Proposed EPA rule would apply to more Pa. streams

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Thousands of miles of streams and wetlands in Pennsylvania and across the nation would have stronger pollution and encroachment protections under a new rule proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports today that environmental groups hailed the proposed rule, while the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture says it has potential implications for agriculture and will be reviewed.

Adam Garber of PennEnvironment says the proposed rule would restore protection for 49,000 miles of Pennsylvania’s smallest streams, plus hundreds of acres of wetlands.

Under the rule proposed by the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers, seasonal and rain-dependent streams and wetlands near them would be covered by the Clean Water Act. They will decide whether to adopt the rule after a 90-day public comment period.