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Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board Summary of Meeting Held May 8, 2018

May 25, 2018 by Brunini Law

The Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board (“Board”) convened its regular monthly meeting at 9:00 a.m. on May 8, 2018, at the offices of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, in Jackson.  Dennis Riecke chaired the meeting.

 

The Board approved minutes from the April meeting and the non-controversial actions/ certifications completed by the staff since the April meeting.

 

Following a prepared agenda, items considered were as follows:

 

OFFICE OF POLLUTION CONTROL

Environmental Permits Division

Water I Branch

Le Poultry: (Continued from April 10, 2018 Permit Board Meeting):

Issuance of Coverage under the DLPAFO General Permit (MSG201968) and Issuance of Storm Water Coverage (MSR107600) Pike County

 

MDEQ Staff summarized the presentation they made to the Board during the April 10, 2018 Permit Board meeting and reported on the April 16th Community Meeting at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Osyka and organized by MDEQ.  Several visitors made comments in opposition, and the Board questioned the adjoining property owner as to the “Occupied Dwelling” issue.  After the comments and questioning, a member of the Board moved for a vote to approve the MDEQ staff recommendations, which were to issue coverages to the applicant, Mr. Le, under (1) the DLPAFO General Permit (MSG201968) and (2) the General Storm Water Permit (MSR107600).  This motion was then seconded.   The issuance of both coverages was unanimously approved by the Board.

 

Mr. Roy Furrh, MDEQ Legal Counsel then described the process and procedures needed for an appeal and evidentiary hearing regarding the Board’s decision.   Furrh recommended to the visitors that, if anyone desired to request an evidentiary hearing regarding the Board’s decision, legal counsel be obtained for representation at the evidentiary hearing since the process involves legal processes, including written witness direct testimony and live cross-examination of witnesses.

 

OFFICE OF GEOLOGY

Ron Porter (MDEQ Office of Geology, Mining and Reclamation) presented the MDEQ Staff’s recommendations and Board approved the following:

 

Surface Mining Bond Releases

Permittee County Permit Staff Recommendation
Bacco Materials, Inc. Lowndes P96-070AA Initial 40%
Sandyland Properties, LLC Noxubee P97-037T Initial 90%
Walters Development, LLC Jones P09-015 Additional 10%
EP Engineered Clays Corporation Monroe P92-071T Initial 90%
EP Engineered Clays Corporation Monroe P99-042AAT Initial 30%
Hammett Gravel Company Yazoo P01-027 Final 70%

 

Surface Mining Permit to Rescind

Permittee County Permit
Kevin Haas Trucking, Inc. Hancock P06-036

 

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Roy Furrh, MDEQ Legal Counsel, stated that there will be an educational presentation to provide background information regarding permitting for Solid Waste during either the June Permit Board meeting.

 

The next Permit Board meeting will be held on June 12, 2018, at 9 a.m.

 

This Newsletter is a publication of the Environmental Department of the law firm of Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes located in Jackson, Mississippi. This Newsletter is not designed or intended to provide legal or professional advice, as any such advice requires the consideration of the facts of the specific situation.

If you have any questions concerning the content of a newsletter, or if you would like further information about the matters addressed in a newsletter, please contact John Milner, the Brunini Firm Environmental Practice Group leader, at jmilner@brunini.com or (601) 960-6842.

 

Related Attorneys

  • John E. Milner
  • Gene Wasson
  • L. Kyle Williams

Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality Summary of Meeting Held May 24, 2018

May 25, 2018 by Brunini Law

The Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality convened at 9:00 a.m., on May 24, 2018, at the offices of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality in Jackson.  The Commission approved minutes from the previous meeting held on February 22, 2018.  Chairman Jack Winstead welcomed new Commissioner, Patrick L. Johnson, Jr. and announced the upcoming retirement of Deputy Director, Ms. Alice Perry.  Following a prepared agenda, items considered were as follows:

 

FY2019 Title V Fee Recommendation

Staff member, Chad Lafontaine presented to the Commission, and the Commission approved the FYI 2019 Title V fee recommendation.  A public hearing concerning the FY2019 Title V Permit Fee was held on April 5, 2018. No comments were received.  The fee is set at the proposed rate of $47.00 per ton of regulated air pollutants with a minimum fee of $250 per year, which is the same as the previous year’s fee.

