EPA has scheduled ten teleconferences to solicit recommendations on how to revise the definition of “Waters of the United States.” A February 2017 executive order directed the Administrator of the EPA and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to review this definition, which determines which bodies of water are subject to protections under the Clean Water Act.
EPA will hold nine issue-specific teleconferences and one that is open to the general public. The dates and topics of the teleconferences are:
- Tuesday, September 26, 2017—environment and public advocacy;
- Tuesday, October 3, 2017—conservation, e.g., hunters and anglers;
- Tuesday, October 10, 2017—construction and transportation;
- Tuesday, October 17, 2017—agriculture;
- Tuesday, October 24, 2017—industry;
- Tuesday, October 31, 2017—mining;
- Tuesday, November 7, 2017—scientific organizations and academia;
- Tuesday, November 14, 2017—stormwater, wastewater management and drinking water agencies; and
- Tuesday, November 21, 2017—open to general public.
Each meeting will take place from 1:00-3:00 P.M. ET. Registration will close a week before the date of the teleconference, and EPA will select participants to provide verbal recommendations on a first-come, first-serve basis.
