The purpose of this handbook is to promote appropriate, consistent, and timely evaluations of compliance and initiation of enforcement by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. This handbook describes a uniform system for pursuing and escalating enforcement. It serves as a road map for new ADEQ compliance and enforcement staff, and a desk reference for those with more experience. It also provides guidance to those local authorities that have undertaken compliance and enforcement responsibilities through a delegation agreement with ADEQ. All of the concepts within ADEQ’s Compliance and Enforcement Policy, along with a number of other ADEQ compliance and enforcement related policies, have been incorporated into this handbook either explicitly or through the development of boilerplate.

This follow-up to the 2001 landmark report, "Five Shoes Waiting to Drop on Arizona's Future," focuses on the projected future of the state if Arizona fails to address its Latino educational attainment gap. The publication is more of an economic impact statement than an education report, with indicators pointing out consequences and contributions, depending on action or inaction in closing the gap of Arizona's future workforce.

For two and a half decades, the men and women of ADEQ have dedicated themselves to the noble cause of environmental stewardship. They have helped us respect the delicate balance between the natural world and the people who depend on it for sustenance, prosperity and a rewarding quality of life. Most importantly, they have served diligently and passionately to conserve and protect Arizona's natural bounty for generations to come.