MDEQ ISSUES EMERGENCY ORDER

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) issued an Emergency Order Tuesday that provides direction to local governments and industry as they begin the cleanup and restoration of areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.

The Emergency Order addresses issues related to Wastewater Treatment Systems, Air Pollution, Solid Waste Management, Hazardous Waste Management, Asbestos, Underground Storage Tanks, and the extension of permit deadlines.

The solid waste provisions include allowing owners and operators of permitted landfills to make necessary repairs without prior notice or authorization from MDEQ and guidance on the disposal of uncontaminated vegetative debris, building materials, household garbage and putrescible waste, household hazardous waste, animal carcasses, white goods, and ash residue.

The order also addresses wastewater treatment systems and waives effluent monitoring requirements for 30 days, allows the discharge of water from tanks that were emptied of their previous contents, and allows owners and operators of wastewater plants to make repairs without prior notice to MDEQ. However, MDEQ must be notified in writing within 30 days of the repair work.

The order establishes criteria for the operation of temporary air emissions sources and emergency generators. It also allows for minor repairs to restore equipment to its previously permitted condition without prior notice to MDEQ; however, MDEQ must be notified within 30 days of commencing the repair. Requirements for continuous and/or routine monitoring are waived for 30 days.

A 90 day extension for all hazardous waste generators affected by the hurricane for storage of their hazardous waste is granted.

For more information on environmental issues or to report environmental emergencies, please call 601/961-5171. A copy of the order is available at: www.deq.state.ms.us.