So far this month, I have been intrigued by the environmental news coming from the EPA and federal courts. For municipalities, these next two months will see important activities, with the EPA hosting meetings and receiving written statements to obtain input regarding the potential to allow blending as part of the agency’s wet weather programs.

Input on this potential diversion rule will be received by the EPA until Oct. 31. In the private industry, a few activities caught my attention for their impact across the broadest spectrum:

EPA charts more direct course toward compliance assistance

Since 2017, EPA’s enforcement actions have decreased by about 50 percent. This includes both enforcement cases and penalties, mainly associated with the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. In addition, the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance changed its national Enforcement Initiatives program to the National Compliance Initiatives Program.

District Court judge reinstates WOTUS definition

The Waters of the United States (WOTUS) definition continues through our court system. Most recently, the U.S. District Court for South Carolina issued an injunction that reinstates the Clean Water Rule in 26 states.

EPCRA and e-Disclosure: Be pro-active with Tier II and TRI violations

EPA’s e-Disclosure system helps facilities self-report to EPA potential Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) violations. The system has two categories of violations, which directly relate to the penalty system.