Amendments to 11 Miss. Admin. Code, Part 2, Chapter 1 and Revisions to the State Implementation Plan for Control of Air Pollution

Staff member, Chad Lafontaine also presented to the Commission, and the Commission approved amendments to the Commission’s air pollution control regulations, 11 Mississippi Administrative Code, Part 2, Chapter 1 (11-2-1) and Revisions to the State Implementation Plan for Control of Air Pollution (SIP Revisions). In order to comply with the requirements of Section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii) and Section 128(a)(1) & (2) of the Federal Clean Air Act regarding significant portion of income of a majority of state environmental board(s), the Mississippi Environmental Permit Board administrative regulation 11 Mississippi Administrative Code, Part 1, Chapter 5 (11-1-5) was amended and adopted by the Permit Board on April 11, 2018. To fully comply with the requirements of Section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii) and Section 128(a)(1) & (2) of the Federal Clean Air Act, MDEQ staff is recommending that the Commission adopt the following amendments and revisions:

  • Amendments to 11-2-1, Rule 1.1 and the corresponding SIP revision. This action will directly align statutory requirements of the Commission and regulatory requirements of the Permit Board with requirements of the Federal Clean Air Act and will allow EPA to remedy partial-disapprovals of recent state plan submittals to address requirements for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards under the Clean Air Act;
  • SIP Revision to incorporate amendments to 11-1-5, Rule 5.1. This action will directly align statutory requirements of the Commission and regulatory requirements of the Permit Board with requirements of the Federal Clean Air Act and will allow EPA to remedy partial-disapprovals of recent state plan submittals to address requirements for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards under the Clean Air Act;
  • SIP Revision to incorporate amendments to Section 49-2-5, Mississippi Code Annotated that was effective July 1, 2016. This action will directly align statutory requirements of the Commission and regulatory requirements of the Permit Board with requirements of the Federal Clean Air Act and will allow EPA to remedy partial-disapprovals of recent state plan submittals to address requirements for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards under the Clean Air Act.

Additionally, MDEQ staff recommended adoption of amendments to 11-2-1 to update the state’s adoption-by-reference of federal New Source Performance Standards, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, and the Consolidated Air Rule in order to maintain the state’s delegation of the aforementioned federal programs. No verbal comments were received during the public comment periods or the public hearing. Written comments were received and will be provided to the Commission for their consideration. Staff recommends that the Commission adopt the regulation amendments and the associated revisions to the SIP.

Commission Approval of Proposed Amendment to 11 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 3, Ch. 1. Hazardous Waste Management Regulations to include the Federal Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule

Staff member, Brad Justice presented to the Commission, and the Commission approved an amendment to the Hazardous Waste Management Regulations to include the Federal Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule. The EPA published the Final Rule in the Federal Registrar on November 28, 2016 and it became effective on May 30, 2017. The Rule reorganizes the regulations governing hazardous waste generators making the regulations more user friendly, provides operational flexibility to hazardous waste generators, and clarifies and corrects technical issues. MDEQ held a public hearing on April 10, 2018 concerning the amendment to adopt the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule as promulgated by the U.S. EPA. There were no attendees to the public hearing and MDEQ received no comments on the proposed amendment during the 30 day public comment period. Therefore, MDEQ is recommending that the Commission adopt the amendment to 11 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 3, Ch. 1. Hazardous Waste Management Regulations to include the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvement Rule. Adoption of this amendment maintains the consistency between the State Regulations and the Federal Hazardous Waste Regulations as required by 40 CFR 271.4.

Commission Approval of Proposed Amendments to Administrative Procedures Act Rules – 11 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 7, Ch. 3 for Dam Safety

Staff member, Dusty Myers presented to the Commission, and the Commission the proposed amendments including provisions for the use of an incremental consequence analysis based spillway design approach. This approach which is currently being used in several other states will allow greater flexibility in the regulations by taking into consideration any flooding which is occurring at the structures at risk downstream prior to a failure of the dam. If there are no incremental consequences resulting from the failure this approach would allow for a reduction of the required design rainfall event. As part of this update process other revisions and additions regarding minimum design and permitting requirements are also included to ensure the regulations match current dam safety policies and procedures. The proposed amendments were made available for public comment in early November and a public hearing was held on December 5, 2017. All comments received have been addressed and minor revisions and clarifications were made to the draft regulations as a result.

