Title
Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign a comment letter to the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers on the proposed changes to Clean Water Act regulations pertaining to Waters of the United States.
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Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost
There is no change to net county costs associated with this item.
Background
In an April 21, 2014 Federal Register notice, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) proposed a rule that defined the scope of Clean Water Act regulations regarding which waterways are under federal protection as 'Waters of the United States.' Under the draft rule, most tributaries, including those that are intermittent or seasonal, would be protected. The draft rule would also include wetlands adjacent to protected water bodies, and other water bodies as determined by a significant nexus analysis. The proposed rule preserves the Clean Water Act exemptions and exclusions for agricultural activities. The basis for the new rule is a draft scientific assessment by the EPA. The proposed rule will not be finalized until the final version of the assessment is complete. Outreach to the states to gather feedback on this rule change has been minimal. Comments on the proposed rule change are due to the EPA by July 21, 2014.
Reason for Recommendation
As indicated in the Federal Register notices, comments on these proposed rules are due by July 21, 2014.
Clerk of the Board Follow Up Actions
Chair to sign letter to the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers.
Contact
Jessica Brandt, ext. 5132
Chief Administrative Office