EPA Water Transfer Rule

Clients

Regional Office / Program

Case Overview

In our Lake Okeechobee backpumping case, a federal district judge ruled in December 2006 that the South Florida Water Management District must comply with the Clean Water Act by obtaining permits for its discharges of polluted water into the lake.


In response to our court win, the EPA has issued an administrative rule that would grant an exception to the requirement for permits which would allow water transfers between heavily polluted waterways into pristine bodies of water, including drinking water supplies. This rule would not only effect Florida and Lake Okeechobee, but all waters nationwide. Water management districts throughout the nation could spread toxic algae blooms, introduce invasive species, chemicals, and other pollutants by these unregulated water transfers.


Earthjustice is challenging this rule.

Case Updates

January 3, 2012 feature

The Everglades: A National Gem Worth Protecting

Earthjustice has been working to restore the Everglades for decades.

June 27, 2008 Press Release

New Federal Rule Allowing Water Pollution Challenged

Bush administration okays pumping of polluted waters into clean rivers, lakes and streams