Ohio Environmental Law Blog : Ohio Environmental Lawyer & Attorney : Joseph Koncelik : Frantz Ward Law Firm : Environmental Regulation, Land Use, Compliance : Cleveland, Ohio

On April 5th, Ohio EPA Director Nally testified on the Agency's proposed budget before the House Finance and Appropriations – Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.  According to the Director's Testimony, Ohio EPA is not asking for any fee increases.  Ohio EPA's proposed budget calls for a reduction of 11.8% for fiscal year 2012 and 13.8% for fiscal year 2013.  To meet these budget reductions, the Agency is planning on reducing 53 current positions through attrition.

The Director also mentioned the consolidation of the Division of Hazardous Waste Management  (DHWM) into the Division of Solid & Infectious Waste (DSIWM) along with other components in the Division of Emergency Remedial Response (DERR).  DHWM's permitting and inspection activities will be in DSIWM and clean up will be with DERR.

In addition to budget reductions and the consolidation of DHWM, Director Nally also hinted at other initiatives the Agency is planning to undertake in the near future. 

New Ohio EPA Initiatives

“In-lieu Fee” Program –  The Director signaled potential significant change on wetland and stream mitigation requirements.  Typically the 404/401 permit applicant must find appropriate mitigation projects and include those proposals in their permit application.  With an “in-lieu fee" program, the applicant is relieved of the burden of finding a mitigation project .  Rather, the applicant pays a few based on the acreage of wetlands or feet of stream impacted by the project.  The Director has recently announced a "listening session" to hear from the regulated community and others regarding the proposal.

Permitting efficiencies/Permitting Backlog – Most every Ohio EPA Director faces the pressure to get permits out the door faster.  Director Nally is no different.  Upon taking office, he announced this would be a top priority of his administration.  His testimony suggests he will be re-looking at permit-by-rule and general permits to streamline permit approvals.  While the Agency has utilized these tools in the past, business complain that the terms and requirements are too onerous.  Modifying air permitting requirements can present unforeseen issues, as the business community learned after the Courts stepped in blocking major changes adopted in Senate Bill 265.

IT initiatives and Compliance Assistance –  Ohio EPA has moved toward allowing more reports and permitting to be performed using the web or through special electronic systems.  These systems provide flexibility, but businesses complain they can be difficult to use.  The Director announced training sessions to assist businesses with understanding how to use these systems better. 

Brownfields redevelopment – The Director testimony contained a vague reference to a new initiative with brownfield redevelopment.  The current structure has the Ohio Dept. of Development passing out the grant money and Ohio EPA monitoring the clean up.  It will be interesting to watch whether Ohio EPA announces new initiatives in this area to accelerate re-use of  brownfields.

Marcellus and Utica Shale – ODNR has the lead with regard to permitting for gas exploration.  However, U.S. EPA has indicated it will be closely watching and may exercise enforcement authority at sites where drilling has gone wrong or resulted in polluted groundwater.  The Director intends to support ODNR's efforts in light of U.S. EPA's scrutiny.

Expedited Settlement Program (ESP) -- No details were given regarding this new concept to accelerate resolution of enforcement actions.  Here was the Director's testimony...Given my priority of compliance first, I am initiating modifications to the current enforcement process to help drive quicker compliance.  Historically, the existing enforcement options have been time consuming and resource intensive for both the agency and the regulated entity. By developing new steps to be used early in the enforcement process, I hope to resolve uncomplicated cases
expeditiously, putting a facility on notice of a problem, and quickly achieving compliance. 

Perhaps Ohio EPA intends to make modifications at the Notice of Violation (NOV) stage.  The Agency could improve tracking of NOVs and notify businesses more quickly when issues have been resolved.

The Director's testimony did provide a good insight into his early priorities.  Details were not provided so we will need to watch closely as they are released.

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Bay Village has been debating establishing a riparian setback for the last few years.  The proposal which began with a 75 foot setback has now been scaled down to 25 feet.  Yet the ordinance is still controversial and City Council decided to delay its vote enacting the provision.

The debate before Council was covered in the West Shore Sun:

Council took the items off the March 21 meeting agenda after hearing concerns voiced by Lake Road resident and attorney, Homer Taft... 

Taft told council he felt the proposed legislation was onerous, would impose unfair hardships on some residents, and could be found unconstitutional.

Residents near creeks wanting to make changes on their property could face thousands of dollars in additional engineering expenses, he said. In addition, some residents could find themselves facing restrictions on developing significant portions of their property.

