Vol. 23, No. 4 June 2, 2015

In This Issue:

EPA & COE Redefine Which Wetlands and Streams are Federally Regulated

On May 27, 2015, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the Clean Water Rule (the Rule) in an effort to protect streams and wetlands from degradation and pollution by more clearly defining protected waters (Waters of the U.S., or WOTUS). The press announcement emphasizes that clarity in jurisdiction will result in a less costly and complex permitting process, and will ultimately result in cleaner water. The Rule does include many improvements suggested by Industry. In Maryland and Virginia, due to the combination of geology and state laws, we do not anticipate significant changes in the overall regulation of wetlands, streams, and ponds as a result of this Rule. Virginia and Maryland state laws already regulate isolated wetlands and other waters – except for certain ditches.

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About Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc. (WSSI):

WSSI is the leading provider of natural and cultural resource consulting services in the Mid-Atlantic. The firm has worked on a total of over 5,000 projects, comprising 200,000 acres, and has created hundreds of acres of wetlands and restored miles of streams. Our team of 90+ engineers, scientists, archeologists, ecosystem technicians, GIS/survey/compliance and technology/training specialists, and administrative staff yield a unique combination of disciplines focused on wetlands and water resources and provide creative solutions for integrating the constraints of economics and land plan requirements with local, state, and federal environmental regulations. For more information about WSSI, visit our Web site at www.wetlandstudies.com.