Wyoming State Engineer: New EPA Rule Confusing

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming State Engineer Pat Tyrrell says the federal Environmental Protection Agency's new proposed rule on what waters are under EPA jurisdiction is confusing.

The Casper Star-Tribune reported Monday  Tyrrell is unsure of the distinction between groundwater, which isn't under EPA jurisdiction, and shallow subsurface water, which is.

The proposed rule was issued in March to clarify which waters are barred from development under the Clean Water Act.

Tyrrell says the EPA drafted the rule without states' input.

He also says proposal is long and complicated and worries that disputes would have to be settled case-by-case, creating more work for the State Engineer's Office.

Wyoming Republican Sen. John Barrasso asked the Senate last week to block the rule, saying it would have a significant effect on farmers and ranchers.