary Road) then access to SR 89A at the intersection.
  • Travel for northbound traffic on SR89A or from Fort Tuthill County Park  needing to connect to I-17 can be accommodated by continuing north on SR89A/Beulah Blvd to McConnell Drive then access to I-17.
  • Detour signage will be in place to assist travel in the area.

This phase of construction is part of a project begun June 2014 and will facilitate the flow of traffic through the area, and is designed to meet current and future traffic demand. This project is anticipated to be completed by late summer 2015.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. Please allow additional time to accommodate for your destinations while the detours are in place.

Paving continues on US 180 from Flagstaff to Snow Bowl next week

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640-sfp-141207-20FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation is returning next week to continue application of the top layer of asphalt along a five-mile segment of US 180 from Schultz Pass to Bader roads (mileposts 219 – 224).

Due to expected rain and unseasonably cooler temperatures, the paving work had to be halted for the remainder of this week. Warmer weather is forecasted to move into Flagstaff next week which will allow paving to resume.

The finishing paving work will occur daily, Monday, June 8 through Friday, June 12, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

During paving operations, the two-lane roadway will be reduced to one lane. Pilot cars will allow for alternating travel and delays can be expected in both directions.

Motorists interested in traveling to the Grand Canyon National Park can use Interstate 40 to State Route 64 west of Flagstaff in Williams as an alternate route.

According to Flagscanner, other street repairs in Flagstaff from June 8 to 12 include:

  1. Aztec St. – Beal Rd. to Thorpe St.
  2. Beal Rd. – Rockridge Rd. to W End
  3. Lava Ln. – Rockridge Rd. to End
  4. Basalt Ln. – Rockridge Rd. to End
  5. Whipple Rd. – Navajo Rd. to Fort Valley Rd.
  6. Whiting Rd. – Navajo Rd. to Fort Valley Rd.
  7. Anderson Dr. – Aztec St. to Navajo Dr.
  8. Fort Valley Frontage Rd. – Fort Valley Rd to Murray Rd.
  9. Hazel Way – Talkington Dr. to End
  10. Davis Dr. – Talkington Dr. to End
  11. Talkington Dr. – Meade Ln. to Crescent Dr.
  12. Lantern Ln. – Talkington Dr. to End
  13. Meteor Dr. – Crescent Dr. to Crescent Dr.
  14. Kramer St. – End to End
  15. Foothills Way – Fremont Blvd. to End
  16. Eddy Dr. – Wilson Dr. to West End of Cul De Sac
  17. Shannon Dr. – Prescott Rd. to Wilson Dr.
  18. Wilson Dr. – Shannon Dr. to Fremont Blvd.
  19. Nicole Ln. – Peakview St. to End
  20. Red Rock Ln. – Snowcap Way to Peakview St.
  21. Sheila Dr. – Brenda Loop to Fremont Blvd.
  22. Mountain Dr. – Peakview St. to Fremont Blvd.
  23. Lois Ln. – Peak View to End
  24. Peakview St.– Ft. Valley Rd. to Shannon Dr.
  25. Kendrick St. – Mikes Pike St. to Butler Ave.
  26. Mikes Pike St. – Route 66 to Phoenix Ave.
  27. Leroux St. – Cottage Ave. to Phoenix Ave.
  28. Dupont Ave. – Verde St. to Agassiz St.
  29. Verde St. – Franklin Ave. to End

Detours are expected for the above street repairs.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Town of Prescott Valley AZPDES permit modification

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PROPOSED ARIZONA POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (AZPDES) PERMIT MODIFICATION

Pursuant to the Clean Water Act and in accordance with Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R18-9-A907, the Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) proposes to issue an Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) Permit to discharge pollutants to Waters of the United States to the following applicant, subject to certain effluent limitations and special conditions:

Public Notice No. 15-62                                   Published on June 7, 2015
Published in the Prescott Daily Courier

AZPDES Permit No. AZ0025381
Town of Prescott Valley
7501 E. Civic Circle Drive
Prescott Valley, Arizona 86314
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ADEQ Awards $275,000 Environmental Stewardship Grant for Oak Creek

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ADEQ logo resizedPHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) announced today that a $275,000 grant has been awarded to the Oak Creek Watershed Council (OCWC) for continued educational outreach and cleanup efforts of the Water Quality Ambassadors program in Yavapai County.

ADEQ’s third grant in support of the ambassadors program has two goals in addressing polluted runoff to Oak Creek: measure the positive outcomes from the prior two grant awards and establish the foundation for a self-sustaining program. Oak Creek, from its headwaters to its confluence with Spring Creek in Oak Creek Canyon, is listed as impaired for E. coli.

“ADEQ’s role is not only to ensure compliance with environmental regulations but also to educate Arizona’s citizens and its visitors about how they can make a positive impact,” ADEQ Director Henry Darwin said. “The Water Quality Ambassadors program grant demonstrates our commitment to funding partnerships with local non-profit organizations to foster hands-on environmental education for Arizonans.”

With this grant, ADEQ will fund eight ambassadors who will continue face-to-face educational outreach in the area, waste removal and volunteer coordination to solidify the program for the future. To date, the ambassadors program has removed nearly three tons of trash from frequently visited Oak Creek recreational areas.

Pavement work on State Route 260 near Young Road toward Heber next week

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Crews are scheduled to repair shoulders on State Route 260 on a 10-mile segment (mileposts 284 to 294) starting near Young Road heading eastbound toward Heber next week.

Work hours are Monday through Wednesday, June 8 through 10 between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day. Drivers will be guided through the work zone with flaggers and should expect delays of up to 10 minutes at a time.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

Paving project on Interstate 17 near Camp Verde continues next week

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CAMP VERDE — Work continues next week on a repaving project on a 12-mile segment of Interstate 17 between State Route 169 and Middle Verde Road traffic interchange (mileposts 279 to 291).

Crews will be resurfacing the off and on-ramps at Middle Verde Road (milepost 290), and the following restrictions have been scheduled:

  • The northbound I-17 off-ramp will be closed on Sunday, June 7
  • The northbound on-ramp to I-17 will be closed on Monday, June 8 and Tuesday, June 9
  • One lane restriction northbound I-17 on Wednesday and Thursday, June 10 and 11 between Middle Verde Road and the McGuireville traffic interchange (milepost 290 to 292)
  • Drivers are encouraged to use the next exit as an alternate during work hours

Work hours are Sunday through Thursday nights between 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night.

This $7.5 million project consists of the removal of a layer of the existing pavement, repaving the roadway, bridge work and shoulder improvements. Work is expected to be complete by September.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.