EPA and state regulators are increasingly relying on broad, sometimes controversial Clean Water Act (CWA) general, rather than site-specific, permits, to address an ever-expanding universe of discharges requiring permits, most often in response to court mandates but also as a way to address pollution on a more comprehensive regional basis. "Honestly, when I look at the challenging issues" of expanded CWA jurisdiction, vessel discharges and stormwater, general permits make the most sense, former Bush EPA water chief Benjamin Grumbles said April 23 at a water law conference. State and current EPA officials echoed his assessment.
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