30 Years of ADEM - Alabama Department of Environmental ...

Thirty
Years
of
1982 - 2012

Permits & Services Division 5
Land Division 13
Water Division 21
Air Division 31
Field Operations Division 37
List of Acronyms 44

Letter From the Director
It is with great pleasure that I present, on behalf of our dedicated employees, this report to celebrate the 30th anniversary of
the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and to highlight the many accomplishments that have been achieved
during this time. Created in 1982 with the bold and ambitious mission of protecting and preserving Alabama’s air, land, and water
resources, ADEM has directly impacted the lives of millions of Alabama citizens and taken great strides to assure future
generations will enjoy the boundless natural resources of Alabama.
The accomplishments outlined in the following pages would not have been possible without the commitment and hard work of
our current, and former, employees. ADEM has consistently fielded one of the best trained and most dedicated, professional work
forces in government. They strive each and every day to ensure this great State continues to live up to its name, “Alabama the
Beautiful.”
Likewise, there are many individual citizens, stakeholder groups, environmental organizations, business associations, and
other government agencies that have contributed to the environmental well being of our State. Working with these stakeholders,
leveraging resources, and fostering effective communication has made it possible for ADEM to identify priority areas and focus
limited resources to achieve significant success.
As you begin to review the information in this report I encourage you to start with the overall time-line that immediately follows
this introduction. This time-line highlights some of the major environmental milestones that have been achieved over the last 30
years. As you move further into the report you will find highlights of the accomplishments of each ADEM Division. The cleanup
of almost 700 illegal dump sites, the designation of almost 300 miles of rivers/streams as Outstanding Alabama Waters, the
achievement of National Ambient Air Quality Standards, the issuance of more than $1 billion in clean water/drinking
water low-interest loans, and the ability to measure pollutants in parts-per-trillion instead of parts-per-million are all significant
accomplishments that attest to positive environmental impacts that have been realized.
Interestingly, environenmental stewardship can also pay economic dividends. The assessment of old underground storage tank
sites along the Selma-to-Montgomery National Historic Trail has not only reduced a major threat to groundwater resources but has
also allowed these properties to be promoted for redevelopment into viable business ventures in the historically impoverished Black
Belt Region. Efficient financial resource management allows high quality, protective environmental permits to be issued quickly
and correctly giving Alabama a competitive advantage in attracting job providing businesses.
The Department has also made great strides in the area of Environmental Justice to ensure all citizens are afforded the opportunity
to participate in the regulatory decision making process. Partnerships with Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University,
Tuskegee University, and Bishop State Community College have supported training events and workshops designed to engage
local citizens while the internal training of ADEM employees has supported the transition to a comprehensive approach to
Environmental Justice within ADEM.
It is my pleasure to serve the citizens of Alabama and to work under the guidance of the
Alabama Environmental Management Commission to fulfill our mission of protecting
Alabama’s air, land, and water resources. It is my hope that the information contained in
this report will instill in you confidence in knowing that our efforts are reaping benefits for
Alabama’s environment, as well as Alabama’s economy, and will make Alabama a better
place to live for today’s residents and future generations.
Lance R. LeFleur,
Director
1

Significant Events - ADEM
2
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
ADEM created with passage of the Alabama Environmental Management Act
Class I UIC wells (Deep well injection below the lowermost underground source of drinking water) prohibited
WANG mainframe computer system installed and is still in use today
EPA and ADEM sign cooperative agreement for ADEM to perform CERCLA Assessments
Environmental programs are consolidated into one building, becoming the first central office for ADEM
WANG Word Processing incorporated to replace typewriters
Alabama Legislature authorized ADEM to assess administrative penalties
Amendments to the Clean Water Act established the Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program
Alabama Hazardous Substances Cleanup Fund created to provide a mechanism to investigate, remediate, and
monitor hazardous substances sites that do not qualify for CERCLA
First state to receive EPA approval of a State UST Trust Fund Program
U.S. Department of Defense and ADEM entered into DSMOA
Reservoir Monitoring Program and Clean Lakes Program Phase I Intensive Reservoir Surveys initiated
NPDES Phase I Stormwater Program initiated
Fish Tissue Monitoring Program initiated
Outstanding Alabama Water classification established
ADEM received the EPA Award of Excellence for Drinking Water Supply Program
Subtitle D of RCRA adopted into ADEM regulations
Alabama Comprehensive State Groundwater Protection Program was one of the first in the nation approved
EPA approved Title V Operating Permit Program
ADEM web page is published to establish ADEM as one of the first state agencies to begin using the internet to
communicate with the public/regulated community
AHWMMA permit issued to Chemical Demilitarization Facility in Anniston

1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
“The Cluster Rule” became effective and virtually eliminated all dioxin discharges at pulp and paper facilities
Construction completed on new central office building, known as the Environmental Building
NPDES Phase II Stormwater Program initiated
NPDES permits required for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
Alabama Drycleaning Environmental Response Trust Fund created to establish a voluntary self-insurance program
EPA approved Phase I of Alabama’s NOx SIP Call Trading Program, resulting in large decreases in NOx emissions
Alabama Land Recycling & Economic Development Act enacted to provide for a voluntary cleanup program
Alabama drinking water systems ranked 2nd nationwide in compliance
ADEM awarded first Brownfields Pilot grant of $1 million
ADEM receives the first of eight (8) EPA Exchange Network grants totaling $2.45 Million
Alabama Land Recyling & Finance Authority Act passed
Updated reference doses, cancer potency factors, and bioconcentration factors that are used in calculation of
certain human health toxic pollutant criteria
EPA formally re-designated Jefferson and Shelby Counties to attainment of the 1-hour ozone NAAQS
The combined drinking water and wastewater State Revolving Fund Loan Programs surpassed $1 billion in loans
EPA approved Phase 2 of Alabama’s NOx SIP Call Trading Program
Construction completed on the state-of-the-art laboratory building adjacent to the central office building
EPA designated Jefferson and Shelby Counties to attainment of the 8-hour ozone NAAQS
Implemented UST regulations which comply with the Energy Act requirements for secondary containment
Alabama Uniform Environmental Covenants Act enacted
Passage of the Alabama Solid Wastes and Recyclable Materials Management Act
Revised cancer risk level used in water quality equations for all carcinogens except arsenic and revised reference
doses for acrolein and phenol to be consistent with the EPA Integrated Risk Information System
e-File System for the electronic internet-based file retrieval allowed public access to permits, compliance data,
correspondence, and enforcement documents
Awarded Brownfields Grant of $200,000 to assess sites along Selma-to-Montgomery National Historic Trail
Air quality data in the Birmingham nonattainment area met the daily fine particle NAAQS (2007-2009)
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund exceeded $1 billion in closed loans
Air quality data in the Birmingham nonattainment area met the annual fine particle NAAQS (2008-2010)
Electronic Complaint System went online to allow concerned citizens to enter environmental complaints
141 miles of rivers/streams were classified less than suitable for fish and wildlife as compared to 713 miles in 1982
Birmingham designated as attainment/unclassifiable for the 2008 ozone standard
3

30 YEARS OF ADEM

Permits & Services Division
ADEM Facilities
Prior to the creation of ADEM in 1982, the wide-range of environmental (air/land/water)
programs were housed in different buildings throughout the City of Montgomery. In 1984 the
Department rented a building located at 1751 Congressman Dickinson Drive which became the
first ADEM central office building. The central functions remained in this building until a new
central office building was constructed in 1999. The new state-of-the art facility, known as
the Environmental Building, is located at 1400 Coliseum Boulevard in Montgomery and houses
the employees of the Air Division, Land Division, Water Division, Permits & Services Division,
Human Resources, and Office of General Counsel. The 120,000 square foot facility is functional,
accessible, and at the time of construction was considered to be highly energy efficient.
The Department’s original laboratory was also located in Montgomery from 1982 until 2006
when a new laboratory/office building was constructed. The new Central Laboratory was
completed in 2006 and sits adjacent to the central office. It houses offices for the Field
Operations Division staff, storage/maintenance space for field equipment, and numerous
environmental laboratories. The Department has embarked on a series of improvements to
increase the energy efficiency of the Central Laboratory. In addition, The Department maintains
field offices in Birmingham, Decatur, and Mobile to facilitate the rapid deployment of inspectors
and emergency response personnel.
State Revolving Fund Programs
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) was established in 1988 and closed its first loan
in 1989. Over its history, more than $1 billion of loans to public bodies have provided low-cost
financing for wastewater infrastructure improvements.
In 2010, the Alabama Environmental Management Commission adopted changes to the
program’s rules that established a state-of-the-art integrated priority system for project ranking.
The first loan to address the impacts of nonpoint source pollution was subsequently closed in
2011. In addition to assisting local communities, fees generated by the CWSRF have provided
more than $50 million to support the Department’s water permitting programs.
Likewise, the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) closed its first loan in 1998. Since
that time, more than $360 million in improvements to public drinking water systems have been
financed by the program.
Together, these state revolving fund programs have funded projects in 63 counties, ranging in
cost from $85,000 to $59 million and have enhanced the treatment of wastewater along with the
ability to provide Alabama residents with clean, safe drinking water.
Clean Vessel Act Program & Boating Infrastructure Grant Program
ADEM provides grant funds for the construction of marina pumpout stations and waste
reception facilities for recreational boaters. These pumpout stations and waste reception
facilities provide boaters with an easy, convenient method of disposing of their wastewater in
lieu of discharging it, untreated, into Alabama’s waterways. Since 1993, ADEM has provided
more than $500,000 to marinas to install boat sewage pumpout stations.
ADEM also provides grant funds for the construction of docking facilities for transient vessels
that are 26 feet or greater in length and non-trailerable. ADEM has awarded more than $1.6
million to marinas for the construction of transient boat docking facilities.
5

