Prepared By Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC
The Environmental Practice Group of the Brunini Law Firm publishes a summary of the proceedings of each monthly meeting of the Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board and of the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality. We strive to provide, in a succinct newsletter format, the key points addressed in each meeting that will be of interest to the regulated community in Mississippi.
If you have any questions concerning the content of a newsletter it 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.
Meeting Summary
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality Permit Board (Board) convened its regular monthly meeting at 9:00 a.m. on April 12, 2016 at the offices of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality in Jackson. Mr. David H. Snodgrass, RPG chaired the meeting. The Board approved minutes from the March Regular meeting along with non-controversial actions/certifications by the staff since the March meeting.
Following a prepared agenda, items considered were as follows:
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 |
| Hammett Gravel Company, Inc. | Yazoo | P05-029A | Initial 10% release |
| Preston Dobbs Truck Service | Monroe | P02-049A | Initial 30% release |
| Hammett Gravel Company, Inc. | Yazoo | P93-076 | Initial 10% release |
| Hammett Gravel Company, Inc. | Yazoo | P01-027 | Initial 10% release |
| Hammett Gravel Company, Inc. | Yazoo | P02-048 | Initial 10% release |
Mississippi Lignite Mining Company
The Board approved a revision of a permit expansion for Mississippi Lignite Mining Company. The approved expansion will include mining in an additional area and a new freshwater diversion. MDEQ held a public meeting on February 10, 2016 and comments were received from the attendees. After the meeting, MDEQ received four letters raising concerns about the project. However, the permit applicant and MDEQ have resolved such concerns. Noting that the project application was complete and in accordance with all state and federal environmental regulations, MDEQ recommended issuance of the permit.
OFFICE OF POLLUTION CONTROL
Construction and Building Materials Branch
The Board approved a modification for B and B Concrete Company, Inc., Oxford division (MSG110081). This approval allowed a modification of the facility’s Ready Mix Concrete Permit and associated Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (“SWPPP”). MDEQ staff received two letters of objection from members of the public during the public notice period. The letters raised concerns about dust, noise, and stormwater runoff. After addressing these concerns, MDEQ staff noted that the applications for modification of the General Permit and SWPPP were complete and met all technical requirements for federal and state environmental regulations.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Board welcomed Julie McLemore of the MS Dept. of Agriculture and Commerce. Ms. McLemore will be replacing Jim Lipe. Mr. Roy Furrh, MDEQ Chief Counsel, stated that an evidentiary hearing for Star Landing Rubbish Site in DeSoto County has been requested by two individuals. The hearing has been scheduled for July 2, 2016.
The next Permit Board meeting will be held on May 10, 2016 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.
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