EPA and Army Corps Propose Narrower Definitions for Clean Water Act Authority

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers have proposed new definitions for the Clean Water Act that would further restrict federal authority over certain streams and wetlands. The proposed changes would narrow the terms 'relatively permanent,' 'continuous surface connection,' and 'perennial,' which determine waterbody characteristics that trigger Clean Water Act permitting. For instance, a waterbody would be considered 'relatively permanent' if it dries no more than once a year for no more than 30 days.