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Jackson Mayor Lumumba pushes back on EPA letter

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Mayor Lumumba pushes back on EPA letter, cites supply chain issues

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said at a Monday press conference that he was “pushing back” against a notice of non-compliance the Environmental Protection Agency sent the city last week, citing delays in the supply chain for needed parts at the water treatment facility.

Last week, the EPA told Jackson that it had fallen behind state health department requirements by not repairing an electrical panel at the O.B. Curtis water treatment plant. The panel broke during a fire at the plant last spring, taking pumps out of operation and reducing water pressure for parts of the city.

In a December letter to the city, the Mississippi State Department of Health alerted officials that it had 30 days to provide a plan for correcting the issue, and 120 days to fix it. The EPA notice stated that Jackson missed the first deadline, which was Jan. 14.

Lumumba said the city had ordered the parts to fix the panel, but widespread supply chain issues are delaying the order.

“I agree with the EPA’s overall approach to environmental justice, and one that looks to bring resources to cities that are tasked with these challenges,” Lumumba said. “But with that being said, I want to be clear, the City of Jackson is actually pushing back on the latest letter of non-compliance.

“Like everything in the distribution chain in our world, we are waiting on the parts. So Jackson is not in a position in order to fix a panel without the parts that are provided by a sole source.”

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba (left) listens as City Engineer Charles Williams answers questions from the media regarding the city’s water issues during a press conference at City Hall, Monday, Jan. 31, 2022.

MSDH’s set deadline for fixing the panel is April 14, which City Engineer Charles Williams said he doesn’t expect Jackson to meet. He said the city ordered the parts on Jan. 13, and expects them to arrive around April 22.

When a WAPT reporter asked why the city waited so long to order the part, Williams declined to go into further detail, saying instead the city has followed protocol.

Lumumba added that the delay “shouldn’t be a surprise” given the city’s communication with the vendor, General Electric, and the EPA. He also said despite the disagreement, he’s generally aligned with the federal agency’s approach and that they communicate every other week.

Williams also touched on the city’s ongoing distribution troubles, as south Jackson is still receiving low water pressure. Despite making progress at the end of last week, Williams said the city had to cut back how much water it sent out after noticing turbidity, meaning that there isn’t enough water in the city’s storage tanks to restore pressure. He expects to see progress during the week, but didn’t provide an exact timeline.

He also added that he expects to have all six of O.B. Curtis’ membrane trains running within the next two weeks. The city took one of the trains offline two weeks ago after it failed an integrity test from MSDH.

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Mississippi News

Ole Miss women get pair of double-doubles and roll to 83-65 March Madness win over Ball State

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www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-03-22 09:03:00

SUMMARY: Mississippi coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin found solace in returning to a different arena in Waco, Texas, following a disappointing previous tournament experience. The No. 5 seed Ole Miss Rebels redeemed themselves with an 83-65 victory over 12th-seeded Ball State in the NCAA Tournament’s first round. Starr Jacobs led the Rebels with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Kennedy Todd-Williams and Madison Scott each scored 15 points. Ole Miss dominated rebounding, leading 52-32, and will face fourth-seeded Baylor next. Coach McPhee-McCuin noted the team’s evolution since their last visit and the significance of playing in Texas, where Jacobs feels at home.

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Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: March 21-23

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www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-03-21 08:59:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (March 21-23), Mississippi offers a range of exciting events. Highlights include Hal’s Marching MALfunction Second Line Stomp and Jessie Robinson’s blues performance in Jackson, as well as the Natchez Food & Wine Festival and the Natchez Little Theatre’s production of *This Side of Crazy*. There are also numerous exhibitions like *Of Salt and Spirit: Black Quilters in the American South* in Jackson and *Gold in the Hills* in Vicksburg. Other events include the 48th Annual Crawfish Classic Tennis Tournament in Hattiesburg, karaoke nights in Laurel, and a variety of family-friendly activities across the state.

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Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: March 14-16

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www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-03-14 07:26:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (March 14-16) in Mississippi offers a variety of events. In Jackson, iconic saxophonist Boney James performs at the convention center, while the JXN Food & Wine festival showcases culinary talents. The LeFleur Museum District hosts a “Week of Wonder,” and several exhibitions, including “Of Salt and Spirit,” celebrate Black quilters. Natchez features the Spring Pilgrimage tours, a reenactment of Annie Stewart’s story, and a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. In Hattiesburg, comedian Rob Schneider performs, and various events like a St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl and a talent show will take place throughout the area.

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