EPA and Army Propose New "Waters of the United States" Definition
Clarifies Clean Water Act
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army (Army) proposed a new clear, understandable and implementable definition of “waters of the United States” that clarifies federal authority under the Clean Water Act. The proposal contains a straightforward definition that would result in significant cost savings, protect the nation’s navigable waters, help sustain economic growth and reduce barriers to business development.
“For the first time, we are clearly defining the difference between federally protected waterways and state protected waterways. Our simpler and clearer definition would help landowners understand whether a project on their property will require a federal permit or not, without spending thousands of dollars on engineering and legal professionals,” says EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler.