| Chicago
Army Corps of Engineers Raises Clean Water Standards
One
of this region’s most staunchly environmental agencies
is, surprisingly to some, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE). That reputation was tested by recent Bush Administration
actions.
On
January 14, the administration revoked some Clean Water
Act requirements, causing concern among local conservationists.
The action overturns environmental standards that have protected
thousands of acres of wetlands and miles of streams. But
fortunately, the Chicago
District (USACE) was one step ahead.
The
Clean Water Act allows the USACE to issue nationwide permits
for projects that might be found harmful, if examined on
a case-by-case basis. In the past these permits have required
no public notice or comment and had rather flexible standards
of review. But, in March 2000, the Clinton administration
issued new permits that ensured better environmental protection.
The
new January 14 permits, however, waive many of the environmental
conditions adopted in March 2000 that helped protect floodplains
and environmentally sensitive waters generally.
The
good news is, the Clean Water Act regulations also allow
districts to issue regional permits specific to their needs.
According to local sources, the Chicago District USACE will
continue to issue regional permits that supercede nationwide
permits. The Chicago district emphasizes the use of best
management practices and other environmentally sensitive
approaches for all projects requiring a clean water permit.
Thus,
any changes the Bush Administration makes to the Clean Water
Act permit process are unlikely to affect the six county
Chicago area.
—
Alison Carney Brown
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