PERMITS & SERVICES DIVISION
Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program
The goal of the Nonpoint Source Management Program is to protect water quality from the impacts of nonpoint source
pollution and to restore water quality in watersheds where nonpoint source pollution impacts have already occurred. Since 1990
the Department has utilized over $60 million in funding to implement a statewide nonpoint source pollution management plan and
to implement on-the-ground best management practices to improve water quality.
The Nonpoint Source Management Program, through its non-regulatory approach, has supported the implementation of over 400
different best management practices. These best management practices have addressed the impacts of nonpoint source pollution
associated with agricultural processes, forestry activities, urban development, and mining operations. In addition, program efforts
have supported education/outreach efforts, monitoring and assessment efforts, as well as statewide watershed coordinator efforts.
The implementation of these key program activities has resulted in nitrogen, sediment, and phosphorous pollutant load reductions.
Another key aspect of the Nonpoint Source Management Program is the development of small-scale watershed
management plans that address the nine key elements that are outlined in the Section 319 grant guidelines. To date, ADEM
has overseen and supported the development of almost 50 small-scale watershed management plans targeting watersheds that have
been identified as being impaired by nonpoint source pollution. These watershed management plans give local elected officials,
citizens, environmental groups, and other stakeholders an opportunity to have an active role in protecting/restoring water quality
at the local level.
Information Systems
The Information Systems Branch has grown from two members at the inception of the Department to approximately 40 staff
members in 2012. This growth reflects an increase in the scope and complexity of the Department’s regulatory responsibility since
its formation.
Early in its history automated data processing revolved around payroll processing and personnel management, tasks that still
remain as priorities. The Department’s early adoption in 1983 of a WANG mainframe computer occurred at a time when
personal computers in a business/governmental environment hardly existed. By the late 1980’s the Department was using
electronic data imaging and personal computers during the normal course of business. However, much of the work that the
Department performed utilized mainframe computers at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Department began using a web site in 1996 to provide basic information to permit holders, the public, and other stakeholders.
By 1999 the Department implemented electronic document imaging enterprise-wide. Today, approximately 1.5 million electronic
documents are available, free-of-charge, via the e-File system on the ADEM web site.
The advance of computing technology has also produced electronic inspection forms, web-based compliance reporting, webbased
permit applications and a web site that provides permit application forms in an electronic format. Since 2003 ADEM has
garnered $2.45 million in competitive Exchange Network federal grants that have been used to fund many of these new systems.
Additional advancements are anticiapted that will increase efficiency, accuracy, and transparency while controlling costs even as
environmental regulations change and expand.
The Clean Vessel Act Program has provided more than
$500,000 in grants for marinas to install pumpout
stations to protect water quality in Alabama lakes and
rivers.
6

The Section 319 Nonpoint
Source Program
has utilized over $60
million to work with
landowners to install best
management practices to
improve water quality.
Water Well Standards Program
The Alabama Water Wells Standards Act was passed in 1971 under the direction of the Alabama Water Well Standards Board
and ADEM took over this responsibility in 1982. Over the past 30 years, the Water Well Standards Program has imposed well
construction standards and required well drillers in Alabama to be duly licensed to help protect groundwater resources.
The licensing of well drillers is an integral part of the program requiring well drillers to pass a comprehensive exam and to also
obtain sufficient experience in order to obtain an Alabama well driller license. Currently, there are 143 licensed well drillers in
Alabama.
Well drillers are required to follow certain construction standards when installing wells and are also required to notify ADEM
of any planned well construction. They are also required to submit to ADEM the location of all finished wells and construction
details for completed wells. ADEM maintains a database of water wells drilled by licensed drillers throughout the state. The
database contains well driller records for almost 26,000 water wells. When warranted, ADEM inspects well installations and
initiates enforcement actions, accordingly.
Signifi cant enhancements in computer technology
supports electronic data submissions, electronic
permit applications, and instant access to over 1.5
million scanned documents.
7

PERMITS & SERVICES DIVISION
Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program
The ADEM Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program was developed to ensure the safe, efficient, and proper
operation of public drinking water systems and wastewater treatment systems. The certification process is an important step in
protecting Alabama’s public water supplies for potable uses and in protecting the water quality of Alabama’s rivers, lakes, and
streams.
There are nine operator grades, or classifications, for the Water and Wastewater Certification Program. To become an operator
intern each candidate must pass a rigorous, tailored exam. A candidate must then work as an operator intern under the tutelage
of a qualified senior operator for a period of 6 - 36 months. The minimum required experience varies according to the level of
certification pursued.
The program requires that process control decisions be made by a certified operator and minimum staffing requirements are also
specified in the regulations. ADEM inspects facilities to confirm that a current certified operator of record is on duty and available
to make process control decisions.
The program has been refined and improved in recent years to impose continuing education requirements on certified operators.
Minimum continuing education requirements must be met every three years. Applications for renewal are audited by ADEM to
confirm that applicants have met the required training classes necessary for certification renewal.
Since 2009, ADEM has also instituted a fully electronic testing procedure. For the electronic certification process, ADEM has
developed a bank of tailored electronic exam questions and a contractor is employed to administer the exams. Upon completing an
electronic exam at a local testing center, an examinee is provided with test results on-the-spot. Overall, the electronic testing and
renewal process has greatly automated this program providing a convenience to operators at a reduced cost to ADEM. Presently,
there are about 3,400 certified water and wastewater operators in Alabama.
Landfill Operator Certification
Building on the success of the ADEM Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program, ADEM recently developed a similar
program for the operators of municipal landfills. These new regulations were adopted in November 2009 and the certification
process began implementation in 2010. To date, there are 425 certified landfill operators in Alabama, which provides an additional
safeguard measure to ensure these facilities do not have an adverse impact on Alabama’s air, land, and water quality.
Staff and Budgets
ADEM has experienced significant increases in the number of regulatory programs it administers and its overall responsibilities
over the past 30 years. The Department originally implemented only 10 environmental programs but now fully implements over
40 different environmental programs. These programs initially focused on large industries such as paper mills, power plants, and
chemical manufacturers. However, over the years those regulatory efforts have been expanded to include small businesses such as
dry cleaners, gas stations, construction sites, and pesticide applicators. Consequently, staff levels and budgets have increased in an
effort to keep pace with these rising demands.
ADEM requires the operators of wastewater treatment
plants, drinking water treatment plants, and landfi lls to
pass training and testing standards to ensure protection
of air, land, and water resources.
8

Over $1 billion in lowinterest
loans have
supported improvements
in drinking water and
wastewater treatment in
local communities across
Alabama.
ADEM originally employed a staff of around 200 and over the years has expanded to reach almost 625 at times. The Department
currently employs just under 600 full time staff members and has an operating budget of $63 million. This budget compares to an
original operating budget of around $8 million in 1982.
The operating budget is supported by three funding sources that include federal funds, state general funds, and other generated
funds. In 1982, federal funds provided 51% of the budget, state general funds provided 28%, and other generated funds provided
21%. In 2012 those percentages have changed significantly with federal funds providing 35% of the budget, state general funds
providing 6%, and other generated funds providing 59%.
The staff within ADEM continues to focus on identifying areas to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the
implementation of environmental programs. Improvements in technology, partnerships with other agencies, and leveraging
resources with outside stakeholders have all allowed the Department to evolve over the last 30 years and continue to be an
effective steward of its provided resources.
ADEM was awarded the EPA Exchange Network
Leadership Award in 2012 for its leadership and
innovation regarding electronic data fl ow and data
sharing.
9

Significant Events - Permits & Services Division
1983
1984
1985
1987
1988
1989
1990
1992
1993
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
WANG mainframe computer system installed and is still in use today
Wide range of environmental programs previously housed in different buildings are consolidated into one building,
becoming the first central office for ADEM
WANG Word Processing incorporated to replace typewriters
Amendments to the Clean Water Act established the Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program
WANG Imaging System incorporated to manage the sheer volume of paperwork generated by the ADEM regulatory
programs. The electronic images still exist today and are retrievable via the Department’s public, web-based
system, e-File
The first Nonpoint Source Assessment and Nonpoint Source Management documents approved by EPA
The first Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan closed for the Ozark Utilities Board
Alabama is allocated $760,000 to initiate its Nonpoint Source Management Program
Microsoft NT Server and Exchange E-mail implemented as a new technology that was just beginning to come into
use in universities, private industry, and the military
Initial deployment of personal computers with Windows 3.0/3.1
Continued implementation of personal computer efforts with installation of Windows 95
ADEM web page is published to establish ADEM as one of the first state agencies to begin using the internet to
communicate with the public/regulated community
New EPA grant guidelines direct states to develop watershed management plans that contain 9 key elements
The first Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan is closed for the Town of Nectar
FileNet electronic document filing system implemented which now allows anytime access to over 1.5 million
documents
Construction completed on new central office building, known as the Environmental Building
10

2000
2001
2003
2005
2006
2007
2009
2010
2011
2012
ADEM partners with stakeholders to revise/update the 1989 Alabama Nonpoint Source Management Plan
ADEM begins to focus Section 319 grant funds on implementing the nonpoint source components of approved
Total Daily Maximum Loads
ADEM receives the first of eight (8) EPA Exchange Network grants totaling $2.45 million to streamline data
management and to facilitate efficiency/accuracy in data management
The combined State Revolving Fund Loan Program surpassed $1 billion in loans with the closing of a $25 million
loan to the Shelby County Commission
Construction completed on the state-of-the-art laboratory building adjacent to the central office building
ADEM receives EPA recognition of Flint River Nonpoint Source Success Story and the de-listing of a 28 mile segment
of the Flint River due to water quality improvements
e-File System for the electronic internet-based file retrieval allowed public access to permits, compliance data, correspondence,
and enforcement documents
A new state-of-the-art integrated priority system and expanded project eligibilities ensured the CWSRF was prepared
to address the most pressing water quality infrastructure needs
The closing of a $7 million loan to the City of Dothan allows the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to exceed $1
billion in closed loans
ADEM exceeds $60 million in Section 319 grant funding to address the impacts of nonpoint source pollution
Electronic Complaint System went online to allow concerned citizens to enter environmental complaints online
and check the status of action(s) taken
11