“I believe this ordinance is unfair to property owners and rather draconian,” Taft said.

He also questioned whether the city is really obligated to pass the legislation.

“I know you are being told the EPA requires this,” Taft said. “I challenge anyone to provide written evidence that’s true.”

Riparian setback ordinances are appearing all over Northeast Ohio due to a strong push by the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, local officials with Ohio EPA and the Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District.  I am willing to bet that more areas are covered by riparian setback requirements in Northeast Ohio than anywhere else in Ohio.

From the article is appears there is still confusion as to whether Ohio EPA is mandating local municipalities adopt the ordinances to comply with NPDES permit requirements to control stormwater.  As discussed in a previous post, setbacks are but one option municipalities can utilize to meet their stormwater control requirements.

From an environmental standpoint do setback have value?  There is no debate setbacks have value by providing flood retention, filtering of pollutants and habitat to improve water quality.  While there are benefits, they also restrict owners ability to fully utilize their property. 

Many municipalities passed setback ordinances without really understanding what they were placing on their books.  City Councils then faced outraged citizens who complained about "no build zones" on their properties.  Some Boards of Zoning Appeals were faced with controversial variance requests to appease local citizens.  Given the controversy its a good idea that Bay Village is having a robust debate. 

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The U.S. Chamber commissioned a study of the economic impact of project that have been delayed or canceled as a result of federal and state permitting processes. As described by the U.S. Chamber on its website:

This study estimates the potential loss in economic value of 351 proposed solar, wind, wave, bio-fuel, coal, gas, nuclear and energy transmission projects that have been delayed or canceled due to significant impediments, such as regulatory barriers, including inefficient review processes and the attendant lawsuits and threats of legal action.

The Chamber does acknowledge you can't blame the fact these project did not move forward exclusively on permitting:

As noted above, we do not believe that all of the subject projects will be approved or constructed even in the absence of any legal and regulatory barriers. Also, as with all economic forecasts, we recognize that there is an element of uncertainty. This could be true here because, to our knowledge, this is the first empirical study to quantify the macroeconomic and employment impact of the regulatory barriers imposed on the development and operation of so many energy projects.

The Study is a first real attempt to aggregate data on the impacts regulations on development. Below is a snaptshot of projects at issue in Ohio.

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After the Supreme Court issued its decision in Rapanos, a lack of clarity persists as to how to determine whether a waterway or wetland is federally protected under the Clean Water Act.  This of course pretty critical in deciding which types of permits you may need to impact a stream or wetland.

On December 2nd, the Army Corps of Engineers and EPA released a new guidance document that builds upon earlier guidance.  The guidance provides more insight into what factors will be used to determine federal jurisdiction. 

Rapanos contains two tests for determining federal jurisdiction.  The plurality test and the significant nexus test created by Justice Kennedy.  A key debate since the Supreme Court decision in the lower courts has been whether one or both tests should be used to determine jurisdiction.  The new federal guidance makes clear the EPA/Corps position is that both tests should be applied.

Here is recap of the two tests that emerged from Rapanos:

1. Significant Nexus Test- (Justice Kennedy) Federal Clean Water Act Jurisdiction extends to all waterways that have a "significant nexus" to a navigable water. A "significant nexus" occurs "if the wetlands, either alone or in combination with similarly situated lands in the region, significantly affect the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of other covered waters more readily understood as `navigable
2. Plurality Test- (Just Scalia) The test developed by the plurality has a more narrow focus than the Kennedy test.  Under the test, federal jurisdiction extends to only "relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water"

The new federal guidance creates three groups of waterways and wetlands- those that are categorically federal waterways, those where a fact specific analysis will be performed and those that are not federally protected.  A quick summary of the key factors for each category is set forth below:

 Categorical Federal Waters-  The following waters will be considered federal waters:

• Traditional Navigable Waters- which include waters currently used, or were used in the past, or may be susceptible to use in interstate or foreign commerce
• Wetlands adjacent to traditional navigable waters- (adjacent = 1) unbroken surface or subsurface connection; 2)  only separated by man-made barriers like a dike; or 3) science supports conclusion ecologically connected)
• Non-navigable tributaries of traditional navigable waters that are relatively permanent where they have flow year-round or seasonal flow (typically three months)
• Wetlands adjacent to these permanent non-navigable tributaries

