Prepared By Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality Permit Board (Board) convened its regular monthly meeting at 9:00 a.m. on September 13, 2016 at the offices of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality in Jackson. Mr. Mike Bograd, RPG, chaired the meeting.
The Board approved minutes from August meeting and the non-controversial actions/ certifications by the staff since the August meeting.
Following a prepared agenda, items considered were as follows:
OFFICE OF POLLUTION CONTROL
Municipal & Private Facilities
Meridian POTW – Lauderdale County – MS0020117
The Board denied the request by one individual for a public hearing to be held in Meridian (rather than at the MDEQ offices). This individual was advised of the time date and location of this Permit Board hearing and did not attend.
Further, the Board approved the reissuance of the NPDES Permit. One letter of concern was submitted; however staff noted that the permit was drafted within the limits and meets all federal and state laws and regulations. No one in opposition was in attendance.
Agricultural Branch
The Board approved issuance of coverage under the AFO General Permit (MSG201887) and issuance of construction under the Storm Water Coverage (MSR107212) for Wegner Farms in Noxubee County. The application proposes four poultry houses and construction activity on seven acres of disturbed land. Staff stated that upon notification by the Applicant, three neighboring property owners submitted letters of concern; however, they did not attend the meeting. Because the facility’s application is complete and the Applicant is in compliance, 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 and permits to combine:
Surface Mining Bond Release:
| Permittee | County | Permit | Staff Recommendation |
| James Construction Group, LLC | Hinds | P14-005A | Initial 50% |
| Krystal Gravel, Inc. | Copiah | P13-002 | Additional 50% |
| Martin Meadowlands, LLC | Madison | P10-041AA | Initial 90% |
| Joe McGee Construction Co., Inc. | Clarke | P12-008 | Initial 90% |
| Joe McGee Construction Co., Inc. | Winston | P13-015 | Additional 50% |
| Memphis Stone & Gravel Company | DeSoto | P03-033 | Final 10% |
| Oddee Smith & Sons, Inc. | Lincoln | P95-091 | Final 10% |
| Talbot Bros. Constr. Co. and Talbot
Bros. Grading Co. |
Grenada | Pll-012 | Initial 10% |
Surface Mining Permit to Rescind:
| Permittee | County | Permit |
| Eutaw Construction Company, Inc. | Madison | P1S-007 |
OFFICE OF LAND AND WATER RESOURCES
The Board approved the Proposed 2016 General Permit for Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer (MRVA) Groundwater Withdrawals. The proposed 5-year permit is for irrigation, aquaculture and wildlife habitat enhancement. A hearing was held on April 21, 2016 with comments accepted until May 21, 2016. Modifications to the permit were made and incorporated per the comments.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Roy Furrh, MDEQ General Counsel advised the Board Evidentiary Hearings have been scheduled for the next three permit Board Meetings and that each hearing should be completed in less than a day.
The next Permit Board meeting will be held on October 11, 2016 at 9 a.m.