Changes to Regulated Waters Definition: Exclusions for Wastewater Systems.
This act amends the definition of "navigable waters" in federal law, potentially affecting which water bodies are subject to pollution regulations. It excludes, among other things, wastewater treatment systems, waters flowing only in direct response to precipitation, and groundwater from this definition. This means some water areas might be less strictly controlled for pollution.
Key points
Wastewater treatment systems, including lagoons and settling ponds, will no longer be considered "navigable waters" subject to federal regulations.
Ephemeral features that flow only in direct response to precipitation and groundwater are also excluded from the definition of regulated waters.
These changes may impact the scope of responsibility for water pollution, potentially reducing oversight of certain types of water bodies.
Introduced
Citizen Poll