Speak Up on River Fees Before It's Too Late, Folks
Published Date: 10/5/2026
Notice
Summary
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is hosting a public hearing on October 28, 2026, where folks can speak up about water projects, a new Access to Records Policy, and a draft fee schedule. This is the only chance to give oral comments before the Commission decides in December. Written comments are due by November 9, so don’t miss your shot to weigh in on water use and fees that could affect local communities and businesses.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.
Most regulatory fees to rise 3.9%
The draft Regulatory Program Fee Schedule applies the Consumer Price Index adjustment for the Mid-Atlantic Region of 3.9% for the preceding 12 months to most fees. This proposed change would raise the amount project sponsors pay for many SRBC regulatory fees by 3.9%.
Annual fee renamed and broadened (AMCAP)
The draft fee schedule would rename the Annual Monitoring, Compliance and Assistance to Projects (AMCAP) Fee and add pre-application and technical assistance as activities funded under that annual fee. The fee would begin to support the Commission's Public Water Supply Assistance Program and provide technical assistance to small projects and pre-application assistance to all project sponsors.
New fee added for General Permit GP-04
The draft Regulatory Program Fee Schedule adds a fee for the recently enacted General Permit GP-04. Project sponsors seeking coverage under GP-04 would be subject to this new fee.
Late-payment fee enforcement clarified
The proposed fee schedule includes language clarifying the Commission's ability to assess a late fee for materially late payments consistent with 18 CFR 806.33. Project sponsors could be charged a late fee if payments to the Commission are materially late.
Access-to-records policy procedures clarified
The proposed Access to Records Policy updates the Commission's 2009 policy by clarifying procedures concerning confidential information requests by project sponsors and recognizing the Access to Records regulation at 18 CFR 801.14. Project sponsors will have clarified procedures for requesting confidentiality of information.
Commission to consider 11 water-use applications
The Commission is scheduled to consider applications for specific water withdrawals and consumptive uses at its December 10, 2026 meeting. The listed applications include, for example, a surface water withdrawal of up to 3.000 mgd (peak day) by Expand Operating LLC (Susquehanna River), groundwater withdrawals of up to 1.210 mgd (30-day average) from Ephrata Area Joint Authority, and multiple other consumptive use/withdrawal applications ranging from 0.099 mgd to 1.125 mgd (peak day) for the named sponsors.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19494, Actions Taken at the September 16, 2026 Meeting
On September 16, 2026, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission approved several water project applications, adopted the FY2028 budget, and set new policies to protect water resources. These changes affect local water companies and communities in Pennsylvania, with some projects allowing new water withdrawals. The budget and policies aim to keep water use sustainable while supporting regional growth.
2026-14150, Grandfathering Registration Notice
If you run a water-related project in the Susquehanna River Basin, this notice is for you! The Commission has officially listed projects that got 'grandfathered' registrations during June 2026, meaning they’re recognized under old rules before new ones kick in. This keeps things fair and clear—no surprise fees or changes for these projects right now.
2026-14151, Projects Approved for Consumptive Uses of Water
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission gave the green light to several water use projects in June 2026, including new approvals and renewals for companies and schools in Pennsylvania. These projects can use millions of gallons of water daily, helping businesses and communities grow while keeping water use in check. If you’re involved in these areas, now’s the time to note these approvals and plan accordingly!
2026-14152, Minor Modification Approval
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission gave the green light to small changes for projects during June 2026. For example, Chobani, LLC got approval to add a new water source for their Well 4 in New York. These tweaks help projects run smoother without big delays or extra costs.
2026-11968, Projects Approved for Consumptive Uses of Water
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission approved several projects in May 2026 that use water for things like manufacturing and energy drilling. These approvals let companies withdraw millions of gallons of water daily, mostly in Pennsylvania townships. If you’re involved in these industries, keep an eye on these renewals and new permits—they shape water use and could impact local water supplies and operations.
2026-11967, Actions Taken at the June 4, 2026 Meeting
On June 4, 2026, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission gave the green light to several water projects in Pennsylvania, including new and renewed water withdrawals. They also updated their budget and water program, extended an emergency certificate, and secured important grants. These moves affect local communities and businesses by managing water use carefully, with some projects allowing up to 5 million gallons per day, starting immediately.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-20332, Proposal Review Committee Name Changes
The National Science Foundation is changing the names of eight of its proposal review committees to better match their new focus after a recent reorganization. These new names take effect on October 1, 2026, and affect researchers and businesses submitting proposals. No changes to funding or deadlines are mentioned, just clearer committee titles to help everyone know who’s reviewing what.
Next: 2026-20334, Medicare Program; Alternative Payment Model (APM) Incentive Payment Advisory for Clinicians-Request for Current Billing Information for Qualifying APM Participants; Correction
Hey clinicians! CMS fixed a small mistake from August about where to send your updated billing info if you’re expecting an Alternative Payment Model (APM) incentive but haven’t gotten it yet. This correction adds the missing web link so you can easily update your info and get paid. The fix applies retroactively from August 13, 2026, so don’t miss out on your money!