30 YEARS OF ADEM

Land Division
Overview
During the past 30 years, the success of the Land Division has been achieved through
innovative organization and a clear dedication to the Department’s mission. Through the
Division’s “one program” approach, regulatory consistency and facility equality improved the
overall effectiveness of each individual program. The Department is able to decide which
regulatory program best serves the need of both the regulated community and the public.
Programs such as the Voluntary Clean Up and Brownfields have allowed facilities to address
environmental concerns and return those sites to usable space which has an economic
benefit for the State of Alabama. Through the Alabama Scrap Tire Environmental Quality Act,
a management program has been established which allows for the assessment and remediation
of scrap tire dumps scattered throughout the state. Following the example of this action, the
Alabama Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials Management Act was passed in 2008, which has
funded the cleanup of numerous unauthorized dumps and provided recycling grants for
local governments. By having all these programs under one Division, it promotes effective
assessment, remediation, and restoration of contaminated sites to ensure the protection of both
the environment and the citizens of Alabama.
Solid Waste Branch
The Solid Waste Branch oversees the Department’s Solid Waste Program, Recycling
Program, and Scrap Tire Program. These programs cover landfill permits, scrap tire registrations,
recycling facility registrations, scrap tire marketing, and remediation of illegal scrap tire and
unauthorized dump sites. Funding for the Solid Waste Program and Recycling Program is
provided by the Solid Waste Fund which is generated from the $1.00 per ton tipping fee
assessed on solid waste disposed of in Alabama landfills. The Scrap Tire Environmental Fee
funds the Scrap Tire Program to support the cleanup of scrap tire dumps through the assessment
of a $1.00 per tire fee on all retail tire sales in Alabama.
The Solid Waste Engineering Section is responsible for issuing permits and permit
modifications for solid waste landfills in Alabama. The Enforcement and Remediation Section
responds to any complaints of unauthorized dumps (UADs) and has remediated over 700 UADs
by enforcement actions or through Solid Waste Fund projects. Four large scrap tire remediation
projects have been completed at a cost of nearly $6 million. From those four sites, approximately
7 million passenger tire equivalents were removed with over 50% beneficially reused in lieu of
landfill disposal.
The Recycling Program is responsible for grants and facility registrations. In 2008, the Alabama
Recycling Grants Program was created to provide funding for communities to enhance and
promote local recycling efforts. In the first four years of the program, almost $7 million has
been awarded to 58 applicants. The Recycling Facility Registration Program, which went into
effect in 2010, regulates the management of reusable materials in Alabama. Recycling facilities
are required to register with the Department and maintain records on the amount of materials
recycled.
The Alabama Scrap Tire Environmental Quality Act was signed into law in 2003 and provided
a funding mechanism for scrap tire management through the assessment of a $1.00 per tire fee
on all retail sales of tires in Alabama. The Act also prescribed how collected funds were to be
allocated to support activities of fund disbursement, regulation, marketing, site
remediation, and county delegation. Additionally, it directed ADEM to establish a ranking system
13

LAND DIVISION
for accumulation sites and regulations for the management, transportation, disposal or reuse of scrap tires and a regulatory
system for site remediation. The regulatory program instituted provides for the registration of Scrap Tire Receivers, which includes
separate classes for tire retailers and salvage and fleet operations. The permitting program initiated provides for permitting of
scrap tire transporters, processors and end-users, and includes provisions for the storage and transportation of scrap tires as well
as other requirements.
Demonstration projects to increase potential markets for scrap tire materials have been done in conjunction with several state
agencies and municipalities for a variety of applications such as walking tracks, playground and landscaping mulch, septic
system field lines, and sidewalks. More than 100,000 tires have been diverted from landfill disposal and beneficially reused in
these projects. These projects have served to increase public awareness of the possible utilization of scrap tire material.
Hazardous Waste Management Program
The Hazardous Waste Management Program identifies hazardous wastes and establishes standards for its accumulation,
transportation, storage, treatment, and disposal. In 1987, ADEM became authorized under the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA) to manage the hazardous wastes in Alabama in lieu of EPA. Under the established guidelines of EPA, ADEM
has accomplished a 100% goal for the RCRA permitting baseline goal at a pace that exceeded EPA interim goals.
A notable accomplishment for the program was the permitting of the state’s only commercial Subtitle C (Hazardous Waste)
landfill. Through its administration of permitting, compliance monitoring, and enforcement of these preventative measures, the
overall standard of care for managing hazardous wastes has greatly increased throughout the State as compared to that exhibited
prior to the establishment of modern regulatory controls and standards. As a result, there have been no significant impacts to the
environment from post-regulatory waste management practices. In addition, through recycling and innovative process controls
employed on the point of generation, Alabama has seen a sharp decline in the quantity of hazardous wastes being disposed of
each year.
In 1996, the Department became authorized to manage the corrective action activities for the majority of the sites that had been
identified. Approximately 200 of those sites have corrective action cleanups underway and/or completed.
In addition to these sites, the Department, in cooperation with the Department of the Army, has expedited the cleanup of several
restoration sites to support the construction of the new Raytheon Missile Production Facility. This expeditious cleanup reduced the
period needed by the Army to obtain regulatory approval by over one year and allowed the construction to begin on the Raytheon
Missile Production Facility ahead of schedule.
Anniston Chemical Demilitarization Facility Program
The Anniston Chemical Demilitarization Facility (ANCDF) was constructed and operated with the sole purpose of safely
destroying 661,529 nerve agent and mustard agent filled munitions that were stored onsite. While the destruction process
began in August of 2003, the Department’s work began over ten years prior to that date when ADEM scientists and engineers
began reviewing applications and preparatory materials. ADEM issued the Alabama Hazardous Waste Management Act Permit in
July of 1997 after more than 25 public hearings and question/answer sessions had been held in the community in an effort to ensure
Over 71,000 work hours were committed to monitor
activities 24/7 to ensure the safe destruction of over
650,000 chemical weapons in Anniston.
14

Over 25,000 tons of
solid waste materials
have been removed
to clean up over 700
illegal dump sites.
that the public was informed about the destruction process.
Since August of 2003, ADEM has monitored activities at the ANCDF by maintaining an onsite presence 24 hours a day, seven
days a week and committed over 71,000 work hours to ensure adherence to permit and regulatory requirements. Out of the three
locations where the Army has operated chemical agent incineration sites, only the ANCDF site has been monitored 24 hours a day
by the state regulatory agency. The last of the 661,529 munitions was destroyed on September 22, 2011.
School Chemical Cleanout Program
Working under small EPA grants, ADEM visited numerous Alabama public high schools concentrating on those that received
Title I funds (service environmental justice communities). The visits revealed that up to one half of the schools had outdated
laboratory chemicals which would be classified as hazardous waste upon disposal. The schools had been holding the chemicals for
extended periods due to both a lack of funding to pay for disposal and a lack of knowledge about how to properly dispose of the
chemicals. ADEM assisted these schools in identifying the wastes that needed to be disposed, safely packaging the wastes, and
transporting them for proper disposal to a permitted hazardous waste landfill. ADEM also provided educational guidance in
reducing or eliminating the need for stockpiling laboratory chemicals for future use. This protected children’s health by removing
a significant hazard to the students, faculty, and staff and provided the school with the opportunity to avoid this problem in the
future.
As part of this effort, ADEM removed over ten tons of waste chemicals from 110 public schools in Alabama. ADEM also removed
over 100 pounds of elemental mercury and over 500 mercury thermometers and mercury containing devices from another 45
ADEM assisted 110 schools in removing over 10 tons
of outdated laboratory chemicals to ensure their safe
disposal in a permitted hazardous waste landfi ll.
15

LAND DIVISION
schools.
In 2009 ADEM was recognized for its achievements in support of the Schools Chemical Cleanout Campaign by EPA at their SC3
School Labs Cleanout Awards Meeting. Alabama was one of only two states to be recognized for this award.
Environmental Services Branch
The Environmental Services Branch is responsible for the Alabama Hazardous Substance Cleanup Fund (AHSCF), the Brownfield
Redevelopment Program (Brownfields), and the Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP). Since 1990, 313 sites have been addressed
under the AHSCF, with an expenditure of approximately $2.7 million. There are many other sites which were initially screened by
ADEM under AHSCF that have been referred to the appropriate state and/or federal program for assessment and cleanup. Some
are considered Superfund-equivalent sites, which are being assessed jointly by ADEM and EPA.
Through the Brownfields and Voluntary Cleanup Programs ADEM has assessed, cleaned up, and returned to productive use almost
250 properties that were either contaminated or thought to be contaminated. Brownfield sites usually are idle, underutilized, or
abandoned and provide no useful benefit to the community. The Department has conducted brownfields initial assessments for
local governments and non-profit organizations in an effort to support redevelopment and potentially increase employment and
local tax bases while removing blight. Through this program, these sites have been converted into viable assets. Currently, ADEM
has about 200 applicants in the program.
In 2008, ADEM began assessing sites along the Selma-to-Montgomery Historic Voting Rights Trail (Trail). ADEM partnered with
EPA, the National Parks Service, and other federal/state agencies to assist communities along the Trail to identify brownfield
sites, assess sites, and share information with community leaders about remediating and redeveloping these sites to revitalize
blighted areas, increase employment opportunities, increase local tax bases, and conserve greenspace. Activities began in 2009 to
create a workgroup of federal agencies, state agencies, and municipalities to promote redevelopment and job creation. ADEM
conducted a brownfields survey of petroleum sites located along the Trail, and with assistance from EPA, conducted a number
of site assessments.
Since 2009, numerous meetings with community leaders, municipal and county officials, developers, financiers, and concerned
citizens have been held in Selma, Selmont, Hayneville, and west Montgomery. In addition, outreach activities have been conducted
that include visioning/charette sessions in west Montgomery, Hayneville, Selmont, Selma, and Uniontown.
Underground Storage Tank Program
The Underground Storage Tank Program regulates underground storage tanks (UST) containing petroleum and hazardous
substances. The UST Corrective Action Section oversees corrective actions and cleanup of releases from underground and
aboveground storage tanks. The program administers the Alabama Underground and Aboveground Storage Tank Trust Fund which
serves as a financial responsibility mechanism for underground storage tank owners/operators and for aboveground storage tank
owners who meet the eligibility requirements. Abandoned UST sites are investigated and remediated through the administration
of the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund which receives funding from EPA.
Almost $7 million in recycling grants have been
awarded to start new recycling programs, or enhance
existing programs, and support the purchase of
equipment such as scales, balers, recycling trailers, and
education/outreach materials.
16

