The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the U.S. Department of the Army announced a final rule that establishes a definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS). USEPA and the U.S. Department of the Army say the final WOTUS Rule (Rule) restores essential water protections that were in place prior to 2015 under the Read More
Tag: CWA
New PFAS Analytic Tools Released
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has released a new interactive webpage, called the “PFAS Analytic Tools,” which provides information about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across the country. The information will help the public, researchers, and other stakeholders better understand potential PFAS sources in their communities. The PFAS Analytic Tools bring together multiple sources Read More
Supreme Court Hears Wetlands Protection Case, WOTUS Expected to be Impacted
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) began hearing a high-profile wetlands protection case, Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, on October 3. Water industry analysts are watching the case carefully, as it could have an impact on how the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) are designated under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Michael and Read More
Proposed Rule to Restore Section 401 Authority Under Clean Water Act
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) announced a proposed rule to update the regulatory requirements for water quality certification under Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401. The USEPA says the proposed rule would strengthen the authority of States, territories, and Tribes to protect vital water resources while supporting an efficient, predictable, and common-sense certification process. Read More
USEPA Proposes Regulations to Plan for Hazardous Substance Discharges in Adverse Weather Conditions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recently proposed new requirements for certain facilities to plan for worst-case discharges of Clean Water Act (CWA) hazardous substances. A worst-case discharge is the largest foreseeable discharge in adverse weather conditions. Facilities subject to the proposed rule are required to prepare response plans for worst-case discharges, or threat of Read More
USEPA Proposes Guidance to Support Water Affordability & Clean Water Act Implementation
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has issued its Proposed 2022 Clean Water Act (CWA) Financial Capability Assessment (FCA) Guidance for public comment. The proposed guidance outlines strategies for communities to support affordable utility rates while planning investments in water infrastructure that are essential for CWA implementation. The FCA Guidance is used by municipalities when Read More