51����

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will host webinars on how to use the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) eReporting Tool to submit Annual Reports for EPA’s Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP); those reports are due by January 30th for each year of permit coverage. Below are the program dates and links to registration and more resources.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently published new resources in Spanish to help construction site operators comply with EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) construction stormwater permit program.

A new measure announced today by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide the kind of clarity needed to ensure that the waters of the U.S. continue to become even cleaner. The newly proposed clean water rule outlines clear and specific guidelines as to which sites require a federal water permit in addition to state and local water permits, and what needs to be done to protect federally permitted waters. As a result, the new measure will enable contractors for all types of construction projects, from schools to local roadways and other infrastructure, to understand which permits they need and proceed without substantial regulatory delay and additional cost.

February 20, 2019, at 51����’s Headquarters in Arlington, Va.

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have proposed a new clean water rule to replace the controversial 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. The 2015 WOTUS rule is undergoing legal challenges and is on hold in 28 states, creating a patchwork of regulations. Today’s proposal is intended to correct the regulatory overreach of the old rule while continuing to protect federal waters

New national directive tracks 51���� contractor recommendations

This week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE or Corps) provided 51���� and other stakeholders with an update on its efforts to “revolutionize USACE civil works,” highlighting three main objectives: (1) accelerate project delivery, (2) transform financing and budgeting, and (3) improve permitting and regulation reform. The Nov. 29 webinar meeting (click here for the slides) was a follow-up to a roundtable discussion held this spring at Corps’ headquarters and a request for public input on existing USACE regulations that may be appropriate for repeal, replacement, or modification. During each and every opportunity, 51���� has provided the Corps with comprehensive comments, both in writing and during face-to-face meetings. Below is a listing of the Corps’ recent accomplishments to speed up Clean Water Act Section 404 permitting – as well as several key actions in progress – demonstrating that 51����’s input in being heard and acted upon.

Presentations from key federal agencies rounded out the expert management and risk sessions at 51����’s 2018 Construction Environmental Conference by providing attendees with updates and answering questions on several regulatory developments. As part of its conference wrap-up, 51���� provides below a list of the issues the government agencies discussed along with links to relevant articles and 51����’s comment letters, where applicable. 51���� appreciates the time and talent of all the speakers at the 2018 CEC that, based on participant feedback, exceeded expectations.

51���� recently participated in a roundtable discussion with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Smart Sectors Partnership and highlight initial successes. 51���� took the opportunity to express support of EPA’s efforts to improve the clarity and speed of the permits it issues. 51���� understands that state agencies issue most environmental permits; however, states use EPA’s permits/programs as a model. Improvements EPA makes can have a positive impact on state-issued permits. To this end, EPA is working on a policy for how the agency assesses the adequacy of state pollution control programs. Click here to see EPA’s priority goals and latest action plan.

Each year, 51���� seeks nominations for qualified and motivated individuals from the 51���� Environmental Forum to serve on the steering committee for the forum. Would you like to play a leadership role in 51���� of America’s environmental advocacy, education and outreach efforts?