Draft Permit for Northeast Fish Hatcheries May Be Expanded (3)

The EPA is looking to regulate fish hatcheries and aquariums in three New England states under a single general permit rather than permits tailored to individual operations, and may expand that approach to other areas.

Environmental advocates said the move could cut the public out of discussion about pollution from fish and shellfish operations.

The Environmental Protection Agency on Monday for the first time proposed a draft general permit to replace the individual Clean Water Act permits for 14 regulated facilities in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont to discharge pollutants into state waters.

The agency said it may extend the ...