ADEM completed
the cleanup of soil
and groundwater
contamination from
leaking underground
storage tanks at
more than 10,000
locations across
Alabama.
Since 1988, over 10,000 releases from underground storage tank systems have been cleaned up. Many of these were cleaned up
during the removal of underground storage tank systems. Of this number, 1,989 UST releases were cleaned up utilizing funding
available through the Alabama Underground and Aboveground Storage Tank Trust Fund. Over the last 24 years, $390 million has
been reimbursed to eligible tank owners for site investigations, site cleanup and third party claims at over 2,900 eligible release
sites.
DSMOA Program
To expedite the cleanup of hazardous waste sites, solid waste sites, munitions sites, and other areas of concern on current and
former Department of Defense (DoD) installations, DoD and ADEM entered into the Department of Defense and State
Memorandum of Agreement (DSMOA) on November 29, 1990. Under DSMOA, a Cooperative Agreement signed biennially
serves as the funding mechanism by which ADEM receives federal financial assistance for eligible services at DoD facilities in
support of environmental restoration. This funding resource enables ADEM to ensure that adequate staff are available to provide
regulatory review and oversight of DoD environmental restoration in Alabama, ensuring compliance with the applicable State
laws and regulations. The national DSMOA Program fosters improved communication, coordination, and cooperation between
States and DoD components in order to facilitate progress on projects to protect human health and the environment. The State
of Alabama receives approximately $2 million in cost reimbursements annually from the DoD through this program.
ADEM assessed sites along the Selma-to-Montgomery
Historic Voting Rights Trail for contamination to support
enhanced opportunities for economic redevelopment.
17

Significant Events - Land Division
1982
1983
1986
1987
1988
1989
Authority for the regulation of solid waste disposal assumed from the Alabama Department of Public Health
Underground Injection Control Program approved by EPA
EPA and ADEM sign cooperative agreement for ADEM to perform CERCLA Assessments
Began issuing initial Hazardous Waste Operating Permits
Began issuing initial Post-Closure Care Permits
Received RCRA Permitting Base Program Authorization and closed out all interim status surface impoundments
State of Alabama passes the Alabama Hazardous Substances Cleanup Fund (AHSCF) to provide a mechanism to
investigate, remediate, and monitor hazardous substances sites that do not qualify for, or are unlikely to be
addressed by, CERCLA
Implemented regulations that required all generators to obtain pre-approval for waste disposed in a
commercial hazardous waste landfill, which established a new process for permitting solid waste landfills,
including local government review, and imposed two year permit moratorium for study and development of a
State solid waste management plan
First state to receive EPA approval of a State UST Trust Fund Program
1990
1991
1993
1994
1996
1997
UST regulations went into effect with requirements for leak detection, corrosion protection, spill/overfill
prevention, and release response requirements
U.S. Department of Defense and ADEM entered into the Department of Defense and State Memorandum of
Agreement (DSMOA)
Wellhead Protection Program was the first in EPA Region IV to be approved
The UST Tank Trust Fund was revised by the Alabama Legislature to include aboveground tanks and to provide
additional funding
Subtitle D of RCRA adopted into ADEM regulations
Alabama selected as one of 11 pilot states for the development of a Comprehensive Ground Water Protection
Program
The Alabama Comprehensive State Groundwater Protection Program was one of the first four in the nation
approved by EPA
HSWA Corrective Action Base Program Authorization received
AHWMMA permit issued to Chemical Demilitarization Facility in Anniston
Completed issuance of initial Operating Permits received in 1983
The first commercial treatment, storage, and disposal facility in Alabama is issued an AHWMMA permit
18

1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2006
2007
2008
Completed issuance of initial Post-Closure Permits received in 1983
The Alabama Scrap Tire Study Commission and a $1.00 per tire scrap tire fee established
Alabama Scrap Tire Environmental Quality Act established both a Scrap Tire Management Program and a
remediation fund for the clean-up of scrap tire dumps
Adoption of the 1991 State SWMP into the Solid Waste Program
Alabama Drycleaning Environmental Response Trust Fund (DERTF) created to establish a voluntary self-insurance
program
Alabama Land Recycling & Economic Development Act enacted to provide for a voluntary cleanup program
ADEM awarded first Brownfields Pilot Grant of $1 million
Alabama Land Recycling & Finance Authority Act passed to establish a Revolving Fund Loan Program for
brownfield sites
Alabama Brownfields Development Tax Abatement Act enacted
First Brownfields Revolving Loan Grant of $1 million awarded
UST regulations implemented requiring compliance with most stringent standard for flexible piping compatibility
with regulated substances
Alabama Uniform Environmental Covenants Act enacted
Implemented UST regulations which comply with the Energy Act requirements for secondary containment and
interstitial monitoring requirements
Alabama Uniform Covenants Act regulations promulgated
ADEM and EPA begin focus on brownfields sites along Selma-to-Montgomery Historic Voting Rights Trail
Passage of the Alabama Solid Wastes and Recyclable Materials Management Act that established a clean-up fund
for unauthorized dumps, a Recycling Grants Program, a Landfill Operator Certification Program, and a $1.00/ton
statewide disposal fee to fund oversight of these programs
RCRA 2020 Baseline established (71 Facilities in Alabama)
2010
2011
UST regulations implemented to comply with Energy Act requirements for UST delivery
ADEM awarded Brownfields Assessment Grant of $200,000 to assess petroleum sites along Selma-to-Montgomery
Historic Voting Rights Trail
RCRA Facility Assessment and NCAPS rankings completed at all facilities on 2020 Baseline
Corrective Action Remedies constructed at 59% of the facilities on the 2020 Baseline while the regional goal was
48%
19

30 YEARS OF ADEM

Water Division
Overview
Alabama, appropriately named “The River State,” has a tremendous resource in the more than
77,000 miles of rivers, creeks, and streams within its borders. In addition to these surface
waters, Alabama has an abundant supply of groundwater that is utilized for drinking water by
more than 40% of the State’s citizens. The Water Division is responsible for administering the
programs and daily activities that ensure the protection of these resources. Most functions of
the Water Division fall under two federal statutes, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and the
Clean Water Act (CWA).
Originally, the SDWA focused primarily on treatment as the means of providing safe
drinking water at the tap. Amendments in 1996 added source water protection, operator
training, funding for water system improvements, and public information as important
components of safe drinking water. In 2002, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ranked Alabama’s drinking water systems second nationwide in compliance, and several large
public water systems including Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, and Montgomery have been
recognized in national magazines for the quality of their public water.
During the1996–2011 period, at least 90% of Alabama’s public water systems have regularly
been in compliance with monitoring and reporting requirements and at least 95% have met or
exceeded EPA standards set for contaminant levels.
The Water Division also administers the CWA and the Alabama Water Pollution Control Act
(AWPCA) to ensure water quality standards are achieved in Alabama’s rivers, lakes, and streams.
This effort is accomplished by regulating point source discharges including semi-public/private
municipal wastewater treatment plants and industrial wastewater treatment plants along with
storm water runoff from mining, construction, industrial, and municipal facilities.
The CWA sets a goal of water quality, wherever attainable, that provides for the protection
of fish, shellfish, wildlife, and recreation in, or on, the water. To this end, the Water Division
evaluates and classifies all waters of the State.
Water Quality Programs
The Water Quality Branch administers several programs pursuant to the CWA and the AWPCA.
These programs fall under the broad category of surface water protection and management.
Waters in the State of Alabama are classified in one of seven designated use categories which
are described in quality tables provided in this section. Some of the accomplishments of the
Water Quality Program are as follows:
• Waters classified as either Agricultural & Industrial Water Supply or Limited Warmwater
Fishery have been reduced by more than 80%, from 713 miles to 141 miles.
• Waters classified as Outstanding Alabama Waters now account for approximately 285 miles
of rivers and streams and 3,582 acres of coastal waters.
• The special Treasured Alabama Lake designation was created in April 2011 and Lake Martin
became the first waterbody in Alabama to receive this designation.
• Waters designated as Outstanding National Resource Waters now account for 805 miles of
rivers and streams and 1,946 acres of other waters.
Integrated Report (305(b) Report / 303(d) List) - The Water Quality Branch compiles a
list of waterbodies (303(d) List) that do not fully support their designated uses based on a
21

WATER DIVISION
review of water quality data and information. The list is submitted to EPA for approval after an opportunity for public comment.
In addition to the causes and sources of water quality impairment for each waterbody listed, the list includes a schedule for
development of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for each pollutant causing impairment. The latest 305(b) Report and 303(d)
List are available on the ADEM website.
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program - TMDL is a term used to describe the maximum amount of a pollutant that a
body of water can receive and still meet water quality standards. The Water Quality Branch develops TMDLs for pollutants in
waterbodies included on Alabama’s 303(d) list. As noted in the chart below, a total of 224 TMDLs have been completed and
approved in 12 of the 13 major river basins within Alabama.
TMDLS Approved
(by Year and River Basin)
Fiscal Year 1997 98-02 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Total
Cumulative TMDL Total 12 12 73 100 132 135 150 159 202 207 219 224 by
Basin
R Alabama 1 1 3 5
I Black Warrior 3 13 12 2 1 1 2 34
V
E
Cahaba 5 3 1 4 2 1 16
R Chattahoochee 0
Chipola 1 1
B
A Choctawhatchee 1 1 2 4
S Coosa 3 2 1 28 3 37
I
Escatawpa 1 2 1 2 6
N
S Mobile 1 6 3 6 1 1 18
Perdido-Escambia 3 2 1 6
Tallapoosa 1 1 1 1 3 3 10
Tennessee 2 47 22 2 7 3 2 85
Tombigbee 2 2
Totals per Fiscal Year 12 0 61 27 32 3 15 9 43 5 12 5 224
Waste Load Allocation (WLA) Program - A WLA refers to the allowable load of pollutants a discharger may release into a
particular waterway from a point source. WLAs are developed by staff engineers who utilize computer models to predict effluent
limits that are protective of applicable water quality standards. ADEM staff have completed over 700 waste load allocations to
ensure point source discharges do not have a negative impact on water quality.
In 1982 Alabama had zero miles of Outstanding
Alabama Waters and Outstanding National Resource
Waters and in 2012 there are 285 miles and 805 miles
as well as 3,582 acres and 1,946 acres, respectively.
22

