Advocacy

Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States” Public Comment Period Open: Please Comment on WOTUS by January 5, 2026

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released updated definitions for what constitutes Waters of the United States (WOTUS) on November 17th, 2025. The comment period on the proposed definition change ends January 5th, 2026. Updated language reduces the scope of federal jurisdiction over Clean Water Act permitting by defining terms like “relatively permanent,” “continuous surface …

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Waters of the United States (WOTUS) 2025 Definition Update

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released updated definitions for what constitutes Waters of the United States (WOTUS) on November 17th, 2025. Updated language reduces the scope of federal jurisdiction over Clean Water Act permitting by defining terms like “relatively permanent,” “continuous surface connection,” and “tributary” to reduce protections for seasonal or intermittent waterways. From …

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Update: Maryland’s 20-SW-A Stormwater Discharge Permit

In 2022, Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER® joined Blue Water Baltimore and others in filing suit against the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), arguing that the state’s General Permit for industrial stormwater discharges failed to adequately protect water quality. As a result of this advocacy, MDE voluntarily withdrew the permit to allow for additional public input. However, after a lengthy …

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Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER® Gets Boots on the Ground in the MPRP Right-of-Way

Wednesday October 15th, Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER® Theaux Le Gardeur and staffers met with third year law students Lauren Wieder, Kathryn Hastings, Nicholas Wolf, and Zachary Shank, at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law Environmental Clinic Law, under the supervision of Professor Jon Mueller, to visit one of the many sites to be …

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Harford County Council and County Executive Both Oppose Relaxed Days Cove Rubble Landfill Permit Proposal

The Harford County Council met on Tuesday November 4th in part to discuss a resolution proposed by Councilwoman Nolanda Robert to oppose the updated permit for Days Cove Rubble Landfill which would double the amount of leachate the landfill could dispose of into the Gunpowder watershed. The resolution was passed unanimously, echoing the sentiment expressed …

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