The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) are publishing for public comment a proposed rule defining what waters are protected under the Clean Water Act (CWA). This is being done in light of recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings.
According to the EPA, this proposal is intended to enhance protection for the nation’s public health and aquatic resources, and increase CWA program predictability and consistency by increasing clarity as to the scope of ‘‘waters of the United States’’ protected under the Act. The comment period ends on October 20, 2014.
A forum will be held to inform rural landowners and farmers on the EPA’s “Waters of the U.S.” Proposed Rules on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at 7 p.m. The EPA’s Region Five Water Division Director Tinka Hyde will speak on the “Waters of the U.S.” proposal at the Osceola County Sheriff’s Posse Headquarters. Hyde will focus on how this proposed ruling would affect farmers and rural landowners in Michigan. Also speaking at the meeting will be Laura Campbell, Michigan Farm Bureau’s Agricultural Ecology Specialist. Campbell will highlight Agriculture’s Concerns with the “Water of the U.S.” ruling.
The meeting is sponsored by the Osceola County Farm Bureau and Michigan State University Extension. There is no charge to attend the meeting. The Sheriff’s Posse Grounds are located at 21940 Six Mile Road, Reed City, MI, 49677. From highway U.S. 10, just east of the U.S. 131 exit, travel north one mile on 220th Ave. to Six Mile Rd. and turn right onto Six Mile Rd. which is the entrance to the Sheriff’s Posse grounds.
For more information
Osecola County Michigan State University Extension
T: +1 231-832-6139.