One out of every three Americans getting drinking water from a stream, but when is a ditch a stream? The Blade reports that the definition is debated between developers and environmentalists, and in light of Lake Erie’s toxic algae scare, wetlands are at stake.
The “Waters of the United States” rule has been unclear as to how wetlands should be protected. If the rule protects tributaries and land that is dry most of the year according to farmers, farmers will have to obtain permits to perform agricultural duties like planting, harvesting and water quality infrastructure projects.
The proposed wetlands rule would impose more than 50 conservation practices. The rule will be finalized by spring, after review of thousands of comments submitted by Nov. 18, and should provide more clarity.
Via: The Blade > Wetlands controversy: When is a ditch a stream?
