State
UPDATE: TS Nate forecast cone shifts slightly east including all of South MS
WLOX
Tropical Storm Nate is moving faster to the northwest this morning. The latest update from the National Hurricane Center said the storm is moving NNW at 14 miles per hour. It has 45 mph sustained winds. The update also has the storm's forecast cone shifting slightly east. All of South Mississippi is included in the forecast cone of uncertainty.
Mississippi Residents Told to Prepare for Tropical Storm
People living along the Mississippi Gulf Coast urged to pay attention to local emergency officials as a tropical storm system moves through the Gulf of Mexico.
AP
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) —
Mississippians turned a cautious eye to the Gulf of Mexico Thursday as projections showed that Tropical Storm Nate could target the state.
Former fertilizer plant site braces for Tropical Storm Nate in Pascagoula
MS Today
A former diammonium phosphate fertilizer plant in Pascagoula is undergoing preparations in response to Tropical Storm Nate, which could move into the Gulf of Mexico by Saturday, according to a National Hurricane Center advisory released Thursday afternoon.
MEMA announces new preparedness app
NewsMS
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has announced a new app that will allow you to stay up to date with live weather conditions and alerts.
National Hurricane Center
Jackson Councilman says renewable energy plant is hazardous
WLBT
Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes went after a Jackson business Thursday. Stokes said people are concerned about an expansion of JaxOn Energy in the Industrial park of West Jackson.
SAVANNA STREET SLUDGE REMOVAL PROJECT SET TO FINISH BY DECEMBER 31
Northside Sun
A major sludge-hauling project at the Savanna Street Wastewater Treatment Plant should be finished by deadline after all.
FLOOD ELEVATION ISSUES
WXXV
All four Jackson County mayors traveled to the White House a few weekends ago to speak with lawmakers with the plan to give them a better understanding of what it means to represent the Gulf Coast.
RESIDENTS SPEAK THEIR MINDS ON CHICKEN FARMS
WCBI
MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- Residents in Monroe County showed up to voice their concerns on chicken farms moving in.
Frustrations over raw sewage flowing in yards
WLBT
Residents on one south Jackson street complain of raw sewage constantly flows behind their homes, soaking their property and making their lives miserable. This same street was recently repaved and is now filled with large potholes and crumbling asphalt.
First part of Mississippi oyster season ends after 4 days
AP
Oyster season is over in part of the Mississippi Sound, only four days after it began.
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources announced that it had closed a reef in Biloxi Bay on Thursday afternoon after it had opened Monday.
Jackson County students tour NOAA ship
WLOX
Based in Pascagoula, the NOAA ship Oregon II is celebrating 50 years of service with the federal agency.
State Government
Mississippi regulators won't take utility path to rate vote
AP
Mississippi regulators are rejecting a request to set terms of a debate over customer rates in a way favored by a utility.
State Fire Marshal: Eudora Welty Library closing until safety violations corrected
WJTV
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) — State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney said the Eudora Welty Library is closing to the public until safety violations and conditions are corrected.
National
U.S. greenhouse gas emissions fall 2 percent in 2016, led by power industry: EPA
Reuters
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Greenhouse gas emissions from America’s largest industrial facilities fell 2 percent in 2016 to 2.99 billion tonnes, led by a large cut from the power sector, according to data published on Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Trump to Argue Obama’s Clean Power Plan Violates U.S. Law
Bloomberg
The Trump administration will formally propose repealing former President Barack Obama’s sweeping plan for curbing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants by arguing it went beyond the bounds of federal law, according to documents obtained by Bloomberg News.
Courts Thwart Administration’s Effort to Rescind Obama-Era Environmental Regulations
NY Times
WASHINGTON — The rapid-fire push by the Trump administration to wipe out significant chunks of the Obama environmental legacy is running into a not-so-minor complication: Judges keep ruling that the Trump team is violating federal law.
At EPA, a fight over numbers in water protection rule reveals a shift in ideology
Washington Post
A new paper by three economists, published Thursday in the journal Science, challenges how the Environmental Protection Agency has justified
repealing a 2015 water protection rule and contends that the Trump administration ignored hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits the regulation would have produced each year.
Trump Nominates a Coal Lobbyist to Be No. 2 at E.P.A.
NY Times
President Trump on Thursday nominated
Andrew R. Wheeler, a coal lobbyist with links to outspoken deniers of established science on climate change, to help lead the Environmental Protection Agency.
