MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Robertson, Moffatt

Senate Resolution 26

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY TO EVALUATE THE SITING OF A NEW COMMERCIAL HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPACITY NEED AND PRUDENT SITING POLICY AND TO GIVE DUE CONSIDERATION TO CITIZENS' CONCERNS. 

WHEREAS, hazardous waste management is a matter nationwide in scope and necessitates a coordinated and comprehensive evaluation of the siting of hazardous waste facilities; and

WHEREAS, waste minimization is the primary means preferred by the Environmental Protection Agency for addressing hazardous waste management capacity; and

WHEREAS, the state multi-media hazardous waste minimization program is the most successful component of Mississippi's hazardous waste management policy; and

WHEREAS, the Environmental Protection Agency established capacity assurance as the cornerstone for a reasonable and prudent policy for managing hazardous waste and for siting new hazardous waste facilities; and

WHEREAS, the Environmental Protection Agency has determined that there is adequate national capacity in all hazardous waste management categories for twenty years; and

WHEREAS, the siting of a new commercial hazardous waste management is not justifiable under state or national management capacity needs; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of the State of Mississippi and especially the citizens of Jackson County were denied adequate notice and opportunity for meaningful public participation until very late in review process; and

WHEREAS, the citizens have expressed overwhelming opposition to the siting of a hazardous waste facility on the environmentally sensitive Gulf Coast:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MISSISSIPPI STATE SENATE, That we urge the Department of Environmental Quality to give due consideration to the concern and opposition of the citizens of Mississippi and to evaluate the siting of a hazardous waste management facility in accordance with capacity need and prudent siting policy.