"Federal regulators may be able to assert Clean Water Act jurisdiction over more waters and wetlands than are now protected on the basis of a draft scientific study that links all streams and certain wetlands with larger, downstream navigable waters, attorneys and policy analysts say."
"The Environmental Protection Agency's draft study finds that all tributary streams, including perennial and the previously unprotected intermittent and ephemeral streams, are physically, chemically and biologically connected to downstream rivers.
The study, released Sept. 17, also finds that wetlands and open waters in flood plains of rivers and riparian areas also are connected in the same way as streams are to downstream rivers."
Amena H. Saiyid reports for Bloomberg BNA's Water Law & Policy Monitor October 2, 2013.
SEE ALSO:
"Clarity on Clean Water Protection Is Coming, But How Long Will it Take?" (Center for Effective Government)
"Congress Urges EPA To Not Use CWA Guidance Document" (Drovers Cattle Network/Agricultural Retailers Association)
"Clean Water Act Definition of 'Waters of the United States'" (EPA)
"Revisions to the Regulatory Definition of 'Navigable Waters' " (EPA)
"Importance of Waters and Wetlands Documented in New EPA Report" (AmmoLand)
"EPA Moves To Clarify Clean Water Act, Fox Cries 'Power Grab'" (Media Matters)
"GOP Lawmakers Grill EPA on Water Reg ‘Power Grab’" (Fox)
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