October 16, 2003

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester joins Governor Jennifer M. Granholm in supporting an amendment to the federal Clean Water Act introduced by U.S. Representative John Dingell that adds language to clearly define protected waters under the statute. The Clean Water Authority Restoration Act was introduced by Congressman Dingell in February 2003, in response to proposed changes in federal regulatory standards that could significantly weaken the Clean Water Act. The language added under the proposed legislation will ensure that wetlands and other waters continue to receive the same level of protection that has been provided by the federal Clean Water Act for the past thirty years.

In expressing her support to the bill’s co-sponsor John Dingell, Governor Granholm recognized that even “isolated” wetlands are an integral component of larger aquatic ecosystems, and play a pivotal role in achieving the Clean Water Act goal of restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters. The Governor noted that regulatory guidance recently issued by the EPA could remove federal protection from an estimated 930,856 acres of wetlands in Michigan that are not connected to lakes or streams. This acreage represents about 17 percent of the state’s wetlands, and includes some of the state’s most rare types of wetland habitat. The Governor stated, “The unregulated loss of wetlands and discharge of pollutants into headwaters will ultimately undermine 30 years of progress under the Clean Water Act.” Because Michigan administers its own wetland program in cooperation with the federal government, many but not all, “isolated” wetlands remain protected under state law. However, the loss of national standards for wetland protection has jeopardized the quality of shared resources such as the Great Lakes that are impacted by the actions of numerous states. Moreover, the loss of habitat in other states would adversely impact migratory wildlife that spend only a portion of their life cycle in Michigan.

“The state of Michigan has always played a major role in the management of its natural resources, but comprehensive protection for our waters and wildlife will require maintenance of federal standards, and the cooperative efforts of every state whose actions impact Michigan’s waters and wildlife resources,” said Director Chester.

A change in the definition of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act would impact a number of national environmental programs, including regulation of the discharge of pollutants to lakes and streams, management of nonpoint source pollutants, and development of water quality standards, in addition to wetland protection. The CWARA currently has 88 co-sponsors in the House, including 6 Representatives from Michigan.

Editor’s note: DEQ new releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Revised October 17, 2003 by Pat Watson