The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality conducted an investigation recently at the old county farm site located just south of Moorhead.
The investigation was prompted by reports alleging unauthorized waste dumping at the location, which is owned by Sunflower County.
A citizen complaint led MDEQ to the location last week.
An MDEQ inspector reportedly contacted the complainant to discuss the issue prior to arriving at the site. Upon arrival, the inspector found the entrance gate locked, with “No Dumping” signs prominently displayed and ditches dug to prevent unauthorized access, the report by the inspector indicated.
With the assistance of Sunflower County officials, including District 1 Supervisor Glenn Donald and Road Manager T.J. Fairley, the inspector was able to gain access to the property and assess the situation.
The site revealed what appeared to be a pit containing tree limbs, stumps, household debris and nearly a dozen used tires.
This area, previously labeled as a dirt pit, had been used by the county for sourcing material during road maintenance, and the dumping had presumably occurred without official permission.
The dirt pit had reportedly been dug out by the county for road maintenance purposes.
It was suggested that perhaps local citizens recently entered through the gate when it was unlocked and dumped the debris near the northern edge of the pit.
During the assessment, the MDEQ inspector stated, “Since this is not a permitted rubbish site, I instructed Mr. Donald and Mr. Fairley to have the trash, tires, etc., removed as soon as possible and to be more vigilant about keeping the gate locked.”
Following these directives, both Donald and Fairley committed to a swift cleanup.
By March 12, the inspector received photos and videos from Donald confirming that the debris had been removed. The inspector then contacted the complainant to notify that individual of the prompt and “satisfactory” actions taken by the county.
Based on these results, the inspector considers this complaint to be resolved in the field by the NRO, his official report stated.