Melton Properties, LLC, Caroline McComb Scheppe, and the Caroline McComb Scheppe Trust Number One Petition for an Evidentiary Hearing before the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality, filed on January 12, 2018, Related to the Train Derailment in Minter City

Roy Furrh, MDEQ Counsel recommended the Commission designate Steve Ray as the hearing officer to handle pre-hearing and hearing matters on behalf of the Commission pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-33 (Rev. 2012).  After some discussion as to possible dates, the Commission approved Mr. Furrh’s recommendation to designate Steve Ray as the hearing officer and tentatively set November 14-15 as the date for the Evidentiary Hearing

 

 

CERTIFICATIONS APPROVED

 

Asbestos:                     294 certifications

Lead Paint:                   161 certifications

Underground

Storage Tanks:             64 certifications

Wastewater Operator

Certifications               116 certifications

 

 

EMERGENCY CLEAN-UP EXPENSES

 

There were 6 emergency expenditures since the last report.

 

 

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS APPROVED

 

Eighteen (18) Administrative Orders were issued by the Executive Director and approved by the Commission since the last report.

 

 

OTHER BUSINESS

 

No other business was discussed.

 

The next Commission meeting is proposed to be on June 28, 2018, at 9 a.m.

 

This Newsletter is a publication of the Environmental Department of the law firm of Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes located in Jackson, Mississippi. This Newsletter is not designed or intended to provide legal or professional advice, as any such advice requires the consideration of the facts of the specific situation.

 

If you have any questions concerning the content of a newsletter, or if you would like further information about the matters addressed in a newsletter, please contact John Milner, the Brunini Firm Environmental Practice Group leader, at jmilner@brunini.com or (601) 960-6842.

 

 

 

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  • John E. Milner
  • Gene Wasson
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Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board Summary of Meeting Held April 10, 2018

April 12, 2018 by Brunini Law

The Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board (“Board”) convened its regular monthly meeting at 9:00 a.m. on April 10, 2018, at the offices of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, in Jackson.  Dennis Riecke chaired the meeting.

The Board approved minutes from the March meeting and the non-controversial actions/ certifications completed by the staff since the March meeting.

Following a prepared agenda, items considered were as follows:

 

OFFICE OF POLLUTION CONTROL

 

Air Division

Amendments to 11 Miss. Admin. Code, Part 1, Chanter 5.

 

MDEQ Staff recommended and the Permit Board approved the adoption of the proposed amendments to the Permit Board’s administrative procedure regulations, 11 Mississippi Administrative Code, Part 1, Chapter 5. The amendments directly align requirements of the Mississippi Environmental Permit Board’s makeup with requirements of the Federal Clean Air Act. This action, in conjunction with actions by the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality, will allow EPA to remedy partial-disapprovals of recent state plan submittals to address requirements for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards under the Clean Air Act. A public hearing was held on March 5, 2018 after a 30-day public comment period. No verbal comments were received at the public hearing. Written comments were received and have been provided to the Permit Board for their consideration.

 

 

Water I Branch

Le Poultry, Pike County – Issuance of Coverage under the DLPAFA General Permit (MSG201968) and Issuance of Storm Water Coverage (MSR17600).

 

MDEQ Staff presented to the Board and recommended approval of the above-referenced Applications.  The Applicant proposes 8 poultry houses and construction activity on 9 acres of disturbed land during construction.  Staff stated that upon notification of the contiguous land owners by the Applicant, 13 letters and one petition with 237 signatures in opposition were received.  Numerous members of the community were present at the meeting and voiced their opposition.  A motion was made by the Board and seconded to delay consideration of the Application until the next scheduled meeting of the Board.

 

OFFICE OF GEOLOGY

Ron Porter (MDEQ Office of Geology, Mining and Reclamation) presented the MDEQ Staff’s recommendations and Board approved the following:

 

Surface Mining Bond Releases

Permittee County Permit Staff Recommendation
Hammett Gravel Company, Inc. Warren P13-006ATA Initial 10%
Joe McGee Construction Company, Inc. DeSoto P13-003 Initial 50%
Mississippi Gravel Sales, Inc. Monroe P08-001A Final 30%

 

Surface Mining Permit to Transfer

Permittee County Permit
D. W. Lamey Fill and Trucking, Inc., requests Permit PO4-006AA be transferred to DeSoto Services, LLC Harrison PO4-006AAT
L. D. Hancock Family, LLC., requests P94-136T be transferred to James A. Hodges Construction, Inc. Lee P94-136T1

 

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

 Mr. Roy Furrh, MDEQ Legal Counsel reported that the 2016 Solid Waste Status Report is now available and asked the Board members to review it.

