Opinion ID: 1651926
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: The Landfill Creation Process

Text: ¶ 13. The process of developing, constructing, and operating a regional solid waste landfill begins on the local level. Plan approval requires the adoption of the plan by resolution of the Board of Supervisors of each county comprising the regional authority. The Board's action on the plan must be conducted in an open meeting, but does not require public notice or either an informal or formal hearing. Each county's adoption of the plan is appealable to its respective chancery court on a bill of exceptions. ¶ 14. After the plan is approved by the individual counties, the Regional Authority adopts the plan. An informal hearing is required along with notice by publication. There is no right to appeal the Authority's adoption of the plan until it is approved by the Commission. ¶ 15. Next, the plan must be approved by the Commission. An interested party may request a formal evidentiary hearing before the Commission concerning the local plan where that party may offer testimony, present witnesses and submit evidence. If the plan is not approved, the Authority must submit a revised plan that remedies any deficiencies within 120 days. The final decision of the Commission is appealable to chancery court. ¶ 16. Once the local plan is approved by the Commission, the landfill permit applicant files an application for processing with the MDEQ. The processing stage includes a public comment period and a mandatory public hearing. At the conclusion of the processing stage, the Permit Board may either accept or deny the application for a permit to operate the landfill.