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EPA/WATER RIN: 2040-AF14 Publication ID: Fall 2010 
Title: Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category 
Abstract: EPA establishes national technology-based regulations, called effluent guidelines, to reduce discharges of pollutants from industries to waters of the U.S. and publicly owned treatment works. These requirements are incorporated into National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) discharge permits issued by EPA and states. The steam electric effluent guidelines apply to steam electric power plants using nuclear or fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas. There are about 1,200 nuclear- and fossil-fueled steam electric power plants nationwide; approximately 500 of these power plants are coal-fired. In a study completed in 2009, EPA found that the current regulations, which were last updated in 1982, do not adequately address the pollutants being discharged and have not kept pace with changes that have occurred in the electric power industry over the last three decades. The rulemaking will address discharges from ash ponds and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) air pollution controls, as well as other power plant waste streams. Power plant discharges can have major impacts on water quality, including reduced organism abundance and species diversity, contamination of drinking water sources, and other effects. Pollutants of concern include metals (e.g., mercury, arsenic and selenium), nutrients, and total dissolved solids. 
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Long-Term Actions 
Major: Undetermined  Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined 
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 423 Revision   
Legal Authority: CWA301    CWA304    CWA306    CWA307    CWA308    CWA402    CWA501   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  07/00/2012    
Final Action  01/00/2014    
Additional Information: EPA Docket information: EPA-HQ-OW-2009-0819
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined  Government Levels Affected: Undetermined 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: Undetermined 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Information URL: http://www.epa.gov/guide/steam  
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Ronald Jordan
Environmental Protection Agency
Water
Mail Code 4303T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 566-1003
Fax:202 566-1053
Email: jordan.ronald@epamail.epa.gov