 

The next Permit Board meeting will be held on May 8, 2018, at 9 a.m.

 

This Newsletter is a publication of the Environmental Department of the law firm of Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes located in Jackson, Mississippi. This Newsletter is not designed or intended to provide legal or professional advice, as any such advice requires the consideration of the facts of the specific situation.

 

If you have any questions concerning the content of a newsletter, or if you would like further information about the matters addressed in a newsletter, please contact John Milner, the Brunini Firm Environmental Practice Group leader, at jmilner@brunini.com or (601) 960-6842.

 

 

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  • John E. Milner
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Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board Summary of Meeting Held March 13, 2018

March 15, 2018 by Brunini Law

The Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board (“Board”) convened its regular monthly meeting at 9:00 a.m. on March 13, 2018, at the offices of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, in Jackson.  Dennis Riecke chaired the meeting.

The Board approved minutes from the February meeting and the non-controversial actions/ certifications completed by the staff since the February meeting.

 

Following a prepared agenda, items considered were as follows:

 

OFFICE OF POLLUTION CONTROL

No items on the Agenda

 

OFFICE OF GEOLOGY

James Matheny (MDEQ Office of Geology, Mining and Reclamation) presented the MDEQ Staff’s recommendations and Board approved the following:

 

Surface Mining Bond Releases

Permittee County Permit Staff Recommendation
Joe McGee Construction Co., Inc. Madison P11-018A Additional 10%

 

Surface Mining Permit Reduction in Acreage      

Permittee County Permit
Green Brothers Gravel Company, Inc. Copiah P08-015AA

 

Surface Mining Permit to Rescind 

Permittee County Permit
Huey P. Stockstill, LLC Hancock P97-046T1
Dickerson and Bowen, Inc. Amite P94-046

 

Surface Mining Permit Name Change

Permittee County Permit
J. Levens Builders, Inc., name change to JLB Contractors, LLC Harrison P06-025TA

 

Surface Mining Permit to Transfer

Permittee County Permit
D.W. Laney Fill and Trucking, Inc., Transferred to DeSoto Services, LLC Harrison P89-022

P93-052

P04-022AA

 

 

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Becky Nester from MDEQ’s Permit Division presented an overview of MDEQ’s Poultry Farm Permit Application Review Process wherein she described the responsibilities of MDEQ; the Application review, requirements and inspection process. Tim Aultman, Chief of the Compliance and Enforcement Division of MDEQ’s Office of Pollution Control discussed compliance issues.  Dr. Jim Watson, State Veterinarian – Mississippi Board of Animal Health discussed carcass disposal and composting.  Rogerick Thompson, State Resource Conservationist – Natural Resources Conservation Services discussed the nutrient management plan.  This presentation was for informational purposes only.  If you would like to obtain copies of materials provided to the Permit Board concerning this topic, please contact John Milner at jmilner@brunini.com.

 

Mr. Roy Furrh, MDEQ Legal Counsel reminded the Permit Board members that they need to complete their annual compliance forms and statement of economic interest forms.

 

The next Permit Board meeting will be held on April 10, 2018, at 9 a.m.

 

This Newsletter is a publication of the Environmental Department of the law firm of Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes located in Jackson, Mississippi. This Newsletter is not designed or intended to provide legal or professional advice, as any such advice requires the consideration of the facts of the specific situation.

 

If you have any questions concerning the content of a newsletter, or if you would like further information about the matters addressed in a newsletter, please contact John Milner, the Brunini Firm Environmental Practice Group leader, at jmilner@brunini.com or (601) 960-6842.

