EPA Seeks Input on Existing Programs that Protect Water Quality from Forest Road Discharges

On Tuesday, November 10th, EPA published a Federal Register Notice to solicit public input and information on existing public and private sector programs that address stormwater discharges from forest roads.  This information will assist EPA in responding to the Environmental Defense Center, Inc. remand that requires EPA to consider whether the Clean Water Act requires the Agency to regulate forest roads.  This notice doesn’t imply that EPA has made any decision to do so.  EPA is considering the implementation, effectiveness, and scope of a variety of existing programs in addressing water quality impacts attributable to stormwater discharges from forest roads prior to making any decision.  EPA is also coordinating with other Federal agencies to assess the need for additional stormwater controls, consistent with Federal law, including the recent 2014 amendments to the Clean Water Act.

State drinking water programs should consider providing any available information that might exist on source water/water quality protection programs that address forest roads in your state, or sharing this request with any of your water systems that are undertaking these types of projects.  Comments must be received on or before January 11, 2016.  You may submit comments using Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2015-0668 through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at: http://www.regulations.gov.