Title
Resolution for Support for a Strong Clean Water Act and Strong Clean Water Rule
Memorandum
This resolution supports a strong Clean Water Act and Clean Water Rule, which the U.S. EPA is currently looking to revise.
Staff
Prepared by: Missy Stults, Sustainability and Innovations Manager
Prepared by: Councilmember Bannister
Reviewed by: Environmental Commision
Reviewed by Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Clean Water Act was enacted in 1972 to safeguard the nation's lakes, rivers, wetlands, and waterways against pollution, and, in particular, "to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters," ensuring fishable and swimmable waters and elimination of pollution discharges everywhere;
Whereas, Because the Clean Water Act's suite of pollution prevention, control, and clean-up regulations and programs apply to "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS), the definition of that phrase in the Act is critical;
Whereas, In 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a new rule clarifying that WOTUS include headwater, ephemeral, and intermittent streams, and wetlands;
Whereas, Over 1,000 peer-reviewed scientific studies support this clarification, in that they confirm that such streams and wetlands affect the quantity and quality of water in larger bodies of downstream water;
Whereas, Further, these streams and wetlands supply drinking water, protect against floods, filter pollutants, and therefore provide extraordinary value for the protection of public health, recreational resources, and economic livelihood;
Whereas, While the WOTUS are better off today than in 1972, most assessed waters still do not meet the Clean Water Act's goals;
Whereas, The nation continues to lose these important wetlands, despite their ecological benefits;
Whereas, The Clean Water Act's purposes cannot be fulfilled unless these streams and wetlands remain in the definition of WOTUS;
Whereas, Strong f...
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