The National Association of Conservation Districts today asked the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to withdraw the proposed rule defining “Waters of the United States” in comments it filed.

NACD, which represents local conservation districts and officers, often is in the middle between farm groups and environmental groups on issues.

In its comments, NACD expressed concerns and requested additional clarification on the following definitions: tributaries, adjacency, other waters, and significant nexus.

It also said the proposed rule would grant EPA and the Army Corps “broad authority and discretion to regulate wetlands and other water bodies remote from traditionally navigable waters.”

▪ National Association of Conservation Districts — Comments on the Proposed Rule defining ‘Waters of the United States’ under the Clean Water Act