Proposed water rules to be reviewed

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Proposed rules meant to better protect Ohio's streams are being tabled after facing opposition from business and homebuilder groups that said the changes would hinder their work.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has decided to withdraw the years-old proposal so it can be reviewed under Republican Gov. John Kasich's initiative to eliminate excessive rules that block job creation.

The Columbus Dispatch reports the regulations included a system to rank thousands of small "headwater" streams based on ecological value.

Conservationists say strip mines, housing subdivisions and road projects sometimes fill in or pollute such streams. Those with higher values would get more protection under the rules.

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce and other business groups sought a review of the proposal to assess how it would affect business.