EPA new rules for wastewater discharges from steam electric power plants [US]

On September 30th, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized updated limits on toxic metals in steam electric power plant wastewater discharge streams. This rule represents the first amendments to the guidelines in 30 years.

The new rule will become effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register and all affected power plants must phase in compliance with the new regulations between 2018 and 2023.

Limit on chemical elements

Electric power plants are the source of about 30 percent of all toxic pollutants found in surface waters since they require large amounts of water to flush toxic waste from their facilities.

The new rule imposes limits on the discharge of the following into waterways:

• mercury
• arsenic
• lead
• selenium

all of which can seriously pollute drinking water, deplete populations of fish as well as cause serious health problems in humans.

Costs and power plants concerned

At the cost of $480 million per year, the agency anticipates that the new rule will reduce toxic pollutant discharge from electric power plants by 1.4 billion pounds and reduce water withdrawal by 57 billion gallons per year.

Of the approximately 1,080 steam electric power plants in the U.S., 134 plants will have to update their facilities to comply with the new rule. Power plants smaller than 50 megawatts or oil-fired will not be subject to the rule.

The updated limits for steam electric power plants will become effective 60 days after their publication in the Federal Register, enabling facilities to phase in compliance between 2018 and 2023.

Red-on-line EHS Legalist

Sources:

Prepublication Notice: Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, September 30, 2015.

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