(September 19, 2017) - NACWA is working to gather additional feedback from its members as it prepares to provide input to EPA on the Agency’s new Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rulemaking. NACWA will host a conference call with its members on Wednesday, October 18, at 2:00 pm ET to discuss the Association’s position moving forward. Those interested in participating are encouraged to RSVP to Oliver Hamilton, NACWA Manager of Government Affairs. 

EPA is currently gathering input from stakeholders to inform development of its new WOTUS rulemaking, while also working to repeal the Obama Administration’s Clean Water Rule. As NACWA previously reported, EPA announced a series of teleconference meetings in the August 28 Federal Register to gather input on WOTUS, as well as a written comment period scheduled to close on November 28. NACWA plans to participate in these calls and provide written comments, but encourages its member agencies with specific or unique concerns related to WOTUS to also participate in the listening sessions and to prepare their own comments.

Nine of the scheduled teleconferences will be tailored to specific sectors, including the water sector. The call for stormwater, wastewater management and drinking water agencies is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET. Information on how to register for each of these meetings is available on EPA’s website.  The Federal Register notice also contains information on how EPA will select individuals/organizations to provide verbal recommendations on the calls, time limits, etc. EPA set a deadline of November 28 to provide written comments during this pre-proposal input and feedback process.

If you are interested in participating in the NACWA member call to provide input to the Association on this issue, please RSVP to Oliver Hamilton.