Notes from the Field – September 2026
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Keeping Track of Changing Rules for Wetlands and Waters
Federal rules on which wetlands and waters fall under the Clean Water Act have been rewritten with nearly every change in administration over the last ten years, and another proposal is currently on the table. In September 2026, EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published a supplemental proposal on the definition of “Waters of the United States.” Like all of these past proposals, nothing in it is final, and the current rules still apply until a final decision is rendered.
We know that back-and-forth is hard to follow. When these rumors get attention, we often hear from clients and can understand how the headlines make it sound as if the wetland and water rules might go away. If there’s anything we’ve seen over the recent years, jurisdiction and authority changes hand, but the need for environmental authorization stays in place. If the U.S. Army Corps steps back from a ditch, a wetland, or a stream on your site, the State of Virginia and the project locality still have jurisdiction. Navigating these regulations is tricky, but that’s where MAP steps in….and it’s also precisely the service that we take most pride in providing to our clients.
Since 1998, MAP Environmental has advised countless public and private clients across Hampton Roads. That means we are routinely out in the field and building working relationships with the federal, state, and local permit writers. This experience has earned us a trustworthy rapport with the agencies and allows us to ensure efficient processing for our many clients. Feel free to call us if you need help navigating this process and we’ll work with you to determine the best personalized-approach to your project or site!
