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Nation's Top Water Official Discusses Proposed Rule To Clarify Clean Water Act During Valley Forge Visit

By Tim Jimenez

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The top water official in the country paid a visit to Valley Forge National Historical Park Thursday. She spoke to kayakers, anglers and others about a proposed rule to clarify the Clean Water Act.

Here at the park, dozens were taking part in the 16th annual Schuylkill River Sojourn.

"These are people out doing what we all want to be doing, enjoying the waterways," Acting Assistant Administrator Nancy Stoner of U.S. EPA's Office of Water said.

EPA Acting Assistant Administrator Nancy Stoner
EPA Acting Assistant Administrator Nancy Stoner speaking to participants of annual Schuylkill River Sojourn. (credit: Tim Jimenez)

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A fitting group, according to Stoner, to inform of a proposed rule by the agency and the Army Corp of Engineers to tidy up the clean water act, in her words to "clarify its scope." But it's facing heat from some in Congress from both sides of the aisle who argue it's government once again overreaching.

"Some people are interpreting the proposal to cover things that we don't intend to cover. It's only about protecting waters, stream systems and wetlands that are closely connected to those stream systems. It's not about regulating land or land use. It's not about regulating ground water," Stoner said.

The EPA is taking public comment on the proposal through October.

For more information, visit: http://www2.epa.gov/uswaters

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