Kentucky Waterways Alliance

  Kentucky’s Agriculture Commissioner is applauding a recent proposal to rescind the 2015 federal Clean Water Rule. Earlier this week EPA head Scott Pruitt  proposed changing the definition of “waters of the United States” or WOTUS.

  The director of a Kentucky water advocacy group said the Congressional action to overturn the Stream Protection Rule is “disheartening.” Congress approved a measure this week to dismantle the Obama administration act preventing mining companies from dumping waste in nearby streams.

The Kentucky Division of Water is proposing that the lower Ohio River be removed from a list of waterways with high mercury levels.

The list warns against consuming fish from those waters.

The interstate commission that regulates pollution in the Ohio River is considering a formal change to the way certain pollutants are measured in the river.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s proposed policy change to allow the transport of hydraulic fracturing wastewater on rivers has some environmental groups voicing opposition, citing safety concerns. The Kentucky Waterways Alliance says the wastewater might be too hazardous.

A U.S. District Court has ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to determine whether to set new limitations on pollution that is fueling dangerous algae growth in many waterways across the nation.

The court’s decision comes after a suit was filed against the EPA by several conservation groups, including the Kentucky Waterways Alliance.