COUNTY COMMISSION: Skiles applauds Koster’s EPA opposition

The proposed new Waters of the US definition incorporates watersheds that are not wet year round and include standing waters such as private lakes and ponds, Skiles said. Skiles also voiced concern that additional regulations may harm local land owners and agricultural producers whose waters now fall under the expansive definition.

Upon announcing his lawsuit June 29, Koster said “the EPA and the Army Corps (of Engineers) have exceeded their legal authority in defining what constitutes U.S. waterways." Koster further added "If this change becomes law, thousands of acres of privately owned land in Missouri will suddenly be subject to federal water regulation."

In an April press release, EPA said the new definition is necessary and would be “more precisely defined, more predictable, easier for businesses and industry to understand, and consistent with the law and the latest science.”

The new definition, and regulation over the additional areas, is currently set to take effect August 28, according to the EPA.

Other news

• First District Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported Thursday his district had received between two and a half to four inches of rain the past week. However, road crews reported no serious damage or downed limbs from the early summer storms. Road crews would be out of duty in observance of the Fourth of July the rest of the week, but were on call in case of emergency.

• Second District Commissioner Gary Larson reported Thursday that road crews were dealing with a downed tree on a bridge on county road 2240. Otherwise, the second district road crew also would be out of duty in observance of the Fourth of July the rest of the week, but were on call in case of emergency.

• Clerk Angie Curley reported Thursday she balanced with treasurer Denita Williams on all accounts for June. She also balanced with Collector Dennis Medlock and Assessor Tina Whitaker for all collections, abatements and add-ons for June. The county’s bills were also ready to be approved Thursday, according to Curley.

• The commission entered into closed session 9:30 a.m. Thursday to speak with architectural representatives whose firms submitted qualification for the proposed new justice center and jail.

• A commission meeting was not held Monday due to a lack of quorum. Skiles was previously scheduled to be on vacation and Purcell was unable to attend due to a death in the family.