MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY OFFICE OF GEOLOGY Mining and Reclamation Division P. O. Box 2279 Jackson, MS 39225 (601) 961-5527 P U B L I C N O T I C E   Public Notice No. A2131 Date: February 20, 2026 Application No. A2131   TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:   The Office of Geology has received an Application for a Surface Mining Permit pursuant to Sections 53-7-27 and 53-7-29 of the Mississippi Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1977, as described below:   APPLICANT: Birdsong Construction Co, Inc, Billy Bell Mine PO Box 2235 Clinton, Mississippi 39060-2235 LOCATION: NE ¼ SE ¼ SW ¼ SE ¼ of NW ¼ Section:26 , Township:7N , Range:1W Hinds County   DESCRIPTION: The operator proposes to open pit mine 350 acres to a total depth of 25 feet for borrow material. Sediment and erosion will be controlled by silt fencing. Reclamation will consist of 4 to 1 grass slopes.   This public notice is being distributed to interested persons and agencies to assist in developing facts on which a decision by the Office of Geology can be based. You are requested to communicate the information contained in this notice to any other parties whom you deem likely to have interest in the matter. All agencies and persons shall have until March 9, 2026, to submit comments, recommendations, or evaluations to the Office of Geology. Comments by an agency shall include an enumeration of permits or licenses required under the agency's jurisdiction.   If further information is needed, an agency may be furnished a copy of the notice of intent or permit application. Any person may inspect the permit application on the MDEQ website at https://opc.deq.state.ms.us/geology public notice.aspx or at the Office of Geology, 700 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39202   In the event comments are not received by March 9, 2026, the Office of Geology will consider that the agency has no comments, recommendations and/or evaluations that the agency deems necessary and proper based upon the effect of the proposed operation on matters within the agency's jurisdiction. February 26, March 5, 12, 2026 #12111442