Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers issued Docket No. EPA–HQ–OW–2018–0149, the Revised Definition of “Waters of the United States" (WOTUS), which would eliminate federal protections for ephemeral streams that flow after rain or snowmelt, as well as wetlands without surface water connections to larger waterways, and other bodies of water. This would mean that at least 18 percent of streams and 51 percent of wetlands nationwide would not be protected under this new WOTUS definition.

After hearing from its members, ASLA has submitted comments to oppose the revised definition of WOTUS because it ignores basic science, undermines the tenets of the Clean Water Act (CWA), and ineffectively addresses the need for a clear, consistent, and universal definition of federally regulated waterways.

ASLA encourages all its members to weigh-in with their individual comments on this important rule, as it could have long lasting and far reaching impacts on the health, safety, and welfare of many communities nationwide. Feel free to use language from the ASLA letter or construct your comments based on your personal views before the April 15 deadline.

You can submit your comments here.