MDEQ will host its annual Mississippi Restoration Summit on November 9 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Biloxi. The public is invited to hear updates on Deepwater Horizon restoration efforts including current restoration projects and the announcement of new projects for 2021. This year’s summit will include a virtual participation option, and a copy of the meeting’s agenda can be found here. Read More.

MDEQ is now accepting applications for enHance, the agency’s environmental stewardship program, through November 1. 

enHance is a voluntary stewardship program that recognizes committed environmental leaders who accomplish goals beyond their standard regulatory requirements. Participating organizations make a commitment to address and achieve ongoing environmental improvements. Read More.

The deadline for submittal of applications for funding of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions reduction projects is October 29. This funding opportunity is a reimbursement program for qualifying projects under the State of Mississippi Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program. Read More.

MDEQ's Office of Geology recognized National Fossil Day on October 13 and Geologic Map Day on October 15. These national events emphasize the essential work the Office of Geology’s Surface Geology Division does in the areas of research and education. Read More. 

MDEQ will be a presenter in a free webinar offered to the public at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 27, entitled “What to Know About Lead-Based Paint Regulations.” The webinar will be held via Zoom and can be accessed here. It is a joint partnership hosted by MDEQ, the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, and the Mississippi Home Corporation.  The webinar will be held during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week which will be recognized from October 24 to 30.  

Taaka Scott Bailey was named Head of MDEQ’s Office of Community Engagement (OCE) in October 2021. She brings over twenty years of experience working in the agency previously serving in the Waste Division, OCE, and the Groundwater Assessment and Remediation Division.

“I am blessed and humbled to have this opportunity. My service to the State of Mississippi through MDEQ over the past 20 years continues to help me grow both personally and professionally. I look forward to continuing in this new role and connecting more closely with communities throughout the state,” said Taaka.

Taaka earned a Bachelor’s in Biological Engineering from Mississippi State University and has achieved the Certified Public Manager with Excellence Level II designation from the Mississippi State Personnel Board. She is originally from Vicksburg and currently lives in Brandon with her husband, Harold Bailey, and their two children, Taakya Breille and Braelyn Travis.

Armed Rasberry recently assumed management of the CERCLA Branch in MDEQ's Groundwater Assessment and Remediation Division (GARD). He brings over six years of experience working in this division and served on the IDO Engineering Request For Qualification Review Committee as the GARD representative during the 2021 qualification period.

Hal Dixon has recently been named Supervisor for MDEQ's Central Regional Office (CRO) replacing Tony Cox who became Chief of MDEQ’s Field Services Division in July. Hal has more than 21 years of experience at the agency and previously severed as an environmental scientist and as assistant supervisor for the Central Regional Office in Pearl.

A collection event for e-waste will be held October 29 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Mississippi Farmers Market (929 High Street) near the State Fairgrounds in Jackson. A flyer with more information can be accessed here.