Fact Specific "Significant Nexus" Test-  The Corps will have to engage in a fact specific analysis of the ecological factors in deciding whether to extend federal jurisdiction to non-adjacent or non permanent waterways justifies.  The fact specific analysis will include:

• Examination of the flow characteristics and functions of  the tributary and any adjacent wetlands to determine whether such tributary has a significant effect on the chemical, physical and biological integrity of downstream traditional navigable waters.
• Principal considerations when evaluating significant nexus include the volume,
  duration, and frequency of the flow of water in the tributary and the proximity of the
  tributary to a traditional navigable water
• In examining flow, physical indicators of flow may include the presence and characteristics of a reliable ordinary high water mark (OHWM) with a channel defined by bed and banks. Other physical characteristics include shelving, wracking, water staining, sediment sorting, and scour.
• Extent to which the tributary and adjacent wetlands have the capacity to carry pollutants (e.g., petroleum wastes, toxic wastes, sediment) or flood waters to traditional navigable waters, or to reduce the amount of pollutants or flood waters that would otherwise enter traditional navigable waters
• Evaluate ecological functions such as the capacity to transfer nutrients and organic carbon vital to support downstream foodwebs (e.g., macroinvertebrates present in headwater streams convert carbon in leaf litter making it available to species downstream), habitat services such as providing spawning areas for recreationally or commercially important species in downstream waters

Non-jurisdictional waterways or wetlands-  The Corps will not extend federal Clean Water Act jurisdiction to the following waters and wetlands:

• Swales or erosional features (e .g., gullies, small washes characterized by low volume, infrequent, or short duration flow)
• Ditches (including roadside ditches) excavated wholly in and draining only uplands and that do not carry a relatively permanent flow of water

COMMENTARY:  While the guidance provide additional insight, legislative clarity is needed.  It should not take a 13 page memo that includes vague standards to determine whether a waterway or wetland is within federal jurisdiction.  Such a complex test is prone to inconsistent application.  We need a more straightforward test so its clear to everyone. 

 

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This fall Ohio EPA Division of Surface Water (DSW) has been releasing a series of intertwined rule packages that govern streams and discharges to waterways.  Some business groups have said that the packages represent the most significant overhaul of water regulations in thirty years.

  To date, 3 out of 4 packages have been released:

1. Antidegredation Rule
2. Water Quality Standards
3. Section 401 Water Quality Certification Rule
4. Stream Mitigation Rule (to be released in early 2009)

No doubt the packages are highly technical and cover a myriad of issues.  But what are the implications for businesses in Ohio?

 Boiling down the packages, here are the major changes:

• Creation of a new State Water Quality Permit for impacts to streams
• Complete overhaul of mitigation requirements for stream impacts
• Comprehensive tightening of standards for discharges to water ways (will result in more stringent discharge permits for businesses)
• Standards for drainage ditch maintenance
• Phase out of open lake disposal for dredged sediment from ship channels by the Army Corps of Engineers
• Introduction of a nutrient standard for newly constructed or modified wastewater treatment plants

STATE WATER QUALITY PERMIT

I already discussed the new State Water Quality Permit in a prior post.  I believe Ohio would be the first state in the Country to create a state permit for impacts to streams that are not covered by the Clean Water Act.  The State is reacting to a series of Supreme Court decisions which have reduced federal jurisdiction over waterways and wetlands.

WASTEWATER DISCHARGE STANDARDS

Ohio EPA is proposing to tighten standards for some 135 chemicals.  They are also proposing to revise the human health criteria applied to NPDES discharge permits.  The more stringent standards will be incorporated into NPDES permits after they are renewed (NPDES permits have a 5 year life cycle).  Depending on the business and the nature of their discharge, the tighter standards could result in significant upgrades to wastewater treatment plants. 

The biggest question from business groups regarding the strengthening of water quality standards is....Why  now?   Many of the revised standards were part of U.S. EPA updates from 2000. 

MITIGATION FOR STREAM IMPACTS

For wetland impacts, Ohio mitigation requirements are very straightforward and are set forth in rules.  The ratios for required mitigation and the quality of wetland mitigation is all tied to the class of wetland impacted (Ohio classifies wetlands as either Class I, II or III).

Stream mitigation requirements are not straightforward.  Ohio EPA's stream mitigation requirements have been described by developers as a "black box."   The fact is mitigation is decided on a case by case basis, and lack of consistency is a legitimate concern.  To address this longstanding issue, Ohio EPA is attempting to clearly defined mitigation requirements for streams. 

