December 16, 2025

By Lane Kimble

A WTBA member hopes the perspective he offered this week will help the federal government streamline construction permitting while still protecting the environment.

Jeff Parisi, the Director of Business Development for the Walbec Group, testified Mondayduring an Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers’ public hearing.

The EPA in November proposed updating its rule defining waters of the United States, or “WOTUS.” Part of the change would exclude roadside ditches from being considered WOTUS, helping avoid a potentially lengthy construction permitting process.

The proposed rule also clearly defines words such as “relatively permanent,” “continuous surface connection,” and “ditch,” eliminating confusion or gray areas.

“For companies like ours, uncertainty increases risk for project schedules, equipment planning, and workforce allocation,” Parisi said.  “Determinations that change mid-project, or differ across district boundaries, can push a construction project back by years, delaying necessary transportation construction improvements.

“State transportation agencies and contractors need the ability to plan multi-year projects with confidence.”

Parisi was one of more than a half-dozen stakeholders to testify during the hours-long hearing, which was held both in-person in Pittsburgh and online.

The public comment period for the rule change runs through Jan. 5, 2026.