The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army (Army) are moving to the next steps in proposing a new definition of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS). The EPA and the Army will hold a public hearing on the proposed new WOTUS definition in Kansas City with sessions on Feb. 27 and 28. According to the EPA, those wanting to speak are encouraged to register in advance.
The session on Feb. 27 of the public hearing will convene at 4:00 p.m. (local time) and will conclude no later than 8:00 p.m. The Feb. 28 session will convene at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude no later than 12:00 p.m.
According to the EPA, the hearing will be held in the Wyandotte Ballroom of the Reardon Convention Center, 520 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66101. Those interested in speaking can register for a three-minute speaking slot. The last day to pre-register to speak at the hearing is Feb. 21. Requests to speak will be taken the day of the hearing at the hearing registration desk, pending availability, and a sign language interpreter will be available for the hearing.
The agencies will post a general agenda for the hearing on the EPA website.
The agenda will list pre-registered speakers in approximate order. The registration for the public hearing is available through the EPA website.
A public webcast will also be held to explain key element of the proposed “Revised Definition of Waters of the United States” on Feb. 14 at 3:30 p.m. EST. According to the EPA, a copy of the webcast will be made available afterwards. The webinar registration is limited to 2,000 attendees. Interested parties are encouraged to view with colleagues. Registrations is available here.