Ohio EPA has issued a Draft General Permit for Water Quality Certification related to oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) wells and attendant features. The stated purpose of the General Permit is to expedite the review of applications for the construction of E&P wells and attendant features pursuant to Clean Water Act Section 401. Only minimal adverse impacts to waters of the State will be covered by this general permit. Unfortunately, this general permit will not speed decisions for CWA Section 404 permits required from the Army Corps of Engineers. Comments are due to Ohio EPA by January 13, 2012. To see the Public Notice, Draft General Permit and other information related to this, see here.