Each of the four packages contain some aspect that is relevant to stream mitigation requirements.  However, until Ohio EPA releases the main rule package on stream mitigation requirements it will be difficult to see how the pieces fit together.  However, certain aspects of the rules that have been release foreshadow what is coming:

• Primary Headwater Habitat Designation- Ohio EPA creates this new designation and creates three classes based on the quality of the stream.  For lower classes, the focus of the designation is hydrology and not aquatic life.  This sets up mitigation requirements.  If you impact a Class I stream by moving or filling it, you will have to restore the hydrology lost as part of your mitigation.
• "Upland Drainage" and "Water Conveyance" Designations- applies to drainage ditches (or what Ohio EPA refers to as "historically channelized watercourses").  The purpose of these new designations for ditches is to encourage better management practices, such as natural stream design when performing maintenance on ditches.  
• "No Net Loss" Principle Applied to Streams-  A legal issue surrounds the amount of impacts that are allowed under antidegredation principles to streams versus wetlands.  For wetlands, there has been a "no net loss" that actually allows destroying an entire wetland if its value is replaced through mitigation.  There is an open legal question as to whether the same flexibility exists for streams.  Ohio EPA is proposing to settle that issue by bringing the "no let loss" principle to streams.

DRAINAGE DITCHES

A source of major controversy in Ohio has been poorly maintained drainage ditches (see the Ohio Environmental Council web page).  Through mother nature's influence over time, drainage ditches can become valuable headwater streams. The controversy occurs when a farmer or County engineer wants to dredge a ditch for drainage or flood control that has not been maintained for many years.  Will the rules even allow them to perform that work if the stream has become a valuable resources, such as a warmwater habitat stream?

NUTRIENT STANDARDS

For the first time in Ohio, the Agency is proposing to require treatment standards for nutrients.  Nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, are one of the most significant causes of water quality impacts in the State (U.S. EPA Nutrient Website for background).  The Agency is proposing to take a step in the direction of regulating this pollutants by requiring treatment for nutrients as part of Best Available Demonstrated Control Technology (BADCT) that will apply to new wastewater treatment plants or modifications to the biological treatment process of an existing plant.

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On September 12, 2008, Ohio EPA issued proposed rules that would require a new permit, called a "state water quality permit", for all dredge or fill impacts to non-federally regulated streams.  Ohio may be the first state in the country to try and expand state stream permit requirements in reaction to recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions limiting the coverage of the Clean Water Act.  As discussed below, Ohio's effort will be controversial.

 The Supreme Court in Rapanos and SWANCC limited federal jurisdiction of the nation's waterways based upon its interpretation of the Clean Water Act's trigger for jurisdiction- "Navigable Waters".  In a prior post (Narrowing Federal Jurisdiction Over Waterways), I discussed the pressure mounting on States to react to federal court decisions which leave many waterways unprotected.  

Currently, Ohio EPA only requires a permit (401 permit) to fill or dredge a stream if the stream is under federal jurisdiction.   No permit is required if a stream is considered a state waterway but not a federal waterway.

In the past this approach didn't matter much because the Army Corps had a very expansive interpretation of federal waterways.  However, with the federal authority shrinking based upon a flurry of recent federal court decisions, the State felt it could no longer allow more and more streams to go unprotected.  In reaction, they have proposed a new rule that would require a permit for dredge or fill activity on any Ohio waterway, defined as "waters of the state" under Ohio Revised Code 6111.01(H). 

While Ohio EPA's action is understandable, after reviewing the rule, the Agency may be overcompensating.  The definition of a "water of state" is quite expansive under O.R.C. 6111.01(H), it includes:

 "...all streams, lakes, ponds, marshes, watercourses, waterways, wells, springs, irrigation systems, drainage systems, and other bodies or accumulations of water, surface and underground, natural or artificial, regardless of depth of the strata in which underground water is located, that are situated wholly or partly within, or border upon, this state, or are within its jurisdiction, except those private waters that do not combine or effect a junction with natural surface or underground waters."

I can see the lobbyists now, holding up pictures of a small puddle and arguing that Ohio EPA would require a permit for putting a few shovels of dirt in the hole.  Only problem is there is not much in the rule to refute this claim from a purely legal perspective.  The rule does not contain an exemption from permit requirements for small water bodies or deminimis impacts. 

In my experience the Agency is typically not persuasive when it argue "just trust us" to apply the regulation fairly.  As a result, there is no doubt this rule package will be very controversial. 

