The LDEQ, Office of Environmental Services, is accepting written comments on a draft Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (LPDES) permit prepared for Bumble Bee Foods, LLC, P.O. Box 475, Violet, LA 70092. The facility is located at 2521 Packenham Road, in Violet, St. Bernard Parish. Upon the effective date of the final permit, the LPDES permit shall replace the previously issued LPDES permit.

 

The principal discharge from this existing source is made into the Mississippi River, waters of the state classified for primary contact recreation, secondary contact recreation, propagation of fish and wildlife, and drinking water supply. Under the SIC Code 2092, the applicant proposes to discharge fish processing wastewater, equipment and floor washdown wastewater, and stormwater from an existing tuna processing facility.

 

During the preparation of this permit, it has been determined that the discharge will have no adverse impact on the existing uses of the receiving waterbody. As with any discharge, however, some change in existing water quality may occur.

 

Written comments, written requests for a public hearing or written requests for notification of the final decision regarding this permit action may be submitted to Ms. Soumaya Ghosn at LDEQ, Public Participation Group, P.O. Box 4313, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4313. Written comments and/or written requests must be received by 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 24, 2009. Written comments will be considered prior to a final permit decision.

 

If LDEQ finds a significant degree of public interest, a public hearing will be held. LDEQ will send notification of the final permit decision to the applicant and to each person who has submitted written comments or a written request for notification of the final decision.

 

The permit application, draft permit, and statement of basis are available for review at the LDEQ, Public Records Center, Room 127, 602 North 5^th Street, Baton Rouge, LA. Viewing hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays). The available information can also be accessed electronically on the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) on the DEQ public website at www.deq.louisiana.gov .

 

Inquiries or requests for additional information regarding this permit action should be directed to Lisa Kemp, LDEQ, Water Permits Division, P.O. Box 4313, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4313, phone (225) 219-3105.

 

Persons wishing to be included on the LDEQ permit public notice mailing list or for other public participation related questions should contact the Public Participation Group in writing at LDEQ, P.O. Box 4313, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4313, by email at deqmaillistrequest@la.gov or contact the LDEQ Customer Service Center at (225) 219-LDEQ (219-5337).

 

Permit public notices including electronic access to the draft permit and statement of basis can be viewed at the LDEQ permits public notice webpage at www.deq.louisiana.gov/apps/pubNotice/default.asp and general information related to the public participation in permitting activities can be viewed at www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/tabid/2198/Default.aspx.

 

Alternatively, individuals may elect to receive the permit public notices via email by subscribing to the LDEQ permits public notice List Server at http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/oes/listservpage/ldeq_pn_listserv.htm.