The availability of fresh water is a growing challenge worldwide. AFPM members remain committed to protecting our country’s water resources. Refiners and petrochemical manufacturers work to manage water use responsibly, ensure water use is scaled to the communities in which they operate, and advocate for more clarity on the scope of the EPA’s regulatory authority of our national waterways.

Waters of the United States (WOTUS)

WOTUS is defined by the Clean Water Act (CWA), which establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into U.S waterways. WOTUS was created to define federal jurisdiction over U.S. waterways, and in June 2015, the EPA issued a final rule that significantly increased federal jurisdiction over waters historically regulated by states. AFPM believes the EPA’s WOTUS rulemaking far exceeds its authority and lacks clarity and certainty that U.S. business owners need.

Refinery Effluent Limitation Guidelines

These EPA guidelines cover wastewater discharges at more than 140 refineries and directly impact many of our members, who are both direct dischargers and pre-treaters of effluent. Our members maintain robust treatment programs as not to affect regional or local water quality. Current efforts to tighten Refinery Effluent Limitation Guidelines in refinery site permits have caused concern among AFPM members due to the absence of current and realistic data demonstrating a compelling need to adjust these limits. AFPM is cooperating with the EPA to ensure that any future regulation is grounded in sound science.