Search

Army and EPA to Review Waters of the US Rule

Posted on 3/6/2017 by Roger Marks

In response to the Presidential directive issued last month, the US EPA and the Army announced today their intention to review and rescind or revise the 2015 Waters of the United States Rule.

The challenge to the rule is based largely on the interpretation of a key phrase within the Clean Water Act (CWA): “navigable waters.” When finalized, the Waters of the United States Rule, or WOTUS Rule, expanded the scope of waters that are considered “navigable” and therefore subject to certain requirements of the CWA. 

Water pollution in United StatesEPA’s interpretation of “navigable waters” drew from Supreme Court decisions, including Rapanos vs. United States. The President has ordered that EPA reconsider its interpretation of what constitutes a “navigable water” using stricter criteria set forth in an opinion written by late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia on the Rapanos case. 

To read more about the interpretations and Supreme Court decisions surrounding the Waters of the US Rule, read the post POTUS Puts WOTUS on Notice from last week.


New Clean Water Act Training - Online 24/7


New for 2017! The Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act Regulations Online Course i will help you build a full understanding of the EPA’s major water regulations and how they affect your operations.

Major topics covered in the new online course include:
  • NPDES permit and control requirements  
  • SPCC plan basics and EPA reporting obligations
  • US EPA pretreatment standards
  • EPA’s Underground Injection Control (UIC) program
  • Water quality standards for public systems and MCLs

More courses for EHS Managers:

Clean Air Act Regulations Online
TSCA Regulations Online
Clean Water Act & SDWA Regulations Online
New! Superfund and Right-to-Know Act Regulations Online 

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

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

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

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

Amazing instructor; real-life examples. Lion training gets better every year!

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

Lion courses are the standard to which all other workshops should strive for!

Brody Saleen

Registered Environmental Health Specialist

I tried other environmental training providers, but they were all sub-standard compared to Lion. I will not stray from Lion again!

Sara Sills

Environmental 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

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide to spot which tanks and substances are regulated under EPA's Underground Storage Tank program, and which are excluded as of October 2018.

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.