EPA Issues Final Report on "Connectivity of Streams & Wetlands to Downstream Waters"

Published Jan 26, 2015
Land Use

In a January 15, 2015 Federal Register notice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued its final report entitled “Connectivity of Streams & Wetlands to Downstream Waters: A Review & Synthesis of the Scientific Evidence” (EPA/600/R-14/475F). According to the EPA, the report “addresses three main questions related to connectivity: (1) What are the physical, chemical, and biological connections to, and effects of, ephemeral, intermittent, and perennial streams on downstream waters? (2) What are the physical, chemical, and biological connections to, and effects of, riparian or floodplain wetlands and open-waters on downstream waters? And (3) What are the physical, chemical, and biological connections to, and effects of, wetlands and open-waters in non-floodplain settings on downstream waters?”

The report informs development of a rule proposed by EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to clarify the definition of “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act. Final agency action on the Proposed Rule is expected April 2015. For more information, contact Sarah Mack at mack@tmw-law.com.

  • To view the report, click here.

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