Search

US EPA Finalizes New “Waters of the US” Rule

Posted on 6/29/2015 by Roger Marks

In today’s Federal Register, US EPA and the US Army Corps of Engineers published a Final Rule, making the new definition of “Waters of the United States” official.

In short, the new rule is designed to help industry professionals and EHS managers more accurately predict which bodies of water are covered under Clean Water Act programs as “waters of the US.” For full coverage of what’s new in the EPA water rule, read more here: EPA Redefines “Waters of the United States.

EPA’s new definition of Waters of the US clarifies which bodies of water are subject to Clean Water Act compliance requirements

Effect on Clean Water Act Compliance

This major new rule will affect compliance with major Clean Water Act programs for industry, most notably:
  • Oil Discharge Notifications (40 CFR 110);
  • Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plans (40 CFR 112);
  • NPDES Permitting and Stormwater Discharge Permits (40 CFR 122);
  • The “per-industry standards” (40 CFR 405-471); and
  • Dredge and Fill Permitting (33 CFR 323).
The rule puts certain bodies of water under the scope of US EPA Clean Water Act programs “by rule” and provides criteria to determine, on a case-by-case basis, when other bodies of water are covered.

This new rule is effective on August 28, 2015.

Interactive Workshops for Environmental Professionals

Learn what you must report, collect, and keep on file to meet your legal responsibilities under the EPA’s major programs. From permitting and reporting under the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act to chemical management and reporting under TSCA, FIFRA, EPCRA, and more, Lion Technology’s Complete Environmental Regulations Workshop will prepare you to confidently navigate the EPA regulations that affect your facility.

Tags: Act, Clean, EPA, new rules, Water, WOTUS

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I chose Lion's online webinar because it is simple, effective, and easily accessible.

Jeremy Bost

Environmental Health & Safety Technician

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Decrease spill, release, and injury risk and increase savings with these "source reduction" strategies to prevent unused chemicals from becoming regulated as hazardous waste.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.