EPA Research in Arkansas

Explore EPA's research across the United States.

EPA researchers are working hard to protect communities across the nation. Learn about some of the work EPA researchers are doing in Arkansas.

For more EPA work, see EPA in Arkansas.

Solving What Killed the Bald Eagles

In 1994, scientists in DeGray Lake, Arkansas found that mass numbers of bald eagles were dying from a disease that caused significant physical impairment. For the past 27 years, scientists have struggled to understand the cause of the disease. Recently, EPA scientists, along with academic researchers, helped identify that the birds had ingested a neurotoxin that is produced by a species of cyanobacteria, which grows on an invasive aquatic plant. Read What Killed the Eagles? EPA Researchers Help Solve 25+ Year Mystery.

Unknown Compound in Drinking Water: Solving a 40-Year-Old Mystery

An EPA researcher, a professor at the University of Arkansas, and other collaborators recently solved a 40-year-old mystery: they characterized an unidentified disinfection byproduct (DBP). Water disinfection plays a critical role in safeguarding public health by fighting against waterborne diseases, but disinfectants such as chlorine can react with organic and inorganic material in water to form harmful DBPs. Read International Research Collaboration Identifies Previously Unknown Chemical Compound in Drinking Water.

Underground Fire at Abandoned Dumping Site

In 2018, residents of Bella Vista, Arkansas noticed a dull haze and the smell of smoke wafting through their community and seeping into nearby homes and businesses. The source of their concern turned out to be a smoldering underground fire at a former illegal dumping site. Locally known as “the stump dump fire” the conflagration has continued to smolder for more than half a year, sparking health concerns. EPA ORD engineers visited the burning stump dump site to assess conditions and gather information and contributed to an assessment of ongoing management approaches and mitigation options. ORD also provided comments on the Draft Response Action Plan and assisted with responding to questions the State has received from the plan.

Research to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposure

EPA researchers have been working on various aspects of lead research to support the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts. As part of this work, researchers are using a range of scientific data and tools to better understand the key drivers of blood lead levels and reduce childhood lead exposures. EPA worked with several South-Central states (Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico and Oklahoma) and the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, to hold a workshop to provide information and training relevant to small drinking water systems. As a result, workshop attendees were able to better understand compliance issues faced by small drinking water systems in these states and discussed potential solutions. Read A Year in Review: Progress on the Research Goal of the Federal Lead Action Plan.