MDEQ Plans Meeting Tuesday
MDEQ Plans Meeting Tuesday
By David Howell
Editor
WATER VALLEY – The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has scheduled a second public hearing on Tuesday, March 29, at 6 p.m. in the second floor courtroom of the Water Valley courtroom to update the public about the vapor intrusion testing that took place over the last six weeks. The testing was conducted in an area define as a plume that runs northwest from the former Colt Industries/ Holley Automotive site on Hwy. 32 East.
“Results from the initial round of testing are encouraging, showing little or no impact from vapor intrusion, but further assessment in the coming months is necessary,” MDEQ executive director Gary Rikard told the Herald. Vapor intrusion is a process when vapors from underground solvents travel upward through the soil.
The contaminated site has been in the headlines since early February when MDEQ started testing on the decades-old release of trichloroethylene (TCE) at the industrial site. The recent MDEQ scrutiny follows years of no activity at the site. During the first public hearing on February 9, MDEQ explained their renewed presence was prompted due to new vapor intrusion guidelines implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2015.
Rikard told the Herald the second public meeting is an opportunity for his agency to update the residents, the public, and local officials about the ongoing testing initiated to identify any health risks for those living in the vicinity.
“We look forward to answering any questions or concerns and encourage residents to attend,” Rikard added.
The area includes an estimated 28 residences – located on South Main Street, Frostland Drive and Champion Circle – and 11 commercial buildings including the county-owned hospital and nursing home, jail and health department.
The county property located in the plume has prompted involvement by supervisors, who also requested MDEQ to schedule a second public meeting. Last Friday at a recessed Board of Supervisors meeting, county officials met with Yalobusha Health Services administrator Terry Varner and two hospital board members to discuss possible litigation options. The meeting was held in executive session behind closed doors.
Potential litigation would likely target EnPro Industries, the company that acquired liability for the site in 2002 following a string of ownership changes.
