Opinion ID: 1651926
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: ccall had ample opportunity for input based on the existing statutory framework.

Text: ¶ 50. In its final point of error, the Appellees assert that all of CCALL's due process rights to object to the location of the landfill in this regard were met or exceeded, and thus CCALL has no claim of a denial of any due process rights. ¶ 51. The permitting process began after the Commission approved the Plan. Before the Authority could build or operate on the chosen site, there had to be a permit issued by the State of Mississippi via the Permit Board. Miss.Code Ann. § 49-17-29(3)(c) (Supp.1998). The Permit Board is the exclusive administrative body to make decisions about the issuance of a permit to construct and operate a non-hazardous solid waste facility. Miss.Code Ann. § 49-17-29(3)(a) (Supp.1998). ¶ 52. However, the permitting process does not require the submission of several sites, from which the Permit Board may choose the best site for the landfill. Rather, the applicant submits one site to the Permit Board. The Permit Board must either approve or disapprove the Authority's site. The Permit Board may not choose another site for the Authority. If the Permit Board rejects the Authority's proposed site, then the Authority must select another site, not the Permit Board. The Permit Board only has jurisdiction to consider the single site submitted in the Authority's permit application, and not numerous sites which might have been available to the Authority. See State Oil & Gas Bd. v. Crane, 271 So.2d 84, 86-87 (Miss.1972) (holding it is not necessary to show proposed location preferable to other locations). ¶ 53. Upon approval of the Plan by the Commission, the Authority shall make application to the Permit Board to approve and issue a permit. Miss.Code Ann. § 49-17-29(3)(c) (Supp.1998). ¶ 54. On January 28, 1994, the Authority filed its applications for permits with the Permit Board. Next, the Permit Board was to hold a public hearing to obtain public comment on the proposed landfill. Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-29(4)(a) (Supp.1998). The Permit Board did, in fact, hold such a public hearing in the instant case on October 27, 1994. At this public hearing, CCALL members attended and made extensive comments in objection to the landfill. Id. Also, many citizens, businesses, industrial groups, Chambers of Commerce and public officials participated in this hearing. Id. Following the public hearing, the Permit Board approved the permits for the operation of the landfill on November 22, 1994. ¶ 55. Following such a ruling, pursuant to statute, any interested party aggrieved by the action of the Permit Board could request a formal hearing within thirty (30) days of the Permit Board's action. Miss.Code Ann. § 49-17-29(4)(b) (Supp.1998). In December of 1994, CCALL requested a full formal hearing pursuant to this statute. On March 14, 1995, the Permit Board conducted a full evidentiary hearing in compliance with the statutory guidelines. Following the hearing, the Permit Board is to enter in its minutes a final decision regarding the permit. Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-29(4)(b) (Supp.1998). The Permit Board, in the instant case, affirmed its prior decision to issue the permits. Finally, any person aggrieved by the action of the Permit Board may appeal such decision to the chancery court. Miss.Code Ann. § 49-17-29(5)(b) (Supp.1998). ¶ 56. CCALL chose to appeal the decision of the Permit Board to the Chancery Court of Oktibbeha County pursuant to that statute. Therefore, CCALL's appeal to the Chancery Court below was an appeal of the Permit Board's decision to affirm the granting of the permits. ¶ 57. In the instant case, CCALL never established that it suffered any injury or compensable damage. CCALL simply does not like the location of the landfill, but it cannot point to any evidence establishing that the landfill site failed to meet any one of the twenty-three (23) siting criteria that must be met before a permit can be issued. Moreover, CCALL was afforded a full evidentiary hearing before the Permit Board to challenge the chosen landfill site, and it failed to meet the challenge. ¶ 58. CCALL had an opportunity to be heard concerning the location and creation of this landfill. Thus, the chancellor below erred in his finding that CCALL was not allowed adequate input in the location and creation of this landfill.