Related Attorneys

  • John E. Milner
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Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality Summary of Meeting Held February 22, 2018

February 28, 2018 by Brunini Law

The Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality convened at 9:00 a.m., on February 22, 2018, at the offices of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality in Jackson.  The Commission approved minutes from the previous meeting held on November 17, 2017.  Following a prepared agenda, items considered were as follows:

 

Commission Approval of Brownfield Agreement Modification

On June 23, 2016, the Commission issued a Brownfield Agreement (#6662-16) with Hernando Town Properties, LLC for the remediation of the Reliable Equipment facility in Hernando, Mississippi. Reliable Equipment facility is contaminated with Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons – Gasoline and Diesel Range Organics in the groundwater and soils at levels in excess of the Target Remediation Goals (TRGs). Therefore, remediation of the Brownfield Agreement Site was determined to be necessary. The initial Brownfield Agreement included the planned demolition and removal of the building. The Brownfield Agreement Modification requests the building remain and be renovated and reused. The Staff of the MCEQ has evaluated the Brownfield Agreement and believes that, with the conditions and restrictions contained within the Brownfield Agreement, the Site will be in compliance with applicable State and Federal laws and standards and will be protective of the public health and the environment.  Based on Staff’s recommendation, the Commission approved the Modification.

 

FY 2019 Title V Fee Recommendation – Approval to Proceed to Public Notice of Hearing

A copy of the draft report containing the Title V Advisory Council’s Title V fee recommendation for the upcoming fee year has been forwarded to the Commission. Staff requested approval to hold a public hearing to receive comments regarding the proposed fee and to proceed with public notice of the hearing. After the public participation process is completed, Staff will bring the fee recommendation back before the Commission for final action.  Based on Staff’s recommendation, the Commission approved to proceed to the Public Notice of Hearing.

 

Commission Briefing on Proposed amendments to 11 Miss. Admin. Code, Part 2, Chapter 1 with an associated Revision to the State Implementation Plan for Control of Air Pollution

NOTE – This agenda item was for reporting purposes only. MDEQ Staff provided information on a public notice for comment on proposed amendments to the Commission’s regulations, 11 Mississippi Administrative Code, Part 2, Chapter 1 and an associated Revision to the State Implementation Plan for Control of Air Pollution (SIP Revision). The proposed amendments and SIP Revision will incorporate amendments of the Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board’s administrative regulations to directly align requirements of the Permit Board’s makeup with requirements of the Federal Clean Air Act. This action will allow EPA to remedy partial-disapprovals of recent state plan submittals to address requirements for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards under the Clean Air Act. The 30-day public comment period began February 2, 2018, and will conclude with a public hearing to be held on March 5, 2018. Following the conclusion of the public participation process, Staff intends to bring the proposed amendments and SIP Revision to the Commission for approval at the March 22, 2018 meeting.

 

Commission Briefing on Oil Spill Restoration

NOTE – This agenda item was for reporting purposes only.  Chris Wells briefed the Commission on the Status of the Oil Spill Restoration.  The presentation included an outline of the funding summary; project totals by program; Natural Resource Damage Assessment (“NRDA”) overview; National Fish & Wildlife Federation (“NFWF”) funding; and the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act (RESTORE Act) funding.  Additional information can be found on the following link: https://www.mdeq.ms.gov/restoration/

 

CERTIFICATIONS APPROVED

Asbestos:                     277 certifications

Lead Paint:                   123 certifications

Underground

Storage Tanks:             24 certifications

 

 

EMERGENCY CLEAN-UP EXPENSES

There were 40 emergency expenditures since the last report.

 

 

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS APPROVED

Twenty-three (23) Administrative Orders and one (1) Amended Agreed Order were issued by the Executive Director and approved by the Commission since the last report.

 

 

OTHER BUSINESS

Gary Rikard, MDEQ Executive Director noted pending litigation issues and the Commission entered into an Executive Session to discuss same.  After a Recess, Closed Session and Executive Session, the meeting was adjourned.

 

The next Commission meeting is proposed to be on March 22, 2018, at 9 a.m.

 

This Newsletter is a publication of the Environmental Department of the law firm of Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes located in Jackson, Mississippi. This Newsletter is not designed or intended to provide legal or professional advice, as any such advice requires the consideration of the facts of the specific situation.

If you have any questions concerning the content of a newsletter, or if you would like further information about the matters addressed in a newsletter, please contact John Milner, the Brunini Firm Environmental Practice Group leader, at jmilner@brunini.com or (601) 960-6842.

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U.S. Court of Appeals Reverses Course Concerning Title VII Protection of LGBTQ+ Rights

February 27, 2018 by Christopher R. Fontan

On Monday, February 26, 2018, the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals issued a landmark ruling in holding that workplace discrimination premised on an employee’s sexual orientation is covered by Title VII’s express prohibition against gender-based discrimination. In so doing, the Second Circuit reversed its own precedent established less than one year ago, and in doing so, offered further judicial support for the protections of the LGBTQ+ community.

