Underground Infrastructure - August 2023 - 21

Inside Infrastructure
Fewer Democrats publicly commented on the ruling, but
Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Senate Environment and Public
Works Committee chairman, said the decision undermines
EPA's ability to effectively regulate water pollution and puts
" America's remaining wetlands in jeopardy.
" I strongly disagree with the Court's decision, and I am
deeply concerned about the future impacts of this case on clean
drinking water, coastal and flood-prone communities and wildlife
across our nation, " Carper said.
So, what happens next? EPA and the Corps are likely to
develop policy, guidance and new rules to clarify uncertainties
that this rule has created over the past few decades. Next steps
are likely to include that agencies develop and publish:
* Procedures for permitting evaluations going forward and
for permits that have just been issued, permits in process
and pending permit decisions.
* Both national and regional procedures for managing
permit actions to keep development moving, while
simultaneously trying to determine if the action is within
the new definition for a " water. "
* Interim guidance on what is considered a " water of
the United States. " This will be complex and require
substantial time as the agencies wrestle with difficult
ecological realities. Considerations may include
identifying what constitutes a seasonal intermittent
stream, criteria for wetlands to have a continuous surface
connection and regional differences in both areas.
* New regulations on what is considered a " water of the
United States. " History has shown this to be a laborious
and time-consuming process. Adding to the challenge is
a nation entering into the 2024 election cycle, where a
looming presidential election year threatens the likelihood
of anything getting done in Washington.
Because Congress was unable to pass legislation on the
WOTUS issue over the years, it has become a popular topic for
executive action over the past several presidential administrations.
It has also become a political football. Hopefully, the recent
Supreme Court decision will put an end to the issue, and the construction
industry can continue its work without worrying about
unnecessary shutdown of their projects in wet weather situations.
But don't get too excited - other efforts to restrict construction
and energy development are sure to continue, and we will
need help in pushing back. UI
WYMAN ASSOCIATES offers strategic
consulting with its clients and direct
advocacy before the United States
Congress and executive branch agencies. Working with several allies in
Washington and around the country, provides clients a constant voice in
the national debate.
Register for FREE at UCONonline.com/Webcasts
LIVE WEBCAST
Tuesday, September 26,2023 | 10 a.m. CDT / 3 p.m. UTC
The Trenchless Toolbox - Is yours
fully stocked?
Every jobsite is different and the more prepared you are - with the essential
tools in your trenchless toolbox - the more likely you will complete the job on
time and on budget.
Join HammerHead Trenchless to discuss the necessary items for each job
and how the importance of a trenchless system - including the equipment,
consumables, and training - will help make your jobsite the most efficient.
The session will discuss trenchless systems for lateral and mainline CIPP,
point repair, and pipe bursting.
At the end, the HammerHead team will moderate a question-and-answer
session where you can share your in-field experiences and our team can
share ideal trenchless solutions for your consideration.
Sponsored By:
Hosted By:
SPEAKER:
Jeff Urbanski
Sr. Manager of
Training
HammerHead
Trenchless
SPEAKER:
Dave Kozman
P.E., F.A SCE, Sr.
Product Engineer
HammerHead
Trenchless
MODERATOR:
Bethany Fischer
Digital Editor
Underground
Infrastructure
UndergroundInfrastructure.com | AUGUST 2023 21
http://www.UCONonline.com/Webcasts http://www.UndergroundInfrastructure.com
Underground Infrastructure - August 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Underground Infrastructure - August 2023
