Outreach and Engagement

Public Comment Period

Once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, EPA will accept written public comments on the proposed rule for 30 days. You may send comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2025-2929, by any of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov/ (our preferred method). Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
• Email: OW-Docket@epa.gov. Include Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2025-2929 in the subject line of the message.
• Mail: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center, Water Docket, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460.
• Hand Delivery or Courier: EPA Docket Center, WJC West Building, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004. The Docket Center's hours of operations are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday (except Federal Holidays).

All submissions received must include the Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2025-2929 for this rulemaking. Comments received may be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including personal information provided. For detailed instructions on sending comments and additional information on the rulemaking process, see the “Public Participation” heading of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of the Federal Register notice. Additionally, commenters may go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow online instructions for submitting comments to the docket.

Public Meeting

EPA will also host a public meeting consisting of two identical sessions on January 28, 2026. These sessions are open to states, Tribes, Section 401 applicants and the public. Supporting materials and written feedback from those who do not have an opportunity to speak may be submitted to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2025-2929. 

Public Meeting Registration Instructions

All persons interested in attending the public meeting must register using the links in the yellow box. The public meeting sessions will be hosted by EPA using the Zoom platform. Registrants will receive a Zoom confirmation email shortly after the registration form has been received.  If you are unable to locate your registration confirmation email, please check your spam or junk folder. 

Speaking Opportunities

Individuals wishing to provide verbal input during a session will need to indicate so in their registration form. Speaking slots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.  Due to a high number of expected participants, individuals will be asked to limit their oral presentation to three minutes. Individuals expressing interest in speaking during the public meeting session will receive a separate email from EPA staff with additional information and instructions.

Contact Us

Please send an email to cwa401@epa.gov with questions or to arrange for accommodations (e.g., sign language interpreters or translation). Accommodations will be provided if received no later than one week before the public meeting. EPA will use your registration information solely for this event. We will not share your information with third parties.