Lake Martin became the
fi rst lake in Alabama to
receive the Treasured
Alabama Lake special
designation.
Designated Uses
Outstanding
Alabama Water (OAW)
Public Water Supply
(PWS)
Swimming and Other
Whole Body Water-Contact
Sports (S)
Water Quality Tables
# of Waterbody Description
Segments
16 High quality waters that constitute an outstanding Alabama resource, such as waters of state parks
and wildlife refuges and waters of exceptional recreational or ecological significance.
118 Considered safe for drinking or food-processing purposes if subjected to treatment to remove
naturally present impurities.
224 Meet accepted standards of water quality for outdoor swimming places and will be
considered satisfactory for swimming and other whole body water-contact sports.
Shellfish Harvesting (SH) 12 For propagation and harvesting of shellfish (oysters) for sale or for use as a food product--also
suitable for propagation of fish and other aquatic life, including shrimp and crabs.
Fish and Wildlife (F&W) 680 For fishing and the propagation of fish, aquatic life, and wildlife. Under proper sanitary
supervision by the controlling health authorities, these waters will meet accepted standards of
water quality for outdoor swimming places from June through September.
Limited Warmwater
Fishery (LWF)
Agricultural and
Industrial Water
Supply (A&I)
9 December through April-for fishing and the propagation of fish, aquatic life, and wildlife;
May through November- for agricultural irrigation, livestock watering, industrial cooling, and
process water supplies.
8 For agricultural irrigation, livestock watering, industrial cooling, and process water supplies.
This classification includes watercourses in which natural flow is intermittent and nonexistent
during droughts and which may, of necessity, receive treated waste from existing
municipalities and industries, both now and in the future.
Special Designations
Outstanding
National Resource Water
(ONRW)
Treasured Alabama Lake
(TAL)
# of Waterbody Descriptions
Segments
5 High quality waters, such as waters of national and state parks and wildlife refuges and waters of
exceptional recreational or ecological significance, may be considered for this designation.
1 High quality waters within impoundments and natural lakes that constitute an exceptional resource,
such as waters of state parks and wildlife refuges and waters of exceptional whole body
water-contact recreation, water supply or rare and extraordinary ecological significance, may be
considered for designation as a Treasured Alabama Lake (TAL); provided that such waters are
fully supporting their classified uses at the time of the TAL designation.
23

WATER DIVISION
Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program
Alabama obtained primacy from EPA in 1983 to operate the Underground Injection Control Program for the State of
Alabama. Alabama’s UIC Program regulates the subsurface injection of wastewater and derives its state authority from the
AWPCA. There are five well classifications (Classes I–V) established under the SDWA. Class I wells (deep well injection below the
lowermost Underground Source of Drinking Water, USDW) are banned in Alabama. Class II wells (injection of wastes related to the
production of Oil and Gas) are regulated by the Oil and Gas Board of Alabama, and Class IV wells (shallow injection of hazardous
waste) are banned nationally.
ADEM regulates the two remaining well classifications, which are Class III and Class V. Class III wells are used in solution
mining and Alabama has one Class III well field located in McIntosh. These wells solution-mine salt from a natural underground
salt dome deposit.
ADEM regulates more Class V wells than any other type. Many are for the subsurface discharge of treated sanitary sewage from
wastewater treatment facilities serving residential areas or businesses. ADEM currently administers UIC permits for over 90 of
these types of treatment systems with discharge flows greater than 15,000 gallons per day while the Alabama Department of
Public Health permits these types of discharges for volumes of 15,000 gallons per day or less. ADEM has permitted about
150 Class V operations which utilize injection wells in groundwater cleanup systems at contaminated industrial sites. Over 300
additional injection well operations make up the remainder of the inventory. These facilities discharge treated wastewater
from various other industrial and commercial operations. Federal and state regulations prohibit the operation of Class V wells
resulting in groundwater pollutants exceeding drinking water standards. Most of these wells discharge to shallow soil zones,
either by gravity or low pressure shallow distribution systems. Operators are required to monitor the quality of groundwater.
ADEM plans to apply to EPA for primacy to regulate the newly established Class VI injection wells. These wells would inject carbon
dioxide for the purpose of geologic sequestration in deep underground rock formations. The goal of this type of injection well
would be to safely place and contain man-made carbon dioxide gas generated by energy producers deep underground in order to
reduce carbon dioxide discharges to the atmosphere.
Drinking Water Program
As recently as 100 years ago, thousands of U.S. residents died annually as a result of waterborne diseases carried by drinking water.
Improvements in drinking water treatment and distribution has helped to eliminate these health concerns. The enactment of the
SDWA in 1974 was a major milestone as was the Alabama Legislature’s adoption of the Alabama Safe Drinking Water Act in 1977.
Alabama has approximately 605 public water systems supplying Alabama citizens with drinking water. Community water systems
are operated by towns, counties, mobile home parks, and others. Non-community water systems are typically schools, industries,
rest areas, and campgrounds that provide water to a more transient group of people. Additionally, water potability certificates are
issued to ice producing facilities, meat processing facilities and dairies.
Through a variety of programs, ADEM provides assistance and oversight for water systems to ensure they have the technical,
managerial, and financial ability to provide clean, safe drinking water to their customers. Through its Water Security Program,
Alabama public water systems have a combined tank/
tower capacity of more than 1.1 billion gallons and in
2002 EPA ranked Alabama’s drinking water programs
second in the entire nation for compliance.
24

The number of drinking
water contaminants
monitored and regulated
by ADEM has increased
more than 300% since
1982.
ADEM assists small community water systems with protection of their drinking water supplies and infrastructure. Drinking Water
personnel have not only responded to increased security concerns but also to a number of hurricanes (Ivan/Dennis/Katrina) and
tornado outbreaks which have caused operational problems for as many as 200 systems per event. During these natural disasters,
ADEM staff contact the water systems to assess difficulties and offer assistance as needed.
In 2006, EPA issued three Operation and Maintenance Excellence Awards to drinking water systems in Region IV. All three awards
were won by Alabama public water systems to include the City of Fayette, Huntsville Utilities, and Trussville Utilities. In addition,
Birmingham Water Works won the Excellence Award in 2007 for large surface systems.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program and State Indirect
Discharge (SID) Program
ADEM administers the NPDES Program that regulates discharges of pollutants to Alabama waters. Improvements to the quality of
water over the past 30 years can be directly linked to the implementation of the NPDES Program. Individual and general NPDES
permits set technology-based and water quality-based effluent limits to maintain applicable standards to ensure protection of
aquatic life and human health. Discharges include process wastewater and storm water runoff originating from a variety of sources.
As of 2012, ADEM regulates over 9,500 NPDES permittees.
Facilities that discharge pollutants into a surface water of the state must obtain a permit and implement treatment technologies
and/or best management practices (BMPs) to control potential pollutants in wastewater discharges or storm water runoff. Facilities
must routinely monitor their discharge for compliance purposes.
EPA has recognized ADEM for the high percentage of NPDES permits which are current. A high issuance rate ensures that
controls on sources of potential pollutants remain current and up-to-date.
The Department utilizes both NPDES individual permits and general permits to establish appropriate permit requirements and
conditions for regulated entities. Individual NPDES permits contain specific, point source conditions for a regulated facility.
General permits may apply to multiple facilities which have similar types of operations and discharges. General Permits
typically apply to smaller facilities and allow the Department to efficiently and effectively regulate numerous sources.
Currently, the Water Division has developed 23 General Permits covering a variety of industrial and other sectors. General Permit
issuance began in 1992 and the Water Division has reissued many of the General Permits for a 5th permit cycle. During the past
two years, 17 of the 23 General Permits have been reissued, including the Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System
(MS4) General Permit. Thousands of facilities have obtained coverage under the Department’s General Permits. In addition to the
reissuance process, during April 2011 the Water Division issued a new Construction Stormwater General Permit. The Construction
25

WATER DIVISION
Stormwater program was previously a permit by rule program which included a registration process. Additional General Permits
that were recently developed include the Sand and Gravel General Permit and the Pesticide General Permit.
ADEM also administers the State Indirect Discharge (SID) Permit Program which provides regulatory oversight for industrial
facilities that discharge into publicly or privately owned wastewater treatment systems. Currently, ADEM regulates approximately
300 facilities through SID permits.
As outlined below, several systems have been implemented to enable ADEM staff to focus their efforts on permitting, compliance,
and enforcement activities by allowing data management to occur more efficiently:
• In 2007, ADEM completed the implementation of the E2 Reporting System which allows permit holders to submit their
Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) electronically. This system saves paper, time, and data entry that is necessary with
the paper forms. In addition, E2 data is available more quickly for compliance reviews and permit holders receive immediate
confirmation that their data was submitted.
• e-File, ADEM’s electronic, internet-based filing system was implemented in 2009 to allow the public access to permits,
compliance data, correspondence, and enforcement data.
• In 2010, Alabama became a pilot state to test implementation of a data transfer link from ADEM directly to EPA’s Integrated
Compliance Information System (ICIS). Facility, permit, and compliance information is now being transferred into ICIS and the
program is expected to provide real-time transfer of NPDES enforcement data to EPA’s national compliance database.
• In 2011, ADEM began implementing an electronic Notice of Intent (eNOI) system allowing general permit applicants to submit
their applications online.
• In 2012, ADEM established an online complaint system which can be utilized by the public to lodge, view, and track the status
of complaints.
Alabama had 713 miles of waterways classifi ed as less
than suitable for fi sh and wildlife in 1982, but that
number has decreased to only 141 miles in 2012 (see
map on the following page).
26

