The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) and member companies submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to support the replacement of the 2015 Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) Rule with an improved rule. This replacement proposal includes key suggestions from NSSGA, including exemptions for pits, water treatment systems, dry stream beds and isolated waters.
NSSGA and member companies opposed the 2015 WOTUS rule that would have allowed the federal government to regulate waters that have little or no connection to flowing rivers and made permitting much more difficult and costly for members.
“This is a milestone in a years-long process by NSSGA and member companies to improve the permitting process and reduce unnecessary costs,” said Michael Johnson, NSSGA president and CEO. “Everyone wants clean water and our industry needs clear rules for permitting operations that produce the materials needed for vital infrastructure projects. Submitting comments in support of this rule is an important step to clarifying what had been a confusing regulation for EPA, the Corps and companies.”
NSSGA’s comments provide additional clarity for regulators and operators and member examples showed the unreasonable effects of poor regulations. NSSGA has been a leader on this issue for years. Member companies and association staff have met members of Congress, regulators and the administration for years, and testified at public hearings and before congress, submitted comments and and participated in litigation to combat negative impacts of the 2015 rule.