Update on Waters of the U.S. Draft Guidance (HQ)
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have extended the public comment
period by 30 days for the draft guidance on Identifying Waters
Protected by the Clean Water Act. In response to requests from
state and local officials, as well as other stakeholders, EPA and
the Corps will take additional comment until July 31, 2011 on this
important draft guidance that aims to protect U.S. waters. These
waters are critical for the health of the American people, the
economy and ecosystems in communities across the country.
This change in the public comment period will not impact the
schedule for finalizing the guidance or alter the intent to proceed
with a rulemaking.
Public input received will be carefully considered as the agencies
make final decisions regarding the guidance. These comments will
also be very helpful as the agencies prepare a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking.
The original 60-day public comment period was originally set to
expire on July 1, 2011. The agencies will be publishing a notice of
this 30-day extension in the Federal Register.
More information:
http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/guidance/wetlands/CWAwaters.cfm