Significant Events - Water Division
1982
1983
1986
1987
1988
1989
1991
1992
713 miles of rivers/streams were classified less than suitable for fish and wildlife
Class I UIC wells (Deep well injection below the lowermost underground source of drinking water) prohibited in
Alabama
U.S. Underground Injection Control Regulations passed to regulate injection wells that place fluids underground
for storage or disposal
Federal Safe Drinking Water Act reauthorized and accelerated establishment of maximum levels for 83 contaminants
Alabama Legislature authorized ADEM to assess administrative penalties
ADEM and USGS conducted study to evaluate vulnerability of major aquifers supplying public water wells
Alabama Lead Ban Act passed and prohibited the use of products which are not lead free in repair or installation of
public water systems
EPA adopted Surface Water Treatment Rule, establishing standards for treatment of surface water sources for the
prevention of Legionella and Giardia Iamblia
EPA adopted the Total Coliform Rule, setting both health goals and legal limits for total coliform levels in drinking
water
NPDES Phase I Stormwater Program initiated to address stormwater for large municipalities, industries, and land
disturbance activities greater than 5 acres
ADEM, EPA, and the Alabama Rural Water Association studied radon in drinking water with each community public
water system well being sampled and analyzed for radon
Municipal wastewater treatment systems utilizing secondary treatment increased to 100%
Outstanding Alabama Water (OAW) classification established
Portions of Sipsey Fork (Black Warrior River) classified Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW)
Alabama Water Watch Program created
1993
1994
1997
ADEM received the EPA Award of Excellence for Drinking Water Supply Program
ADEM received second EPA Award of Excellence for Drinking Water Supply Program
For three consecutive years, dioxin in fish sampled downstream of Alabama’s 10 bleach pulp mills were below levels
associated with fish consumption advisories
Alabama’s Comprehensive State Groundwater Protection Program became one of the first in the nation approved
by EPA
222 miles of rivers/streams were classified less than suitable for fish and wildlife
Alabama Legislature authorized Drinking Water Finance Authority which allowed Alabama to receive EPA
capitalization grants
28

1998
1999
2002
2004
2005
2008
2010
2011
Alabama Clean Water Partnership established to link individuals, companies, organizations, and governing bodies
for participation in projects to protect and preserve Alabama’s water resources
“The Cluster Rule” became effective and combined air and water rule for the pulp and paper industry. The standards
virtually eliminated all dioxin discharges
The Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule improved control of microbial contaminants, particularly
Cryptosporidium
ADEM and the Homebuilders Association of Alabama cooperatively developed a program to teach homebuilders
how to manage construction stormwater and received national recognition for their efforts
NPDES Phase II Stormwater Program initiated to address stormwater for small municipalities, industries, and land
disturbance activities greater than 1 acre
Alabama drinking water systems ranked 2nd nationwide in compliance
Established lake-specific nutrient criteria (chlorophyll a targets) for 9 reservoirs within Alabama
Established lake-specific nutrient criteria (chlorophyll a targets) for 11 additional reservoirs within Alabama
Updated reference doses, cancer potency factors, and bioconcentration factors that are used in calculation of
certain human health toxic pollutant criteria
Established lake-specific nutrient criteria (chlorophyll a targets) for 5 additional reservoirs within Alabama
eDMR System for the electronic filing of Discharge Monitoring Reports began
Revised cancer risk level used in Water Quality equations for all carcinogens except arsenic. Revised reference
doses for acrolein and phenol to be consistent with the EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
Added nutrient criteria in the form of chlorophyll a to 8 lakes and reservoirs
eNOI System allowed electronic filing of applications for some general permits
Issued Pesticide General Permit for discharges from application of pesticides
Conversion of the Construction Stormwater Permit by Rule to a General Permit
Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit Reissued
2012
Treasured Alabama Lake special designation established with Lake Martin being the first to be designated a
Treasured Alabama Lake
Nutrient criteria in the form of chlorophyll a established for 37 of the 41 publicly owned lakes and reservoirs
141 miles of rivers/streams were classified less than suitable for fish and wildlife as compared to 713 miles in 1982
ADEM received the EPA Award of Excellence in Public Participation
29

30 YEARS OF ADEM

Air Division
Overview
The Air Division is responsible for managing the State’s air resources by implementing
programs designed to ensure that safe air quality levels are achieved and maintained. Different
technical branches have been established within the Air Division to handle various tasks such as
permitting, enforcement, air toxics regulations, source evaluation, asbestos removal, and
complaints.
Engineering Services
Engineering Services consist of the Chemical Branch and the Energy Branch and both serve as
a direct link to regulated industry. The Chemical Branch and Energy Branch are responsible for
permitting air pollution sources, conducting inspections, and overseeing enforcement activities.
Permits are perhaps the most essential factor in the environmental regulatory process and
are designed to assure that sources comply with the applicable environmental laws. The
permitting decisions that ADEM must make are technical judgments. If the application does not
demonstrate that the project is capable of complying with the regulations, the permit would be
denied. However, if the application demonstrates that the project is capable of complying with
the regulations, a permit would be issued.
ADEM included provisions in the Air Code that would facilitate the permitting of projects
that are considered environmentally beneficial. The purpose of these provisions is to reduce
obstacles to modifications of existing processes that would result in an overall environmental
benefit while maintaining adequate protection of air quality.
The issuance of operating permits under Title V of the Clean Air Act
Amendments (CAAA) of 1990 has increased the level of permit review by EPA, the
State, and the public. Title V required permitting authorities to collect annual fees from
all major sources as necessary to fund the implementation and management of the
operating permit programs. ADEM elected to initiate operating permit fees beginning in
1992 in order to develop the needed information and personnel to implement the new
requirements under the CAAA.
When dealing with enforcement issues, ADEM and EPA Region 4 share concurrent
authority to enforce air pollution control regulations. EPA may, at any time, initiate enforcement
procedures regardless of State actions. This rarely occurs due to coordination with the federal
agency through monthly enforcement calls to discuss violations and actions being taken by
ADEM. Oversight inspections are also held yearly by EPA to confirm that correct information is
contained in the files, as well as periodic audits to validate compliance data.
Planning Branch
The Planning Branch is responsible for maintaining the Alabama State Implementation Plan
(SIP), developing emission inventories, developing control strategies for areas with poorer
air quality, and adopting/developing regulations. Several units within the Planning Branch
coordinate to insure these responsibilities are met.
The Emissions Measurement Section implements activities that evaluate and/or quantify air
emissions from regulated and non-regulated facilities. These activities include the observation
of emissions testing, evaluation of emissions test reports, certification/recertification
of continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS), CEMS audits, Acid Rain Certification,
31

AIR DIVISION
source testing, and the Visible Emissions Certification Program.
During a typical fiscal year, approximately 750 emissions tests are conducted within the State. Approximately half of these tests
are observed by Air Division staff. Also, approximately 325 emissions test protocols are reviewed around 35 audits are performed
each year.
ADEM has a comprehensive plan for evaluating the certification and recertification of continuous emissions monitoring systems.
During a typical year, between 16 and 20 CEMS are audited for precision and accuracy, 36 certification or recertification tests of
CEMS are observed, and 70 reports are evaluated. Regarding the Acid Rain Program, Air Division staff performs three to five Level
III audits each fiscal year, 50 CEMS certifications are observed, and 145 reports are evaluated.
The Visible Emissions Certification Program consists of two “smoke schools” that are held annually. These schools are conducted
in the spring and fall and are open to agency personnel, other regulatory personnel, consultants, and members of the regulated
community. The purpose of the program is to train and certify participants to meet federal requirements for making visible
emissions determinations. Each school consists of a half day of lecture followed by a written exam and up to two and a half days
of field training and testing. The lecture certification is valid for three years and the field certification is valid for six months.
The Control Strategies Section is responsible for SIP development, developing emission inventories, adopting/
developing federal regulations into State regulations, grants management, training, and keeping abreast of programs and
requirements administered at the federal level (mobile source issues/global climate change/stratospheric ozone protection/air
toxics) in order to determine their impact on the State of Alabama.
Over the past 30 years, local controls required by SIPs for areas of the State with air quality issues, along with the
implementation of federal air quality programs, have lead to major improvements in air quality across the State. The three graphs
below demonstrate how these actions have led to significant reductions in ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter in the
Birmingham area. The red solid line represents the standard for each pollutant and the blue dotted line represents the ADEM design
values for each year.
ADEM staff conducts, observes, or reviews
approximately 1,000 stack tests each year to
document permit compliance.
32

Air quality in Alabama
has improved from 26
areas not meeting air
quality standards to
only two areas currently
not meeting air quality
standards, which are
more stringent than they
were 30 years ago.
The Meteorological Section is responsible for air dispersion modeling, air quality forecasting, and attainment demonstration
modeling. In some situations, including the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Program, receiving a permit may involve
air dispersion modeling to determine the impact of source emissions on air quality. The Meteorological Section evaluates the
modeling performed by permit applicants to ensure that the proper procedures, models, and data were utilized.
In 1996, the Meteorological Section began air quality forecasting. The meteorologists issue daily air quality forecasts for the cities
of Birmingham, Huntsville/Decatur, Columbus (GA)/Phenix City and the Mobile area. The purpose of air quality forecasting
is to issue alerts on days on which weather conditions are expected to be favorable for concentrations to approach or exceed the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). This gives the public an opportunity to voluntarily reduce emissions and also
affords asthmatics and other sensitive groups the opportunity to minimize their exposure to unhealthy air quality.
Attainment modeling is also performed to determine the emissions controls needed to reduce pollutant concentrations to levels
lower than the NAAQS in areas of the State that are designated non-attainment. This type of modeling was recently accomplished
for the Annual PM2.5 non-attainment area in Birmingham. Through these modeling initiatives, the State has been able to attain the
previous 1-hour ozone standard, the current 8-hour ozone standard, as well as the 24-hour and Annual PM2.5 standard.
The Meteorological Section is also actively involved in education and outreach activities. ADEM meteorologists visit schools, civic
clubs, and other organizations on a regular basis to educate children on weather and air quality.
ADEM meteorologists utilize computer models, weather
forecasts, and other data to issue air quality forecasts
in Huntsville, Birmingham, Columbus (GA)/Phenix City,
and Mobile.
33