Other issues with the package include the following:

1. Same Level Review for All Impacts-  While flawed, Ohio's isolated wetland permit requirements appropriately tries to match the level of review required with the amount/severity of impact.  The proposed rule makes no such effort.  All impacts are required to submit the same amount of technical information as part of their application. Also, all projects will be reviewed within 180 days, expedited review requirements for smaller projects is not included in the rule.
2. Drainage Ditches- Who can clean out a ditch and when has been a controversial issue in Ohio for some time.  The proposed rule would put significant limitations on when ditches can be cleaned out for purposes of flood control or drainage.
3. Clean Fill Materials- The rule limits fill to material "free from toxic contaminants in other than trace quantities."  While this limitation often appears in 401 permits, it has always been vague.  The rule adds no clarity to what is considered "trace quantities."  For instance, arsenic is naturally occurring in most Ohio soils.  Couldn't this limit be viewed to prohibit use of even typical Ohio farm soil as fill?
4. All Permit Applicants Will Have to Wait-  The rule requires every applicant provide a copy of a determination letter from the Army Corps of Engineers as to whether the waters to be impacted are within federal jurisdiction.  Shouldn't some waters be just obviously not within federal jurisdiction?  This requirement is problematic because the Army Corps has been very slow to issue jurisdictional determinations. 
5. Ohio EPA Guidance Elevated to Legal Requirements-  The rule requires all applicants evaluate the quality of streams in accordance with a series of technical guidance developed by Ohio EPA.  While these guidance documents have been used for years in permit reviews, it certainly will be controversial to make them mandatory. 

Comments on the rule package are currently due October 27, 2008.  However, business associations  are already requesting Ohio EPA allow for more extensive public involvement in the development of the rules.

 (Photo: flickr, heather0174)

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Municipalities and counties are utilizing riparian and wetland setbacks in their zoning and planning efforts on a more frequent basis.  Setbacks can be an effective tool to control growth, protect valuable natural resources as well as meet federal and state Phase II stormwater requirements. 

While setbacks are beneficial, officials must understand the level of impact on both large scale and small development within their communities before adopting them.  Are they prepared to require alteration of major new commercial or residential developments?  Are they prepared to face angry residents whose plans for a deck or storage shed are influenced by no build zones?  Do they understand the environmental benefits gained by adopting setbacks?

Some local officials that quickly enacted setbacks without fully comprehending the requirements or educating their residents have faced strong push back.  Some communities have responded by frequently issuing variances that dilute the effectiveness of setbacks. Other communities are delaying action on stormwater ordinances until ordered to by the State.

I have worked with local governments on stormwater ordinances, including setbacks.  In my experience, it is critical for local officials to gain a thorough understanding of the ordinances, how they will be applied, as well as the benefits and consequences of setbacks. 

QUICK PRIMER ON RIPARIAN SETBACKS:

Riparian and wetland setbacks are typically adopted through local ordinance.  The most common form prohibits any development, with narrow exceptions, within specified distances from either wetlands or streams. 

In Northeast Ohio, many communities have used the model ordinances developed by NOACA and the Chagrin River Watershed Partners.  The basic approach used in these ordinances is to establish  "no-build" areas equal to specific distances from all streams or wetland.  The distances in the model ordinances range from 300 ft to 25 ft based on the drainage area of the stream or quality of wetland.  A property owner can try and obtain a variance from the setback requirements by demonstrating hardship.

Some local governments have taken this basic approach much further.  They have invested significant resources to map all of the sensitive environmental resources within their communities.  Once mapped, areas are either designated for planned development or are to be avoided and protected.   

An excellent example of this approach is the Chippewa Creek Balanced Growth Plan developed by the Cuyahoga River Community Planning Organization through a Balanced Growth grant awarded by the Lake Erie Commission.

The map on the left show the entire watershed.  Each color designates a different environmental attribute (such as wetlands, streams or steep slopes) that should be protected.  The map on the right is a satellite image with the critical areas highlighted.  Dark green are "no build zones" (PCAs- Priority Conservation Areas) and light green are designated for future development (PDAs- Priority Development Areas).

Creative approaches can be used to compensate landowners whose land lies in area designated for protection. 

• Transfer of Development Rights- compensating a landowner for the development value of the land that is being preserved by allowing higher density development elsewhere in the community.  (A good primer on Transfer of Development Rights)
• Mitigation Banking- establish wetland or restoration areas that can be used to compensate if an impact occurs to a setback area.  This provides flexibility while ensuring the environmental benefits stay within the watershed.

WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE ENACTING SETBACK ORDINANCES

1. Flexibility-  Have you built in a level of flexibility within the ordinance that fits your community's needs?  For instance, will you allow development in a setback if mitigation is provided for the impacts.

2.  Takings-  Do the legal standards for granting a variance provide sufficient protection against taking claims?  Because takings case law is fact specific, requirements within the ordinances must have inherent legal flexibility to avoid providing a basis for a claim.  Application of a setback ordinance that results in a valid takings claims can result in significant compensation to the landowner thus draining local government finances.

3.  Distance of the Setback-  Currently in Ohio there is no minimum setback distance specified in state law.  In addition, there are many different distances utilized.  Some are based upon a formula like the one in the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Rainwater Manual.  Others use standard distances like the approach in the NOACA model ordinance.  The key consideration in choosing a distance is whether it will provide the protection your desire without unnecessarily burdening property owners.

4.  Alternatives to Setbacks-  In Ohio, Phase II stormwater communities must adopt both structural and non-structural "best management practices" as part of their stormwater management plans.  Right now, the State does not mandate adoption of setback ordinances unless the community committed to one in their stormwater management plan.  Would an alternative non-structural BMP requirement, such as mandating use of green infrastructure (green roofs, pervious pavement, rain gardens) be more palatable to residents?

5.  Education-  It is critical that communities use effective public education techniques so citizens understand the value of setbacks.  Good education can be the difference between local governments effective implementation of a setback ordinance or a community that issues frequent variances to avoid confrontation with residents. 

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The USA Today did a story on the huge debate taking place over the limits of federal jurisdiction over waterways.   The debate ensued in the aftermath of two major Supreme Court cases dealing with federal jurisdiction over wetlands. 

Early on the focus after Rapanos and SWANCC was which wetlands would receive federal protection.  Now, after a series of federal district court rulings and proposed federal legislation, the debate has grown to be much larger.  The States may soon find themselves in the middle scrambling to fill some large holes in federal authority.

(Image: Colin Gregory Palmer/everystockphoto.com)

At issue was the term "navigable waters" which appears repeatedly in the Clean Water Act.  Both Rapanos and SWANCC looked at that term as it related federal jurisdiction over wetlands.  The Supreme Court ruled that Congress, by using the term "navigable waters", did not intend to use its full powers under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution.  Rather, Congress limited exercise of its authority to waters and wetlands that had some significant connection to a "navigable in fact waterway." 

Unfortunately the Court could not agree on a clear test for determining which waters are federally protected.  Justice Kennedy's broader "significant nexus" test seems to have emerged as the most relevant test.  Under the "significant nexus" test, any stream, pond, wetland or other waterway that has a "significant nexus" to a navigable water is federally protected.  "Significant nexus" means it has a significant effect on the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the navigable water.

The grey area are intermittent streams and isolated ponds/wetlands.  Litigation has seen a clash between experts arguing over whether there is some significant hydrologic connection to a navigable water. 

Now two major cases have expanded the debate from beyond just wetlands.  Back in 2006, the 5th Circuit in United States v. Chevron Pipe Line Co. 437 F. Supp. 2d 605, 614 (N.D. Tex. June 28, 2006)  drastically limited the federal government's authority to pursue spill and contamination in waterways.  Chevron involved a major oil spill of 126,000 gallons.  The Company successfully argued there was no federal violation resulting from the spill because contamination only reached intermittent streams that had no flow during the time of the spill or during clean up.  The Court put the burden on U.S. EPA to prove contamination actually reached a navigable water.

In March, a Federal Court vacated U.S. EPA's SPCC Rule (API v. Johnson, No. 02-2247, 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 25859 (D.D.C March 31, 2008) because it contained an overly broad definition of navigable water.  The Court ruled there was no way U.S. EPA could defend the regulation in light of the recent Supreme Court rulings limiting federal jurisdiction.  The result of this ruling may be less facilities will need to prepare spill control plans. 

Many are focused on the proposed federal legislation as the viable fix to these gaps in federal authority. The legislation would expand coverage under the Clean Water Act from "navigable waters' to "waters of the United States".   As highlighted in the USA Today article, given the controversy over such a large expansion of federal jurisdiction, I don't see legislation passing anytime soon.  This means the States, who have broader authority will soon be facing the prospect of filling the gaps in federal authority using state permitting or enforcement authority.

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