Donald Trump appoints Colorado-based utility executive as regional EPA director
Doug Benevento, who served on the Douglas County School Board, will oversee Superfund, water-quality issues in Colorado, five other states
Denver Post
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Thursday named Doug Benevento as the top EPA official for the Rocky Mountain region — a move that elevates the utility executive from Highlands Ranch into one of the most closely watched federal jobs in Colorado.
EPA's Scott Pruitt Vows To Speed Toxic Superfund Site Cleanup
NPR
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt wants to clean up toxic Superfund sites faster. We visit one place where the process has dragged on for decades.
State A.G. joins 13 others in threat to sue EPA over smog
Buffalo News
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency failed to meet a Sunday deadline to designate which areas in the United States were being plagued by smog pollution.
U.S. Shale Juggernaut Shows Signs of Fatigue
Forecasts that abundant American oil can permanently meet global needs may be ‘myth,’ company leaders warn
WSJ
Press Releases
EPA to Discharge Wastewater, Implement Hurricane Response Plan at the Mississippi Phosphates Corporation Site in Pascagoula, Miss., as Tropical Storm Nate Advances
10/05/2017
Contact Information:
404-562-8293, 404-562-8400
ATLANTA (October 5, 2017) In anticipation of heavy rainfall and storm surge associated with Tropical Storm Nate, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that a discharge of wastewater will begin today at the Mississippi Phosphates Corporation (MPC) Site in Pascagoula, Miss. This intentional discharge of wastewater, known as a bypass, is being conducted because rain and associated storm surge from the advancing storm is forecasted to exceed storage capacity of the on-site phosphogypsum stacks and wastewater treatment system. Prior to Tropical Storm Nate making landfall as a hurricane, EPA is also implementing the Hurricane Response Plan for the Site and will be installing the hurricane storm surge gates.
Maintaining site safety is EPA’s top priority in order to protect workers, nearby residents and the surrounding environment. EPA is coordinating closely with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and local officials to closely monitor the weather forecast and determine appropriate next steps.
Over the past 36 hours, Tropical Storm Nate has tracked further westward and is currently forecasted to make landfall near coastal Mississippi. Between three to five inches of rain are forecasted for the Pascagoula area. Based on the uncertainty of the final landfall and potential increase of rainfall and storm surge, EPA plans to discharge approximately 40 million gallons of wastewater to ensure there is adequate storage on-site for additional rainfall and reduce risks of uncontrolled releases.
EPA will keep potentially impacted stakeholders informed of site conditions and of any additional public precautionary measures needed.
Wastewater bypasses authorized by the EPA must follow strict guidelines laid out in the Contingency Plan for Bypass and Spill Response for the facility. Discharged wastewater is partially treated and there are no anticipated impacts to the environment. EPA will continue sampling and monitoring of Bayou Casotte per the Contingency Plan.
MPC is a former diammonium phosphate fertilizer plant that began operation in the 1950s. The facility ceased operations in December 2014 under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, leaving more than 700,000,000 gallons of low-pH, contaminated wastewater stored at the facility.
On Feb. 11, 2017, EPA assumed temporary control of wastewater treatment operations at the former MPC fertilizer facility once the MPC Environmental Trust, which owns the property, ran out of funds. Currently, EPA is overseeing wastewater treatment at a rate of approximately 2 million gallons per day. EPA will continue to oversee wastewater treatment operations at the MPC Site until the facility is sold or cleaned up and closed. EPA proposed listing the Site on the Superfund National Priorities List on August 8, 2017.
Andrew Wheeler Nominated as EPA Deputy Administrator
10/05/2017
Contact Information:
WASHINGTON (October 5, 2017) Today, President Donald J. Trump announced his intention to nominate Andrew Wheeler as deputy administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Mr. Wheeler has spent his entire career working in environmental policy. In addition to spending four years at EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics during the George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton administrations, he also spent many years on Capitol Hill. After serving as general counsel to U.S. Senator James Inhofe, he worked as staff director and chief counsel for two Senate Committees with vital roles in protecting human health and the environment: the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) and the U.S. Senate Subcommittee for Clean Air Wetlands and Nuclear Safety. Mr. Wheeler currently works as a principal at FaegreBD Consulting providing guidance on federal regulatory and legislative environmental and energy issues.
