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EPA/WATER | RIN: 2040-AF14 | Publication ID: Spring 2011 |
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: 33 USC 1311 33 USC 1314 33 USC 1316 to 1318 33 USC 1342 33 USC 1361 |
Legal Deadline:
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Timetable:
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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://water.epa.gov/scitech/wastetech/guide/steam_index.cfm | |
Sectors Affected: 221112 Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation; 221113 Nuclear Electric Power Generation | |
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 Jezebele Alicea Environmental Protection Agency Water Mail Code 4303T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460 Phone:202 566-1755 Fax:202 566-1053 Email: alicea.jezebele@epamail.epa.gov |