In a divided, en banc opinion, the Second Circuit decided the case of Zarda v. Altitude Express.  In its decision, the Court revived a sex bias claim brought by Donald Zarda, a Long Island, New York sky-diving instructor who claimed that his employer, Altitude Express, had terminated his employment based on his sexual orientation.  In its decision, the Second Circuit held that it saw “no principled basis for recognizing a violation of Title VII for associational discrimination based on race, but not on sex.” With its ruling, the case was sent back to the trial court for further proceedings.

The federal lawsuit was brought on Mr. Zarda’s behalf, and against his former employer, by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).  Interestingly, during the appeal, the U.S. Department of Justice filed an amicus brief in opposition to Zarda and the EEOC.  In its briefing, the Justice Department stated that “[t]he sole question here is whether, as a matter of law, Title VII reaches sexual orientation discrimination. . . . . It does not, as has been settled for decades. Any efforts to amend Title VII’s scope should be directed to Congress rather than the courts.”  Additionally, the Justice Department noted that the EEOC was “not speaking for the United States.”

For years, LGBTQ+ employees could only advance claims of workplace discrimination under a theory of “sex stereotyping” discrimination—that is, discrimination based on an employee’s failure to confirm to an employer’s perceived gender roles.  In July 2015, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued its first administrative ruling declaring that Title VII’s use of the word “sex” meant both gender and sexual orientation. However, no federal court immediately adopted or mirrored the EEOC’s guidance.

In fact, the Second Circuit expressly rejected the EEOC’s guidance just last year when it decided the case of Christiansen v. Omnicom Group, Inc.  There, the Second Circuit ruled that employees did possess viable Title VII claims based on the theory of “sex stereotyping.”  However, the Court also expressly stated that Title VII’s definition of “sex” did not cover a person’s sexual orientation—a decision that tracked the historical rulings of other U.S. courts, in holding that the term “sex” within Title VII refers only to a person’s gender—meaning that discrimination had to be premised on whether a worker is male or female.

Then, only nine days after the Christensen ruling, on April 4, 2017, the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals became the first federal appellate court to rule that Title VII does extend workplace protections on the basis of their sexual orientation.  In deciding the case of Hively v. Ivy Tech, the Seventh Circuit opted to expand the definition of “sex” under Title VII to include an individual’s “sexual orientation.” With its ruling in Zarda, the Second Circuit is now aligned with both the EEOC and Seventh Circuit, thus ruling that Title VII effectively presents two avenues of recovery for individuals asserting claims on the basis of their sexual orientation.

The Second Circuit’s majority ruling Zarda was written by the Court’s Chief Judge, Robert A. Katzmann. He was joined, either in whole or in part, by nine other judges on the court. The three remaining judges dissented. In addition to Judge Katzmann’s decision, seven judges wrote separate opinions, concurring and dissenting.

Either the Justice Department or Altitude Express could seek review of the decision before the United States Supreme Court. Neither party had any immediate comment on the ruling. In December 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court passed on an initial opportunity to weigh-in on the issue when it declined to hear an appeal from the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, in which that Court held that Title VII did not extend to sexual orientation.

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Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board Summary of Meeting Held February 13, 2018

February 21, 2018 by Paul Johnston

The Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board (“Board”) convened its regular monthly meeting at 9:00 a.m. on February 13, 2018, at the offices of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, in Jackson.  Dennis Riecke chaired the meeting.

The Board approved minutes from the January meeting and the non-controversial actions/ certifications completed by the staff since the January meeting.

 

 

Following a prepared agenda, items considered were as follows:

 

OFFICE OF POLLUTION CONTROL

 

Waste Division/Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program:

The Board approved the Issuance of Underground Injection Control Permit for Nonhazardous Class I Well (MSI1010) for Injection Disposal Services, LLC of Jackson, MS in Amite County. The required public notices were sent out and no letters of complaint were received. Eight (8) people asked questions during the public meeting and MDEQ issued a response document clarifying points in question.  No one appeared at the Permit Board meeting in opposition.  Various Board members asked questions about the proposed application which were answered by Mark Williams (Chief MDEQ Solid Waste Division) and by representatives of the Applicant.  Because the application is complete, and all requirements met, MDEQ staff recommended issuance of the Permit.

