The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) and member companies have submitted comments to support the replacement of the 2015 Waters of US (WOTUS) rule.
The replacement proposal was sent to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and US Army Corps of Engineers. It includes key suggestions from NSSGA, including exemptions for pits, water treatment systems, dry steam beds and isolated waters.
Michael Johnson, NSSGA president and CEO, says: “This is a milestone in a years-long process by NSSGA and member companies to improve the permitting process and reduce unnecessary costs. 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.”
The association and member companies opposed the 2015 WOTUS rule that it says would have allowed the federal government to regulate waters that have little or no connection to flowing rivers and made permitting more difficult and costly for members.
