16 August 2018 - Definition of "Waters of the United States": Rule Status and Litigation Update

USACE Regulation
Published Aug. 16, 2018

The EPA and the Army continue to review the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina’s decision to vacate and nationally enjoin the agencies’ final rule that added an applicability date to the 2015 Clean Water Rule. Pursuant to the court’s order, the 2015 Clean Water Rule is now in effect in 22 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories. Parties to the case, including the EPA and the Army, have filed motions appealing the order and seeking a stay of the district court’s decision. While the litigation continues, the agencies are complying with the district court’s order, and implementation issues that arise are being handled on a case-by-case basis. The agencies recognize the uncertainty this decision has created and are committed to working closely with states and stakeholders to provide updated information on an ongoing basis regarding which rules are in place in which states. If a state, tribe, or an entity has specific questions about a pending jurisdictional determination or permit, please contact a local U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District office or the EPA.