The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of the Army announced plans to host a public hearing on the new “Waters of the United States" proposed rule in Kansas City, Kansas, Feb. 27-28. The hearing was previously scheduled for Jan. 23 but was postponed due to the lapse in appropriations at the EPA. 

The public hearing will be held in the Wyandotte Ballroom of the Reardon Convention Center, 520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, 66101. The Wednesday session of the public hearing will convene at 4 p.m. CST and will conclude no later than 8 p.m. The Thursday session will convene at 9 a.m. and will conclude no later than 12 p.m.   

Those interested in speaking at the hearing are encouraged to register for a three-minute-long speaking slot by the Feb. 21 deadline. Interested parties can pre-register here. Additionally, requests to speak will be taken the day of the hearing, pending availability.

The EPA and Army also announced that they will host a public webcast to explain the key elements of the proposal on Feb. 14 at 3:30 p.m. EST. Interested parties can register here. 

On Dec. 11, 2018, EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jointly issued a proposal to revise the definition of WOTUS to clarify federal authority under the Clean Water Act. The proposed rule seeks to provide businesses and landowners with clear definitions of what are and what are not “navigable waters.” ABC welcomed the proposal, which will provide much-needed clarity for contractors across the country. 

More information about the public hearing, the informational webcast and the proposed rulemaking can be found on the EPA’s website.