EPA adopted DOE's categorical exclusion for methane gas recovery and utilization systems under NEPA. 

EPA seeks comment on draft guidance to clarify and inform future NPDES permitting actions for communities with combined sewer systems. 

United States v. Lowell, Massachusetts, City of, No. 1:24-cv-10290 (D. Mass. Feb. 5, 2024). Under a proposed consent decree, a settling CWA defendant that allegedly engaged in unpermitted and illegal discharges from its wastewater collection system and small municipal separate storm sewer system must take measures necessary to achieve and maintain compliance and pay a $200,000 civil penalty for past noncompliance. 

United States v. Guam Waterworks Authority, No. 04-00004 (D. Guam Jan. 30, 2024). Under a proposed partial consent decree, a settling CWA defendant that discharged excess pollutants from and failed to maintain its wastewater system must implement an estimated $400 million in wastewater collection system improvements and conduct a feasibility study for improvements to the Hagåtña wastewater treatment plant. 

United States v. Holly Energy Partners-Operating, L.P., No. 5:24-cv-00107 (W.D. Okla. Jan. 29, 2024). Under a proposed consent decree, settling CWA defendants that allegedly discharged about 300,000 gallons of crude oil into Skull Creek near Cushing, Oklahoma, must pay $7.4 million in civil penalties and perform corrective measures to remedy the violations. 

The Natural Resources Conservation Service gave notice that it intends to issue a series of revised conservation practice standards in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices. 

United States v. PotlatchDeltic Land & Lumber, LLC, No. 2:24-cv-00043 (D. Idaho Jan. 24, 2024). Under a proposed consent decree, a settling CWA defendant that violated its NPDES permits related to stormwater discharges from its sawmill and lumberyard facility in St. Maries, Idaho, must pay a $225,000 civil penalty and implement injunctive relief and significant mitigation actions.  

United States v. Reading, City of, No. 04-05696 (E.D. Penn. Jan. 24, 2024). A proposed amendment to a consent decree extends the deadlines for completing remaining capital improvement projects for a settling CWA defendant that violated its NPDES permits, the CWA, and the Pennsylvania Clean Streams law by discharging pollutants into the Schuylkill River, failed to enforce the requirements of its pretreatment program for industrial users, and failed to properly operate and maintain its wastewater treatment plant and systems.