§ 8-7-516 - Liens for expenditures and value of improvements.
8-7-516. Liens for expenditures and value of improvements.
(a) If the owner of real property that is the location of a hazardous substance site upon which remedial or removal activity is performed under this subchapter is responsible, in whole or in part, for causing the hazardous substance release, there shall exist a lien against the property for the moneys expended. If the expenditure results in an increase in the value of the property, the lien shall also be for the increase in value.
(b) The lien shall be effective upon the filing by the Director of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality of a notice of lien with the circuit clerk in the county in which the land is located.
(c) The lien obtained by this section shall not exceed the amount of expenditures, as itemized on an affidavit of expenditures attached to and filed with the notice of lien, and the increase in property value as a result of the removal, remedial, or abatement action taken, as determined by an independent appraisal, a copy of which shall be attached to and filed with the notice of lien.
(d) The notice of lien shall be filed within thirty (30) days of the date of the last act performed on the property by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality or its agent under this subchapter.
(e) Upon filing of the notice of lien, a copy with attachments shall be served upon the property owner in the manner provided for enforcement of mechanics' or materialmen's liens.
(f) Any and all moneys recovered or reimbursed pursuant to this section through voluntary agreements or court orders shall be deposited and credited to the account of the Hazardous Substance Remedial Action Trust Fund.