“Andrew will bring extraordinary credentials to EPA that will greatly assist the Agency as we work to implement our agenda,” said Administrator Pruitt. “He has spent his entire career working to improve environmental outcomes for Americans across the country and understands the importance of providing regularity certainty for our country.”
His nomination is receiving high accolades from across the country:
U.S. Senator James Inhofe: "I am pleased that President Trump has nominated Andrew Wheeler to serve as deputy administrator at the EPA. There is no one more qualified than Andrew to help Scott Pruitt restore EPA to its proper size and scope. When he served as my staff director of the Environment and Public Works Committee, he provided me with invaluable guidance, and in turn became a close friend. I am confident he will serve the American people and President Trump with exceptional skill in this position, and I look forward to ensuring his swift confirmation."
U.S. Congressman Bill Johnson: "Andrew Wheeler will do a fine job at EPA, helping to ensure the agency's mission of protecting the environment is maintained without the EPA becoming an unnecessary impediment to responsible energy exploration and job creation."
U.S. Congressman David B. McKinley: "With extensive experience working on Capitol Hill, in the Executive branch, and in the private sector, Andrew Wheeler is eminently qualified and a great pick to serve as Deputy Administrator of the EPA. There are few people in Washington who have the same depth of knowledge and experience on energy and environment issues. I look forward to continuing working with Andrew once he is confirmed in his new role."
Former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman: "Andrew was Republican staff director during part of the time I was on the Senate Environment Committee. We worked together on some issues and disagreed on others. He conducted himself in a fair and professional manner. I hope his nomination will receive similarly fair consideration by the Senate."
Jay Timmons, President and CEO, National Association of Manufactures: "Andrew’s significant experience on Capitol Hill, and his extensive background working on environmental and natural resource policy makes him an outstanding choice to join the leadership at the EPA. Manufacturers have welcomed Administrator Pruitt’s efforts to bring balance to rulemaking at the agency and focus on the EPA’s core mission. We’re confident Andrew will help advance that mission and ensure that our country can achieve the dual goals of responsible environmental stewardship and strong economic growth."
EPA Appoints Doug Benevento As Region 8 Administrator
10/05/2017
Contact Information:
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt announced the appointment of Doug Benevento of Colorado to become regional administrator for Region 8. Mr. Benevento will oversee environmental protection efforts in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana.
Doug Benevento has spent much of his career working to help protect the environment. As executive director for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, he managed the state’s environmental and public health programs. He previously served as the Department’s director of environmental programs, where he managed the state’s air, water, waste, and consumer protection programs. Since 2010, Mr. Benevento has been working on energy and environmental issues in the private sector at Xcel Energy.
“Doug Benevento’s personal connection to the Rocky Mountain state and experience working with environmental leaders across the region will greatly benefit the Agency’s mission in protecting the environment in Region 8,” said Administrator Pruitt.
His nomination is receiving high accolades from across the region:
U.S. Senator Cory Gardner: “Doug Benevento is a great choice to serve as EPA Region 8 Administrator and has the requisite experience as the former Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. I look forward to working with Doug to make the communities whole in Southwest Colorado that were impacted by the EPA-born Gold King Mine spill, ensuring the expeditious cleanup of Colorado’s Superfund sites remain a top priority for the EPA, and protecting Colorado’s environment across all four corners of the state.”
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper: “Doug Benevento has an extensive background working on important environmental issues in the State of Colorado. He provided leadership at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment under former Governor Bill Owens and as a staffer to former Senator Wayne Allard. I look forward to working with Doug and the rest of EPA to improve the health of Coloradans and protect the natural resources we treasure as we live, work, and play in this beautiful state.”
U.S. Congressman Mike Coffman: “I first met Doug Benevento when he worked for Governor Bill Owens and I've been inspired by his dedication to his community and the State of Colorado ever since. I know that he will do an outstanding job for EPA.”
U.S. Congressman Scott Tipton: “I'm pleased with Doug Benevento's appointment as Region VIII EPA administrator. His record of service to the State of Colorado is distinguished, both as the former executive director of CDPHE and on the staff of Senator Wayne Allard. More importantly, he understands western issues and will bring that important perspective to the position, both in the Region and in Washington, D.C.; I applaud the appointment.”