AIR DIVISION
The Special Services Section conducts field patrols of sources of air pollution once or twice a month, regulates asbestos
abatement and cotton gins, manages the air pollution complaint systems, and is the open burning contact for the Air Division. They
also investigate air pollution complaints involving non-permitted sources, which constitute 90% of all incoming complaints.
In 1990, the EPA revised its 1973 asbestos regulations and delegated the authority to implement them to ADEM the following year.
These regulations mandated that any demolition operation be regulated, regardless of whether asbestos containing material (ACM)
is present or not, and that renovation operations be regulated if the ACM is friable (reducible to powder by hand pressure) and the
project includes at least 160 square feet, 260 linear feet, or 35 cubic feet of ACM.
Regulated operations require that the removal contractor or property owner submit a written notification to the appropriate air
pollution control agency at least 10 weekdays prior to the first day of demolition or the first day that the ACM will be disturbed.
Regulated ACM must be wetted before and during removal and thoroughly soaked afterwards. Waste ACM must be sealed in a
leak-tight, properly labeled container while wet. All regulated removals involving friable ACM must be performed by a company
certified to do so by ADEM.
ADEM does not require (although it is recommended) that nonfriable ACM be removed by a certified contractor. However, all
cementitious, nonfriable ACM must be removed prior to a demolition operation. ACM such as vinyl asbestos floor tile and mastic
may be left in a building prior to demolition.
In 1996, the ADEM Land Division removed nonfriable ACM waste as a type of special waste. This allows nonfriable ACM to be
part of the normal waste stream, with no packaging or wetting requirements. The Air Division urges generators of nonfriable ACM
waste to use best management practices in the handling and disposal of this waste.
As part of the Acid Rain Program, ADEM staff conduct
Level III audits and oversee certifi cation of continuous
emissions monitoring systems to protect air quality.
34

Significant Events - Air Division
1982
1991
1995
1996
1999
2001
2004
2005
2006
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Efforts focused on attaining National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for the following areas:
• 2 nonattainment areas for lead
• 7 nonattainment areas for sulfur dioxide (SO2)
• 5 nonattainment areas for suspended solids
Began licensing asbestos removal contractors with 394 contractors being initially licensed
Acid Rain regulations were adopted resulting in substantial reductions in emissions of SO2 and nitrogen oxides
(NOx) from utilities
EPA approved Title V Operating Permit Program
Began providing ozone forecasts for the Birmingham area to aid in voluntary actions by the public to reduce ozone
precursor emissions
Began ozone forecasting for Mobile and Huntsville
EPA approved Phase 1 of Alabama’s NOx SIP Call Trading Program, resulting in large decreases in emissions of
nitrogen dioxides from utilities and large boilers
EPA formally re-designated Jefferson and Shelby Counties to attainment of the 1-hour ozone NAAQS due largely to
NOx controls on utilities and lower sulfur gasoline requirements
EPA approved Phase 2 of Alabama’s NOx SIP Call Trading Program, requiring nitrogen oxide emissions reductions
from internal combustion engines
EPA designated Jefferson & Shelby Counties to attainment of the 8-hour ozone NAAQS due largely to
implementation of the NOx SIP Call Trading Program and national standards for cleaner vehicles and gasoline
Submitted Regional Haze SIP to EPA which established goals and emission reduction strategies to improve visibility
at national parks and wilderness areas in the southeast
Submitted PM2.5 Annual SIP to EPA attaining the 1997 annual standard
Submitted redesignation request for PM2.5 24-hour standard
EPA determined that monitored air quality data in the Birmingham nonattainment area met the daily fine particle
NAAQS for the 2007 through 2009 period
EPA determined that monitored air quality data in the Birmingham nonattainment area met the annual fine particle
NAAQS for the 2008 through 2010 period
Birmingham designated as attainment/unclassifiable for the 2008 ozone standard
35

30 YEARS OF ADEM

Field Operations Division
Overview
Field Operations Division administers a wide variety of programs including Emergency
Response, Animal Feeding Operations/Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Program,
Coastal Programs, Ambient Monitoring Programs for Water/Air, and the Laboratory Program.
Aside from these programs, Field Operations Division carries out support functions for the
Department by conducting NPDES compliance inspections, solid waste facility and underground
storage tank compliance inspections, and complaint responses. Field Operations utilizes four
decentralized field offices located in Birmingham, Decatur, Mobile, and Montgomery to meet
the Department’s needs and allow the Department to increase efficiency, reduce costs, conduct
inspections, and respond to citizen complaints in a timely manner. Having recognized the
efficiencies and cost savings gained through this approach, decentralization has increased the
number and variety of activities conducted by the field offices over the past 30 years.
Emergency Response Program
The Emergency Response Program has grown from a few part time responders to a group
of highly trained and dedicated response staff. The program responds to a variety of
environmental emergencies impacting the citizens and environment of the State of
Alabama. Responses include weather related events such as Hurricane’s Ivan and Katrina,
the tornado outbreak of 2011, facility based releases, a variety of air, railroad, pipeline, and
highway transportation related emergencies as well as the BP-Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The
program has grown through the development and implementation of the Incident Command
System and the National Response Framework, which promotes better coordination between
federal, state, and local response partners. The Emergency Response Program is better trained
and equipped than ever to respond to environmental emergencies impacting Alabama.
Regulations Implemented For Animal Agricultural Facilities
Animal waste, dead animal disposal, and other potential sources of pollution were
important environmental concerns addressed by the Department in 1999 with the adoption of
EPA approved Animal Feeding Operation (AFO) and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation
(CAFO) regulations. The rules prohibit discharges to groundwater and surface water and require
animal agricultural facilities to implement effective waste management practices that meet or
exceed technical standards established by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and
ADEM.
Coastal Program
In 1972, Congress passed the Coastal Zone Management Act in order to improve the
management of our nation’s coastal areas. This Act created the Coastal Zone Management
Program, which is administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA). In an effort to protect and enhance coastal resources and reduce potential conflicts
between environmental and economic interests, the Alabama Coastal Area Management
Program (ACAMP) was approved by NOAA in 1979. The ACAMP strives to balance economic
growth with the need for preservation of natural resources.
Alabama’s coastal area extends from the upland continuous ten foot contour (ten foot
above mean sea level) to the limit of the state’s territorial waters three miles offshore. The
responsibilities of the Alabama Coastal Area Management Program are divided between the
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and ADEM. These
agencies are advised by the Coastal Resources Advisory Committee.
37

FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION
ADCNR serves as the lead agency responsible for management of the program relating to planning, fiscal management,
public information, and education. ADEM manages the regulatory, permitting, monitoring, and enforcement responsibilities of
the program. The goal of this program is to protect and, where possible, restore or enhance coastal resources for current and
future generations. In addition, the program continues to support the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program’s Comprehensive
Conservation and Management Plan, which was developed for estuaries of national significance that are threatened by pollution,
development, or overuse.
The Coastal Waters Monitoring Program (CWMP) monitors the water quality of rivers, streams, and estuaries within Alabama’s
coastal area. Initiated in 2011, the CWMP unified several existing ADEM monitoring efforts under a single program that ensures
consistency of techniques and increases overall monitoring efficiency. Approximately 50 stations are sampled for the CWMP each
year, to include historical trend monitoring sites and new stations added in 2011.
In 1999, to increase public awareness and provide water quality information to help the public make more informed decisions
concerning their recreational use of Alabama’s natural coastal waters, ADEM, in cooperation with the Alabama Department
of Public Health (ADPH), initiated the Coastal Alabama Recreational Waters Quality Monitoring Program to routinely monitor
bacteria levels at five public recreational beaches along the Gulf Coast. The effort was later expanded to include six additional sites
along the Gulf Coast and Mobile Bay.
In October of 2000, the federal Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act was signed into law.
This Act mandates the monitoring and assessing of coastal recreational waters and the prompt notification of the public when
applicable water quality standards are not being met. The Act also authorizes EPA to award grants to help governments implement
monitoring and notification programs consistent with the published EPA guidance and criteria. ADEM was designated as the state’s
lead agency for implementation of the BEACH Act and was awarded grant money to carry out this program. Through the BEACH
Act, ADEM and ADPH expanded and enhanced monitoring and notification efforts for Alabama’s public recreational beaches.
The monitoring program involves the routine collection of water samples from 25 high-use and/or potentially high-risk
public recreational sites from Perdido Bay to Dauphin Island, including Mobile Bay. Depending on the site rankings, samples are
collected twice per week, once per week, or once every other week during the swimming season (May through September) and
once per month during the cooler months (October through April). Samples are analyzed for the indicator bacteria Enterococci.
The indicator bacteria and the threshold concentration, which triggers an advisory, are based on recommendations provided by the
EPA. All Enterococci analysis is performed by the ADPH Laboratory using approved EPA methods.
Approximately 9,000 samples have been collected since the inception of the Beach Monitoring Program, resulting in 157 advisories
issued by ADPH. It is noteworthy that no advisories have been issued for Alabama beaches fronting the Gulf of Mexico.
Water Quality Monitoring Program
Water quality monitoring is a multi-faceted effort encompassing many varied programs and approaches for assessing surface
water, groundwater, wetlands, and fish tissue. In 2005 programs were initiated to focus on assessing water quality in large rivers,
publicly-owned lakes, and reservoirs (Rivers and Reservoirs Monitoring Program - RRMP) and small rivers and streams (Rivers and
On average, ADEM laboratory services perform
approximately 52,000 analytical procedures on almost
8,000 samples each year.
38

ADEM has a network of
50 sampling stations
that are utilized to
monitor and assess the
water quality of the
State’s coastal waters,
bays and estuaries.
Streams Monitoring Program - RSMP). These programs modified and enhanced existing efforts to ensure consistency of techniques
and increase overall monitoring efficiency. The RSMP is a watershed-based monitoring program designed to provide data that links
watershed condition and assessment results.
ADEM and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries have worked cooperatively to determine ambient
groundwater quality in Alabama. Selected private residential wells in targeted counties were monitored in 1989, followed by
county-wide studies in 1992 and systematic monitoring of groundwater in the state from 2000-2002.
In 2011, ADEM began sampling wetland systems statewide as part of EPA’s National Wetlands Conditional Assessment
Survey. Beginning in 2012 ADEM began sampling Piedmont and Coastal Plain wetland systems as part the Southeast Wetlands
Monitoring Intensification Survey, a 2-year multi-state project. ADEM has used information from these studies to develop a
5-year wetland program development plan.
In 1991 ADEM established the Fish Tissue Monitoring Program. This greatly expanded the fish tissue collection efforts
begun in the early 1970’s to provide statewide screening of contaminants in fish tissue, and to provide the Alabama Department
of Public Health with data needed for determination of potential risk to those who consume fish from Alabama waters. The
program historically exists as a cooperative effort between ADEM, ADPH, ADCNR, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Contaminant levels in fish collected statewide are provided to the ADPH for issuance, modification, or removal of fish consumption
advisories. To date, several thousand fish have been collected and analyzed from 342 sites across the state.
Twenty-fi ve (25) public recreation beaches are routinely
monitored where a total of 800-1,000 samples per year
are collected and analyzed to determine the status of
water quality at these public beaches.
39

FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION
Air Quality Monitoring Program
Air quality monitoring is driven by National Ambient Air Quality Standards. As a result of health studies conducted on the national
level, criteria for a number of pollutants have been developed (i.e., ozone, particulate matter, lead, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide).
When further research is conducted it usually results in a lowering of the standard for the pollutant being studied which necessitates
an increase in the monitoring effort. Also, additional monitoring can be required as new methods of testing are developed.
Ground level ozone, created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), is
the main component of smog. Emissions from industrial facilities, electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, and
chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOx and VOC. Because even relatively low levels of ozone can cause health
effects particularly to people with lung disease, children, and older adults, monitoring for ground level ozone is focused in urban
environments. The data collected from extensive ambient air monitoring networks has resulted in programs aimed at reducing
ozone concentrations by reformulating fuels and consumer/commercial products, such as paints and chemical solvents.
Monitoring for total suspended particle concentrations is another area where the monitoring effort has evolved over the years.
Particulate matter suspended in air has long been known to cause respiratory health problems and for years monitoring
focused on both the large and small (fine) particles. Research began to indicate that the fine particles caused the most problems
and new monitoring methods developed in the late 1980’s allow monitoring to focus on particles smaller than 10 microns in
diameter. In the late 1990’s additional improvements allowed monitoring to focus on particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter.
Laboratory Program
Laboratory services are provided to the Department by the Laboratory Branch (Central Laboratory) located in Montgomery and
the Birmingham and Mobile laboratories located in their respective offices. As they exist today, the ADEM laboratories provide
a broad range of environmental testing to include inorganic, organic, and radiological analyses on various media ranging from
drinking water, wastewater, soil, sediments, fish tissue, lead-in-air filters, and hazardous wastes. The Central Laboratory is
fully certified by EPA to perform all inorganic and organic analyses required by the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Mobile and
Birmingham laboratories analyze most of the same parameters as the Central Laboratory’s Inorganic Unit. This includes
parameters such as alkalinity, hardness, pH, solids, biochemical oxygen demand, nutrients, and metals, among others.
Microbiological analysis of samples (primarily E. coli) is also performed in these three laboratories as well as in the Department’s
Decatur Office.
One of the Laboratory’s greatest achievements over the last 30 years has been advancements in the ability to manage data. Prior
to 1989 all information pertaining to the receipt of samples, the assignment of samples to the analysts, the recording of data,
and the distribution of data back to the sample collector was handled and recorded manually. Beginning in October of 1989 the
laboratory transitioned to a computer based system where samples were logged into a database and a report of the sample
results could be printed from the database. In 1996 the Laboratory began using a Laboratory Information Management System
that handles all aspects of the process from sample receipt through the reporting of results electronically.
Approximately 500 fi sh are collected and analyzed
each year to ensure citizens have accurate information
regarding the consumption of fi sh from Alabama’s
waterways.
40

During the last thirty
years over 41,000
site visits have been
conducted at 2,750
stations located on
Alabama’s streams,
rivers, and reservoirs
where over 2.5 million
individual data points
have been collected to
assess water quality.
Advances and enhancements in laboratory instrumentation have played a significant role in improving laboratory performance.
Automation has reduced the amount of time required to analyze samples and has limited the need to hire addition analysts.
Updated instrumentation that automatically feeds samples into the analyzer allows for increased efficiency so the analysts can
operate multiple instruments. Significant increases in the sensitivity of laboratory instrumentation have made it possible to detect
compounds in the parts per trillion range whereas the norm used to be parts per thousand and parts per million.
In 1982 there were 112 ambient air monitors deployed
in Alabama. As overall air quality has improved and
standards have changed, there are now 69 monitors
deployed throughout the State to assess ambient air quality.
41

Significant Events - Field Operations Division
1983
1985
1986
1989
1990
1991
1993
1995
1996
1997
1999
2000
2002
Initiated Wasteload Allocation and Time-of-Travel Studies
Initial statewide reservoir water quality monitoring survey
Safe Drinking Water Act revisions require establishment of maximum contaminant levels for 57 new compounds
and the implementation of commensurate analytical methods
Statewide groundwater monitoring initiated
Comprehensive statewide reservoir water quality monitoring survey
Birmingham Branch moves to new office/laboratory building
Reservoir Monitoring Program and Clean Lakes Program Phase I Intensive Reservoir Surveys initiated
EPA adopts expanded Synthetic Organic Chemical Rule for Drinking Water, adding 74 compounds to monitoring
requirements
Eco-regional Reference Reach Monitoring Program for Streams initiated
Fish Tissue Monitoring Program initiated
Coastal Monitoring Surveys initiated
Air standards for PM2.5 enacted requiring deployment of new ambient air quality monitoring network
Intensive bacteriological surveys initiated
Initial water quality monitoring strategy (ASSESS) developed
Upland ALAMAP probabilistic water quality surveys initiated
Watershed/basin rotation approach in monitoring programs initiated
303(d) list (targeted) stream water quality assessments initiated
Coastal Alabama Beach Monitoring Program initiated
NPDES permits required for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO)
Statewide probabilistic groundwater assessments initiated
Periphyton assessments initiated
42

2003
2004
2005
Cahaba River/Hatchet Creek Intensive Survey for Nutrient Target Development initiated
Mobile Bay Water Quality Study conducted
Hurricane Ivan Response
Hurricane Katrina response
Revised Monitoring Strategy implemented
Rivers and Streams / Rivers and Reservoirs Monitoring Programs initiated
Nonwadeable/Large River Bioassessment development and initiation
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Stream Fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) development initiated
Dedication of new Central Laboratory Building and consolidation of Field Operations Division Montgomery staff
into one facility
National Lakes Assessment monitoring initiated
E. coli criteria development and implementation
Hurricane Gustav response
Auburn University Algal Toxin Program Partnership initiated
ADEM Wetlands Monitoring Program developed
Assessment of Water Quality Near Surface Coal Mining Facilities in the Black Warrior River Basin
Coastal Waters Monitoring Program formalized
National Wetlands Condition Assessment
BP-Deep Water Horizon Oil Rig explosion (response continues)
Central Laboratory low-level mercury analyses capability developed
Southeast Wetlands Monitoring Intensification Project initiated
Revised Monitoring Strategy implemented
43

Acronyms
A&I
Agricultural and Industrial Water Supply - Water Quality Classification
ACAMP
Alabama Coastal Area Management Program
ACM
Asbestos Containing Materials (containing more than 1% asbestos)
ADCNR
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
ADEM
Alabama Department of Environmental Management
ADPH
Alabama Department of Public Health
AFO
Animal Feeding Operation
AHSCF
Alabama Hazardous Substance Cleanup Fund
AHWMMA Alabama Hazardous Waste Management and Minimization Act
ANCDF
Anniston Chemical Demilitarization Facility
AWPCA
Alabama Water Pollution Control Act
BMP
Best Management Practice
CAAA
Clean Air Act Amendments
CAFO
Concentrated Animal Feeding Program
CEMS
Continuous Emission Monitoring System
CERCLA
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
CFR
Code of Federal Regulations
CWA
Clean Water Act
CWSRF
Clean Water State Revolving Fund
CWMP
Coastal Waters Monitoring Program
CZMP
Coastal Zone Monitoring Program
DMR
Discharge Monitoring Report
DoD
Department of Defense
DSMOA
Department of Defense and State Memorandum of Agreement
DWSRF
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
E2 or E-DMR Electronic Discharge Monitoring Report
EMC or AEMC Alabama Environmental Management Commission
eNOI
Electronic Notice of Intent
EPA or USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
F&W
Fish and Wildlife - Water Quality Classification
FWS
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
GIS
Geographical Information System
HSWA Hazardous & Solid Waste Amendment of 1984
IBI
Index of Biotic Integrity
ICIS
Integrated Compliance Information System
44

LWF
Limited Warmwater Fishery - Water Quality Classification
M&R
Monitoring & Reporting
MCL
Maximum Contaminant Level
MS4
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System
NAAQS
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NCAPS
National Corrective Action Prioritization System
NMS
NPDES Management System
NOAA
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOI
Notice of Intent
NOx
Nitrogen Oxides
NPDES
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
OAW
Outstanding Alabama Water
ONRW
Outstanding National Resource Water
PSD
Prevention of Significant Deterioration
PWS
Public Water Supply
RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976
S
Swimming and Other Whole Body Water Contact Sports - Water Quality Classification
SDWA
Safe Drinking Water Act
SH
Shellfish Harvesting - Water Quality Classification
SIC
Standard Industrial Classification
SID
State Indirect Discharge
SIP
State Implementation Plan
SO2
Sulfur Dioxide
STORET
EPA Storage and Retrieval Database
TAL
Treasured Alabama Lake
TMDL
Total Maximum Daily Load
Trail
Selma-to-Montgomery Historic Voting Rights Trail
UAD
Unauthorized Dump
UIC
Underground Injection Control
USDW
Underground Source of Drinking Water
USGS
United States Geological Survey
UST
Underground Storage Tank
VCP
Voluntary Cleanup Program
WLA
Waste Load Allocation
WQS
Water Quality Standards
45

Alabama Department of Environmental Management
1400 Coliseum Boulevard
PO Box 301463
Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1463
(334) 271-7700
Birmingham Branch
110 Vulcan Road
Birmingham, AL 35209-4702
(205) 942-6168
Decatur Branch
2715 Sandlin Road, S.W.
Decatur, AL 35603-1333
(256) 353-1713
Mobile Branch
2204 Perimeter Road
Mobile, AL 36615-1131
(251) 450-3400
Mobile - Coastal
4171 Commanders Drive
Mobile, AL 36615-1421
(251) 432-6533