The EPA has rolled out the Navigable Waters Protection Rule to replace the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule introduced in 2015. The new ruling identifies four categories of waters that are federally regulated under the Clean Water Act. Of interest to the agriculture industry, it also defines what waters are not subject to federal control, including most farm and roadside ditches, prior converted cropland, and farm and stock watering ponds.
Agriculture organizations are welcoming the changes, saying the EPA’s newly issued rule provides more clarity for farmers and appears to be based on common sense.