 

 

Air Division: Proposed amendments to 11 Miss. Admin. Code, Part 1, Chapter 5. (For information. No action needed)

Chad LaFontaine (MDEQ Office of Pollution Control Air Division) provided information on a public notice for comment on proposed amendments to the Permit Board’s administrative procedure regulations, 11 Mississippi Administrative Code, Part 1, Chapter 5. The proposed amendments directly align requirements of the Mississippi Environmental Permit Board’s makeup with requirements of the Federal Clean Air Act. This action, in conjunction with actions by the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality, will allow EPA to remedy partial-disapprovals of recent state plan submittals to address requirements for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards under the Clean Air Act. The 30-day public comment period began February 2, 2018, and will conclude with a public hearing to be held on March 5, 2018. Following the conclusion of the public participation process, staff intends to bring the proposed amendments to the Permit Board for approval at the March 13, 2018 meeting.

 

 

 

 

OFFICE OF GEOLOGY

James Matheny (MDEQ Office of Geology, Mining and Reclamation) presented the MDEQ Staff’s recommendations and Board approved the following:

 

Surface Mining Bond Releases

Permittee County Permit Staff Recommendation
Dickerson and Bowen, Inc. Amite P94-046 No release
Joe McGee Construction Co., Inc. Rankin P14-021 Initial 90%
Joe McGee Construction Co., Inc. Rankin P15-001 Initial 90%
Kentucky-Tennessee Clay Company Panola P89-023T1 Final 40%
Kentucky-Tennessee Clay Company Panola P94-134T2 Final 10%
Kentucky-Tennessee Clay Company Panola P01-011 Final 30%

 

 

Surface Coal Mining Renewal MLMC MS-002 Renewal 3

Permittee County Permit
Mississippi Lignite Milling Company Ackerman MS-002

 

Surface Mining Permit Modification Reducing Acreage

Permittee County Permit
Baldwin Sand and Gravel (The new permit number will be P12-019A Panola P12-019

 

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

James Matheny presented an overview of MDEQ’s surface mining permit application review process wherein he described the responsibilities of MDEQ; the Application review, requirements and inspection process.  This presentation was for informational purposes only.

 

 Mr. Roy Furrh, MDEQ Legal Counsel reminded the Permit Board members that they need to complete their annual compliance forms and statement of economic interest forms.

 

The next Permit Board meeting will be held on March 13, 2018, at 9 a.m.

 

This Newsletter is a publication of the Environmental Department of the law firm of Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes located in Jackson, Mississippi. This Newsletter is not designed or intended to provide legal or professional advice, as any such advice requires the consideration of the facts of the specific situation.

 

If you have any questions concerning the content of a newsletter, or if you would like further information about the matters addressed in a newsletter, please contact John Milner, the Brunini Firm Environmental Practice Group leader, at jmilner@brunini.com or (601) 960-6842.

 

 

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Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board Summary of Meeting Held January 9, 2018

January 11, 2018 by Paul Johnston

The Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board (“Board”) convened its regular monthly meeting at 9:00 a.m. on January 9, 2018, at the offices of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, in Jackson.  Dennis Riecke chaired the meeting.

The Board approved minutes from the December meeting and the non-controversial actions/ certifications completed by the staff since the December meeting.

Following a prepared agenda, items considered were as follows:

OFFICE OF POLLUTION CONTROL

Air II Branch

The Board approved the Issuance of Coverage under Multimedia Hot Mix Asphalt Facility General Permit (MSR700108) for WG Construction Company, Inc., Brewer Plant in Lee County. The Applicant notified the contiguous land-owners and public notice was posted in the local paper and public library.  One letter of objection from a contiguous land owner was received citing stormwater worries and also stating that the facility should be located in a less-populated area.  MDEQ staff performed an inspection and no violations were found.  The individual who submitted the letter of objection did not attend the Permit Board Meeting.  Because the application is complete, MDEQ staff recommended issuance of the Permit.

OFFICE OF GEOLOGY

In accordance with MDEQ staff recommendations, the Board approved the following surface mining bond releases:

Surface Mining Bond Releases

Permittee County Permit Staff Recommendation
Dickerson and Bowen, Inc. Rankin P00-005 Final 30%
TCB Construction Company, Inc. Harrison P03-046 No Release

 

Surface Mining Transfer of Permits

In accordance with MDEQ staff recommendations, the Board approved the following surface mining permits to transfer: 

Permittee County Permit
Birdsong Construction Company, Inc., requests that P14-018A be transferred to Ultra Mulberry Farms, LLC Madison P14-018AT

 

Surface Mining Permit to Rescind

In accordance with MDEQ staff recommendations, the Board approved the following rescission: 

Permittee County Permit
C&G Land Company, LLC Hancock P96-064A

 

 OTHER BUSINESS:

Roy Furrh, MDEQ Legal Counsel, stated that there will be educational presentations to provide background information regarding permitting for poultry farms and salt water disposal during either the February or March Permit Board meeting.  Notice will be provided in the Agenda.

