The Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board (“Board”) convened its regular monthly meeting at 9:00 a.m. on April 11, 2017, at the offices of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, in Jackson. Mr. Mike Bograd, RPG, 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
The Staff recommended and Board approved issuance of Air Construction Permit (1280-00058) and Modification to Air Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Permit for Chevron Products Company, Pascagoula Refinery in Jackson County.
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 |
| Memphis Stone & Gravel Company | Panola | P01-041 | Final 30% |
| Century Construction and Realty, Inc. | Lee | P10-039TA | Initial 80% |
| King Equipment & Dozer Service, Inc. | Jasper | P08-006 | Final 20% |
| Rea’s Country Lane Construction, Inc. | Chickasaw | P06-013 | Final 20% |
| Rea’s Country Lane Construction, Inc. | Holmes | P11-009 | Initial 10% |
| Oddee Smith Construction, Inc. | Lincoln | P01-022 | Final 90% |
| BASF Corporation | Monroe | P78-007 | Final 48% |
| BASF Corporation | Monroe | P86-015 | Initial 90% |
Surface Mining Application:
The Board approved Birdsong Construction Company, Inc.’s Surface Mining Application with Storm Water Application for the addition of 48.75 acres to an existing permit for a 32.5 acre surface mine in Madison County, Permit No. P14-018A. Per regulations, Notices were sent to landowners, and MDEQ received several letters of opposition. Two visitors spoke on behalf of the landowners in opposition citing silting; road problems; traffic and safety issues; quality of life; dust and noise among other issues. A representative of the Applicant appeared and disputed the claims of the opposition. Staff addressed questions and issues of the opposition, and then stated that the Application is complete, has met all requirements, and the Applicant is in compliance. Based on this, MDEQ Staff recommended issuance of the Permit.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Roy Furrh, MDEQ Legal Counsel reminded the Board that the deadline to file their 2016 Statement of Economic Interest is approaching.
The next Permit Board meeting will be held on May 9, 2017, at 9 a.m.