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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Bill 25-015 was introduced before the Harford County Council on November 4th 2025 to obtain supplemental funding for the Foster Branch Capital Dredging Project for fiscal year 2026. In addition to the $125,000 in state funding grants, the county has secured $125,000 from the Appropriated Fund Balance (Recordation Tax) during the county council’s latest session. …