U.S. Congressman Ken Buck: “I'm excited to see Doug Benevento appointed as EPA Region VIII administrator. Doug's experience and faithfulness to the law and Constitution will benefit EPA and the people he serves. I'm eager to work him to better steward Colorado's land and resources.”
Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman: “Doug Benevento was a valued colleague and leader at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. He brings to EPA’s Region 8 a public health perspective that is important to all Westerners who care about protecting natural resources and the environment.”
Former U.S. Senator Wayne Allard: “Doug Benevento is an excellent choice for Region VIII EPA Administrator. During my years in Congress I valued Doug's sound and thoughtful guidance on environmental issues. He was particularly helpful to me as we worked towards an early cleanup and closure of Rocky Flats. I was also impressed with his leadership at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment during the Owens Administration. I'm confident that in this role he will bring a broad base of knowledge and experience of western issues to EPA.”
Former Colorado Governor Bill Owens: “Administrator Pruitt made a sound choice in choosing Doug Benevento to lead EPA Region VIII. During my two terms as Governor he served my administration well at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. He provided effective leadership at a large organization while implementing the policy direction of my administration. More importantly, I've also known Doug as a friend for over 20 years; and EPA is also getting a fine person as well as an effective leader.”
Alan Matheson, Utah Department of Environmental Quality Executive Director: “I'm optimistic that Doug Benevento's experience will serve him well in building the collaborative state-EPA partnership needed to protect public health and the environment. Having run Colorado's health and environment agency, Mr. Benevento appreciates the state interest in meeting environmental standards in ways that reflect local conditions, economies, and values. I'm also encouraged that his experience in industry has fostered a practical approach to ensuring environmental compliance.”
James Martin, former Region 8 Administrator: “Doug Benevento is a sound choice to lead EPA Region VIII. As a former regional administrator, I understand the challenges of the position and Doug is well suited to take on those challenges. Over the almost 20 years I've known Doug he's brought a thoughtful approach to environmental policy and regulation. This was evidenced during his tenure at CDPHE in the Owens administration. I'm confident he will provide strong and effective leadership at EPA.”
New Freshwater Commercial Fishing Regulation Announced
10/5/2017 11:25:18 AM
From MDWFP
TUPELO – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) Fisheries Bureau announced a commercial fishing regulation change that allows the use of slat baskets in the canal lakes, commonly referred to as Pools A through E, on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. Slat baskets are still prohibited in designated areas below the locks and dams, Bay Springs Lake and the Divide Section Canal that connects Pickwick Lake with Bay Springs Lake
Slat baskets are round or square boxes made of wood or plastic slats designed to catch catfish. Anglers fishing slat baskets must possess a valid commercial fishing license and a valid slat basket license for each basket.
The new rule becomes effective on October 22, 2017.
MEMA UNVEILS NEW PREPAREDNESS APP FOR SMARTPHONES AND TABLETS
PEARL, Miss –The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency unveiled its new preparedness app for smartphones and tablets today. The new app provides current weather conditions, live radar, an interactive emergency kit list, real-time social media posts, preparedness sections for all-hazards, news alerts, videos and interactive contact directories for both MEMA and county emergency managers.
“This is truly a one-stop shop for everyone to use every day,” said MEMA Executive Director Lee Smithson. “Our goal in development was to give people a reason to open this app every morning, not just when a disaster is on the horizon. We believe this could be a game changer when it comes to preparing Mississippians or those visiting our great state.”
The MEMA App is free and available for download in both the Android and Apple app stores.
Highlights of the APP include:
Weather: Current conditions, hourly forecast as well as an extended seven-day forecast.
Map: Provides current radar and editable layers to show open shelters, Grand Gulf Nuclear Station Protection Zones, county emergency operations centers, county sheriff’s offices, fire stations and hurricane evacuation routes.
Emergency Kit: Allows you to customize your emergency kit with specific needs and keeps a running inventory of items you have and need.
Social Media: lists current posts on MEMA’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Preparedness: key information to prepare for hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, radiological, floods, winter weather and disaster kits.
News and Alerts: MEMA news releases and emergency alerts.
Videos: All videos in the MEMA YouTube library
Other Resources: Information on community preparedness, disability preparedness, FEMA assistance (when available), MDOT traffic information. Direct contact information for all 82 county emergency managers and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and a directory of all MEMA offices.
The App was created by OCV LLC, the developer of the original MEMA App back in 2013.
