RCRC members are encouraged to submit comments on regulatory matters to state and federal regulatory bodies, and to provide a copy to RCRC’s Government Affairs staff. Click “Read More” to access information related to the current status of regulations impacting California’s rural counties.
Proposed General Waste Discharge Requirements for Composting Operations and Draft Environmental Impact Report. Proposes a General Order to streamline permitting and protect water quality to address impacts from compost operations. Agency: State Water Resources Control Board Status: A revised draft was released on May 29, 2015 with a public workshop scheduled in Sacramento on June 16, 2015. A public hearing for adoption is scheduled in Sacramento on July 7, 2015. The proposed order and related documents can be accessed here. RCRC Comments: Staff is seeking input from member counties. RCRC Advocate: Mary Pitto mpitto@rcrcnet.org
Definition of “Waters of the United States” Under the Clean Water Act. Changes the definition of “Waters of the United States” in the Clean Water Act and expands federal jurisdiction over waterways. Agency: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Status: Final rule has been issued, prepublication version accessible here. RCRC Comments: Click here RCRC Advocate: Staci Heaton sheaton@rcrcnet.org
Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Marijuana Cultivation and Associated Activities. Creates a water quality regulatory structure to address impacts from marijuana cultivation activities. Agency: North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board Status: Draft published for a 45-day comment period, comments due June 8, 2015. Public hearing scheduled in Eureka on May 7, 2015. The proposed order and related documents can be accessed here. RCRC Comments: Click here RCRC Advocate: Staci Heaton sheaton@rcrcnet.org
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revisions to the Regulations for Petitions. Changes the regulations concerning petitions to list species to require petitioners to solicit information from relevant state wildlife agencies prior to submitting a petition. Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Status: Draft released for public comment, comments due July 20, 2015. The Federal Register notice, including instructions on filing comments, can be accessed here. RCRC Comments: Staff is seeking input from member counties. RCRC Advocate: Staci Heaton sheaton@rcrcnet.org