The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting comments on what a new Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) Rule should include. The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) has long fought the 2015 rule that would have allowed the federal government to regulate dry areas.
The Trump administration has proposed to withdraw WOTUS and replace it with a clearer rule, and NSSGA and many member companies and state organizations commented in support of the withdrawal. Now, the agency is seeking input as EPA staff works on a replacement rule.
“Comments from operators have been essential to our industry’s efforts to fix WOTUS, but we are not done yet,” said Emily Coyner, NSSGA senior director of environmental policy. “We need to continue to help the administration promulgate a clear and logical rule that protects the environment and our industry.”
NSSGA will submit comments on behalf of the industry and asks member companies to submit comments as well. NSSGA’s comments will focus on the clear exemptions needed in a new rule, such as pits and quarries, water treatment systems, dry streambeds and isolated waters.
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