The University of South Alabama (USA) in Mobile, Alabama has submitted an application to ADEM for renewal of its Hazardous Waste Facility Permit for storage and treatment of Hazardous Wastes at its Mobile, Alabama facility located at 307 University Boulevard, Mobile, Alabama 36688. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) has determined the facility’s permit renewal application to be complete and has prepared a draft permit in accordance with State regulations.

USA operates a facility that offers academic courses, undergraduate and graduate degrees. The University also manages a health system, which includes the College of Medicine, USA Physicians and USA Hospitals, providing health care and medical education services. USA also operates a TSD building that fully encloses a hazardous waste storage area, neutralization tank for specific on-site waste treatment, and an emergency underground storage tank. USA is the owner (and operator) of the facility. The proposed permit will replace the existing AHWMMA permit issued March 17, 1995, and subsequent modifications dated October 27, 1995, November 21, 1995, February 16, 1996, and June 14, 1996. The proposed permit will allow USA to: store and treat hazardous waste; facilitate the development of corrective measures that may be warranted; and facilitate the effective tracking of site close outs. In addition, the proposed renewal permit includes provisions that require any other solid waste management units and areas of concern at the facility be addressed.

Persons wishing to comment may do so, in writing, to the Department's named contact above within 45 days following the publication date of this notice. In order to affect final decisions, comments must offer technically substantial information that is applicable to the proposed permit.

A written request for a public hearing may also be filed within that 45-day period and must state the nature of the issues proposed to be raised in the hearing. The Director shall hold a public hearing whenever it is found, on the basis of hearing requests, that there exists a significant degree of public interest in the permit application or draft permit. The Director may also hold a hearing if he determines that it would clarify one or more issues involved in the permit decision.

After consideration of all written comments, review of any public hearing record, and consideration of the requirements of the AHWMMA, the Federal Resource, Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and applicable regulations, the Department will make a final determination. The Department will develop a response to comments, which will become part of the public record and will be available to persons upon request. Notice will be sent to any person requesting notice of the final action.

The Department maintains a list of interested individuals who are mailed legal notices regarding proposed permits. If you wish to receive such notices, contact the Permits & Services Division via telephone (334-271-7714), e-mail (permitsmail@adem.state.al.us), or postal service (P.O. Box 301463, Montgomery, AL 36130-1463).

This notice is hereby given July 27, 2009, by authorization of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.