Mississippi § 17-18-15 - Committee to develop site-selection criteria and methodology; considerations; public hearing.

§ 17-18-15. Committee to develop site-selection criteria and methodology; considerations; public hearing.

On or before April 1, 1991, the committee shall develop criteria and methodology for selecting sites for the state commercial hazardous waste management facility. Site-selection criteria and methodology shall be specifically adapted to take into account the technologies and design capacity of the state commercial hazardous waste management facility. Site-selection criteria and methodology shall be developed with and provide for public participation; shall be incorporated into rules; shall include a written justification for each criterion; shall be consistent with all applicable federal and state laws, including statutes, regulations and rules; shall be developed in light of the best available scientific data; shall be applied equally to all counties of the state and shall be based on consideration of at least the following factors: Hydrological and geological factors, including, but not limited to, flood plains, depth to water table, groundwater travel time, soil pH, soil cation exchange capacity, soil composition and permeability, cavernous bedrock, seismic activity, slope and climate; Environmental and public health factors, including, but not limited to, air quality, quality of surface and groundwater and proximity to public water supply/watersheds; Natural and cultural resources, including, but not limited to, wetlands, game lands, endangered species habitats, proximity to parks, forests, wilderness areas, nature preserves and historic sites; Socioeconomic factors, including, but not limited to, impact on local land uses, property values and governmental services; Transportation factors, including, but not limited to, proximity to waste generators, route safety and method of transportation; Aesthetic factors, including, but not limited to, visibility, appearance and noise level of the facility; Availability and reliability of public utilities; Availability of emergency response personnel and equipment. The committee shall hold a public hearing prior to the finalization of the site selection criteria and the site selection methodology.