This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of the Army (the agencies) announced a final rule amending the 2023 definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS) to conform with the recent Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA. The agencies are committed to following the law and implementing the Clean Water Act to deliver the essential …
Hurricane Idalia Recovery: Well Water Safety After Natural Disaster
After Hurricane Idalia, is your well water safe to use? If your private well or septic system is damaged during the storm, your well water may be contaminated with harmful bacteria. To avoid getting sick, make sure you boil or disinfect your water before using it for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, cleaning wounds or cooking. Boil water for at …
Agricultural Water and Regulatory Updates for Produce Growers
By Camila Rodrigues Food-safety regulations are constantly evolving to ensure food is safe and free from harmful contaminants. One area that has received increased attention in recent years is water used in food production and processing. Water is an essential component for the production of raw agricultural commodities. It is used to irrigate crops, clean equipment and facilities, and wash …
Supreme Court Ruling on WOTUS
By Frank Giles In a ruling on May 25, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled on a case that will limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) jurisdiction in enforcing the Clean Water Act (CWA). The case also influences the agency’s definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS). In the case, Sackett v. EPA, the court ruled in …
North Florida Watermelon Producers Should Implement Multiple Irrigation Events Daily
By Clint Thompson The current prolonged dry period covering most of Florida is impacting North Florida watermelons. While producers prefer drier weather, they need to ensure their crop is receiving adequate moisture. Growers need to be more diligent in making sure fields are saturated with multiple irrigation events per day while the drought persists, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida …
Thompson Joins in Cosponsoring WOTUS Resolution of Disapproval
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, cosponsored a Waters of the United States (WOTUS) resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act. Rep. Sam Graves (MO-06), Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee, and Rep. David Rouzer (NC-07), Chairman of the T&I Water Resources Subcommittee and senior Member of the House …
WOTUS Is Back
By Frank Giles The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced the latest attempt to define the waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. The final rule was announced on Dec. 30. The latest WOTUS definition is the third attempt that started with President Obama in 2015. President Trump replaced that …
New Irrigation Demonstration Site at UGA-Griffin
By Ashley N Biles The new irrigation demonstration site on the University of Georgia (UGA) Griffin campus will be used for training, research and education on the latest irrigation technologies for industry professionals, homeowners and researchers. “We are very proud to have the irrigation demonstration site on the Griffin campus and we appreciate all of the hard work that has …