Search

Final Rule Alert: EPA Repeals 2015 WOTUS Rule

Posted on 10/29/2019 by Roger Marks

On October 22, 2019, US EPA officially repealed the 2015 Waters of the United States Rule, the long-embattled Obama-era regulation that expanded the scope of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA).

How EPA defines the term “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) is critical to provide industry and the public with a clear picture of which bodies of water are subject to EPA Clean Water Act standards like Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) planning, oil spill notifications, NPDES permitting, stormwater discharge, dredge-and-fill, and other CWA programs.  

The repeal of the 2015 rule will end the confusing “patchwork” status of Clean Water Act implementation that existed following District Court decisions that left the 2015 rule in effect in fewer than half of US states. 

The repeal rule becomes effective on December 23, 2019 and restores the Clean Water Act regulations to their pre-2015 state. 

Learn what you must know to maintain compliance with EPA’s many water programs! The Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act online course is available anytime, anywhere. 

What Changes Now That EPA Repealed the 2015 WOTUS Rule?

In the 28 states where the 2015 rule was blocked by legal challenges, EPA continues to implement the pre-2015 regulatory text. 

For the 22 states in which the 2015 Rule did take effect (as well as Washington D.C. and US territories), EPA "is committed to providing updated information on an ongoing basis." Those with questions about pending Clean Water Act permits or jurisdictional determinations in these states should contact EPA or a local US Army Corps of Engineers Office. 

Get more details on EPA’s website.

What's Next? How Will EPA Define WOTUS Moving Forward?

Repeal of the 2015 WOTUS Rule is the first of two steps EPA will take to clarify the scope of the Clean Water Act.  

In February 2019, EPA proposed a revised definition of Waters of the United States. EPA’s second step will be to collect public comments on their proposal and ultimately finalize a new, clearer definition of WOTUS.

2020 EPA Compliance Training in Atlanta

Are you the go-to person for all things environmental at your facility? Join us in Atlanta on January 23—24  for the nationally trusted Complete Environmental Regulations Workshop.

Understanding the air, water, and chemical regulations that apply to your facility will help you communicate clearly and confidently within your organization and better defend your business against costly fines, penalties, and future liability. This workshop covers the critical elements of major EPA programs that impact facilities, including the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, EPCRA, CERCLA, TSCA, FIFRA, and more.
 
Can’t attend live? Check out the Complete Environmental Regulations Online Course . The online course is packed with training content, tutorials, resources, and FAQs that clarify and simplify the complex, overlapping EPA rules you must know. 
 
 

Tags: 2015 WOTUS, Clean Water Act, EPA, new rules, WOTUS

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

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

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

Very good. I have always appreciated the way Lion Tech develops, presents and provides training and materials.

John Troy

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

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

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

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

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

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

This is the best RCRA training I've experienced! I will be visiting Lion training again.

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

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

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Ace hazmat inspections. Protect personnel. Defend against civil and criminal penalties. How? See the self-audit "best practices" for hazardous materials shippers.

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.