EPA recommends denial of President Casino expansion

Friday, July 21, 2000 | 1:35 a.m.

In a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the EPA said the project as it exists now would have "unacceptable adverse impacts on aquatic resources of national importance."

The EPA can veto the project, on which the corps has prepared a draft of an environmental impact statement. The corps is expected to decide this fall whether it will allow the development.

"As it is currently proposed, we have very serious concerns about this project," said Haynes Johnson, life scientist with the wetlands section of the EPA in Atlanta.

Based on impacts to water quality, the EPA said it found the proposal to be environmentally unsatisfactory in its current design.

The EPA also questioned the economic need for six additional casinos and the necessity of building hotels on filled land when ample space was available north of U.S. 90. While the coast's casinos operate on barges docked south of the highway, some do have hotels across the busy street.

The EPA, however, did express a willingness to work with developers if they create a more environmentally friendly design.

"We believe we can do that," said Biloxi attorney Mike Cavanaugh, who represents Destination Broadwater. "We are heartened by the fact they do believe and do intend to work with us to identify and develop an environmentally acceptable project. We look forward to working with them."

The corps recognizes the EPA's ability to veto the project, said Janet Shelby, spokesman for the corps in Mobile.

"We give careful consideration to all comments sent in," said Shelby.

Even if the corps were to issue a permit, the EPA objections could prevent Destination Broadwater from receiving a Tidelands lease for the land the developers propose to fill. Secretary of State Eric Clark has said he would require approval of all federal and state agencies before leasing land to fill for a casino.

Clark's spokesman, David Blount, said Thursday that position is unchanged. Clark also would require that The President have financing secured before he would issue a Tidelands lease.

"If their (EPA) concerns are not satisfactorily addressed, then our conditions for approval have not been met," Blount said.

The EPA has exercised its veto authority about a dozen times across the country since it was granted in 1972. It has never vetoed a project in Mississippi.

The EPA has used its veto authority in the past to stop dams, landfills and other projects it felt unreasonably affected wetlands and associated wildlife.