The next Permit Board meeting will be held on February 13, 2018, at 9 a.m.

If you have any questions concerning the content of a newsletter, or if you would like further information about the matters addressed in a newsletter, please contact John Milner, the Brunini Firm Environmental Practice Group leader, at jmilner@brunini.com or (601) 960-6842.

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Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board Summary of Meeting Held December 12, 2017

December 15, 2017 by Brunini Law

The Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board (“Board”) convened its regular monthly meeting at 9:00 a.m. on December 12, 2017, at the offices of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, in Jackson.  Dennis Riecke chaired the meeting.

The Board approved minutes from the November meeting and the non-controversial actions/ certifications completed by the staff since the November meeting.

Following a prepared agenda, items considered were as follows:

OFFICE OF POLLUTION CONTROL

Mining/Solid Waste/Water II Branch

The Board approved Reissuance of Pretreatment Permit (MSP092273) for TransAmerican Waste Central Landfill, Inc., Central Landfill Facility in Pearl River County.  No changes are being made to the existing permit.  No attendees were present in the public hearing; no letters were submitted in opposition before the end of the comment period, and no one in opposition appeared at the meeting.   Because the application is complete, MDEQ staff recommended issuance of the Permit.

OFFICE OF GEOLOGY

In accordance with MDEQ staff recommendations, the Board approved the following surface mining bond releases:

Surface Mining Bond Releases

 

Permittee County Permit Staff Recommendation
Ellis Construction Company, Inc. Lowndes P91-007 Final 10%
Ellis Construction Company, Inc. Lowndes P06-016 Final 10%
Eutaw Construction Company, Inc. Monroe P13-012 Final 40%
Ellis Construction Company, Inc. Lowndes P01-025 Final 10%
Ellis Construction Company, Inc. Lowndes P93-117 Final 10%
Tanner Construction Company, Inc. Perry P08-019A Initial 25%
Tanner Construction Company, Inc. DeSoto P13-021T Initial 10%
Tanner Construction Company, Inc. DeSoto P17-009 No Release
Walters Development, LLC Jones P07-030 No Release
Krystal Gravel, Inc. Copiah P92-107 No Release
Krystal Gravel, Inc. Copiah P94-103 Initial 90%
Krystal Gravel, Inc. Copiah P16-015 Additional 10%
Krystal Gravel, Inc. Copiah P16-032 Initial 10%
T. L. Wallace Construction, Inc. Jones P92-083 Final 50%
T. L. Wallace Construction, Inc. Attala P11-030 Initial 90%
T. L. Wallace Construction, Inc. Lincoln P12-010 Initial 10%
T. L. Wallace Construction, Inc. George P11-019 Initial 90%
Walters Development, LLC Jones P09-015 Additional 10%
Krystal Gravel, Inc. Copiah P10-027 Initial 10%
Krystal Gravel, Inc. Copiah P79-002T2 Initial 90%

Surface Mining Transfer of Permits

In accordance with MDEQ staff recommendations, the Board approved the following surface mining permits to transfer:

 

Permittee County Permit
Walters Development, LLC is transferring to Vossburg South LLC Clarke P08-028T
Krystal Gravel, Inc., is transferring to 42, LLC Copiah P07-007

Surface Mining Change of Ownership Name

In accordance with MDEQ staff recommendations, the Board approved the following change of ownership name:

 

Permittee County Permit
Preston Dobbs Truck Service is transferring to Preston Dobbs Trucking and Gravel Sales LLC Monroe P02-049A
P10-010
P15-016A
P16-011

 OTHER BUSINESS:

Roy Furrh, MDEQ Legal Counsel, stated that there will be educational presentations to provide background information regarding permitting for poultry farms and salt water disposal.  No date was provided at this time.

The next Permit Board meeting will be held on January 9, 2018, at 9 a.m.

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  • John E. Milner
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