All Posts from December 11, 2018

EPA Unveils Narrower WOTUS Definition

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers on Dec. 11 unveiled a new Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule that more narrowly defines the types of waterways that fall under Clean Water Act jurisdiction. The new definition would replace a 2015 rule that has seen multiple legal challenges and strong opposition from the Trump administration.

“The fertilizer industry is encouraged by EPA’s and the Department of the Army’s new WOTUS definition, a great first step towards a sustainable national water policy that both protects the environment and facilitates smart economic development,” said Chris Jahn, president and CEO of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI). “We believe the new plan more clearly defines which waters are subject to federal jurisdiction, which waters are subject to state protection, and how the rule will be implemented, clarity that was not found in the 2015 rule.”

The new definition lays out six specific water categories that would remain under Clean Water Act jurisdiction, but excludes any water bodies outside of these categories. Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said the new definition provides a “clearer and easier to understand” definition that will result in “significant cost savings, protect the nation’s navigable waterways, and reduce barriers to important economic and environmental projects.”

EPA said it plans to publish the proposed rule immediately for a 60-day public comment period. For more details on the new WOTUS definition, see the Dec. 14 issue of Green Markets.

Yara Simplifies Operating Model

Yara International ASA, Oslo, announced Dec. 11 that it is simplifying its operating model. The members of Yara executive management remain the same following these changes.

Yara’s activities will be structured within three segments, effective Jan. 1, 2019.

The Sales & Marketing segment will be led by Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing Terje Knutsen. The segment will comprise all of Yara’s existing Crop Nutrition business units, in addition to the following business units which are transferred from the former Industrial segment: Base Chemicals, Industry Reagents, and Animal Nutrition (excluding South Africa).

The Production segment is unchanged, and will continue to be led by Executive Vice President Production Tove Andersen.

The New Business segment will be led by Executive Vice President New Business Yves Bonte. The segment will comprise the following units: Two businesses which will be established to commercialize innovation within decarbonization and circular economy, in collaboration with the other Yara segments; a separate business unit for autonomous logistics operations including the Yara Birkeland autonomous electric ship project; and a portfolio of businesses which will be operated more independently with distinct strategies: Environmental Solutions, Mining Applications, and Animal Nutrition South Africa, and Industrial Nitrates.