NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment (E&E) received the final report for the comprehensive air sampling study in Tontitown, Ark., conducted May 2-12, 2025, by third-party contractor, CTEH. The comprehensive air sampling study final report can be accessed on the Tontitown Community Information web page.
The study was designed to assess the Eco-Vista landfill’s potential contribution, and other potential source contributions, to compounds of potential concern. During the 11-day air sampling study, 50 compounds were sampled, including hydrogen fluoride and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including the five compounds detected above U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regional screening levels for residential air during the April 2024 sampling event. Of the 50 compounds sampled, 36 were detected and categorized based on the identified source. Fourteen of the 50 compounds sampled were not detected, including naphthalene.
While no compounds were identified as contributions most likely from the Eco-Vista landfill, two compounds, benzene and ethylbenzene, were identified as having contributions likely from the landfill. Nine compounds were identified as having contributions possibly from the landfill. Nineteen compounds including acrolein, carbon tetrachloride, and chloroform were identified as having contributions not likely from the landfill as they were not distinguishable from background. Six compounds were classified as having contributions not likely from the landfill, possibly from another stationary or mobile emission source(s). Concentrations for these compounds, excluding methanol and acrylonitrile, were within range of U.S. background ambient air concentrations. The U.S. EPA does not measure methanol in the Air Quality System. Acrylonitrile, which was not detected during the February and April 2024 sampling events, was detected in Tontitown above U.S. background ambient air concentrations. CTEH identified the source as having contribution not likely from the landfill, possibly from another stationery or mobile emission source(s).
E&E has requested that the Arkansas Department of Health conduct a public health assessment on compounds of potential concern where the contribution was identified as likely or possibly from the Eco-Vista landfill using the data provided in CTEH’s final report. Additionally, E&E requested that acrylonitrile be assessed for public health impacts.
The odor survey and near real-time analytical sampling conducted during the study noted four main locations of odors: South Pianalto Road Lift Station, Phillips 66 Gas Station, Arbor Acres Avenue, and Red Oak Drive. E&E’s Office of Water Quality previously directed the City of Tontitown to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the sanitary sewer collection system, focusing around the South Pianalto Road Lift Station. Tontitown expects manhole remediation to be completed by March 2026, and the cleaning of the lift stations and pipe segments to be completed by January 2026.
“In the recent air sampling study, 36 compounds were detected, 35 of which were found at levels consistent with what’s typically found in the air, and none were exclusively from the Eco-Vista landfill. The report identified that the landfill likely contributed to the presence of two compounds: benzene and ethylbenzene. In addition, acrylonitrile was detected at levels above what’s typically found in the air. The study does not indicate that this compound is coming from the landfill but is likely from another source. As a result, we have asked the Arkansas Department of Health to conduct a public health assessment to better understand any potential impacts on the community,” said Shane Khoury, E&E Secretary.
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