The Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps are proposing a new definition of waters for the United States that puts an end to the previous administration's power grab. 

The acting EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler announced a major rollback of federal water protections.

"We ensure that America's water protection that is among the best in the world - will remain strong while giving states and tribes the certainty to manage their waters in a way that best protects our natural resources and local economies," says Wheeler.

Kevin McAllister, founder and president of Defend H2O, says removing federal protection from many of Long Island's waterways could lead to serious problems.

"Long Island's waters are under extreme duress and this will only compound the problems," says McCallister.

On the south shore there are numerous streams that discharge into the Great South Bay. Many of them have dams and wears and, as you move away from the open waters, the protection is lost and they're vulnerable to damages from pollution and other activities.

The proposal is far from becoming a law. There is a 60-day public comment period and lawsuits are also expected.