The NWPS are an important part of the regulatory system and enable efficient and effective regulatory review of construction and development activities that have a minimal individual and cumulative adverse environmental impacts. NWPS are permits used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to permit a wide range of activities that, upon incorporation of identified conditions and mitigation measures, have been determined to result in minimal adverse effects to the environment. NWPS
are useful for project applicants and states because they streamline the permitting processes necessary for approval. However, the states have several concerns, such as the water quality certification process, removal of the 300 linear foot limit for loss of stream bed and pre-construction notice requirements (PCN) with the changes outlined in the proposal and offer the
following comments.
Documents
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Senate Draft: Drinking Water Infrastructure Act of 2020
The legislation would amend and reauthorize programs under the Safe Drinking Water Act to provide resources and technical assistance to communities.
ECOS, ACWA, ASWM Letter to Congressional Leaders on Sec. 401 Authority
The Environmental Council of the States (ECOS), the Association of Clean Water Administrators (ACWA), and the Association of State Wetland Managers (ASWM) urge Congress to preserve states’ ability to protect water quality under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. Our members believe that Section 401 is an important tool states can use to protect their waters for the benefit of their citizens.
Informal Comments on Office of Water FY 2022-2023 National Program Guidance
Early engagement with state partners on the NPGs has become an important process step to ensure states are aware of how EPA intends to implement its strategic plan goals and collaborate with the states on implementing the Clean Water Act (CWA). This early engagement provides EPA and states the necessary time to further discuss implementation challenges, performance measures, and other related priorities that may need to be considered as part of the NPG.
FY 2021 Budget Chart
ACWA Comments on Numeric Nutrient Criteria for Lakes and Reservoirs (LNNC)
ACWA and ASDWA’s substantive comments on the “Draft Ambient Water Quality Criteria Recommendations for Lakes and Reservoirs of the Conterminous United States: Information Supporting the Development of Numeric Nutrient Criteria” (Draft LNNC)
Final ACWA Comment Letter EPA Guidance Rule
ACWA comment letter on EPA’s proposed rule to establish administrative requirements and procedures guidance documents determined to be significant.
ACWA Letter on COVID-19
ACWA letter to EPA concerning COVID-19-related issues faced by state, interstate, and territorial clean water programs, and a potential strategy to leverage lessons learned going forward in the context of both COVID-19 and future disease outbreaks.
New York et al. v. EPA
New York and eight other states filed a challenge against EPA’s COVID-19 Implications for EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Program policy, arguing the policy exceeds the agency’s authority and skirts statutory mandates to enforce environmental laws.The lawsuit challenges EPA’s March 26 guidance stating that the agency would exercise enforcement discretion if companies are unable to report or monitor pollution releases because the pandemic has disrupted their operations. The policy applies retroactively to March 13 and includes no end date.
HR __, The Clean Water for All Act
The purpose of the bill is to reaffirm Congress’ commitment to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the nation’s waters, as called for in the Clean Water Act (CWA) and to overturn the Trump administration’s WOTUS rule. The legislation directs the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers to develop a new rule within two years of enactment to prevent degradation of surface water quality; increased contaminant levels in drinking water sources; increased flooding-related risks to human life or property; and disproportionate adverse impacts on minority or low-income populations.
America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2020: Clean Water Provisions Summary
A summary of the Senate’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2020 – Title II: Clean Water.
GAO Request to Study HABS
A letter from Congress requesting the Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigate the federal government’s response to harmful algal blooms (HABs). The letter asks GAO to investigate the federal government’s response… Read More »
