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

The exercises in the DOT hazardous materials management course are especially helpful in evaluating your understanding of course information.

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

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

Jeremy Bost

Environmental Health & Safety Technician

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

I think LION does an excellent job of any training they do. Materials provided are very useful to my day-to-day work activities.

Pamela Embody

EHS Specialist

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

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

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

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.