​Description

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule that sets new technology-based effluent limitations guidelines and standards (ELG) for steam electric power generation plants that use fossil fuel. The rule reflects what the EPA believes to be updated technology-based pollution controls, and establishes more stringent requirements for most existing and new sources of wastewater discharges.  This TechSurveillance article reviews the details of the EPA ruling, methods to comply with the more stringent controls, and interaction of the rule’s requirements with the EPA’s CCR rule.

Value to Electric Cooperatives

The new effluent limits on G&T cooperatives will require major changes in the way co-ops handle and treat waste and wastewater.  Cost estimates by one engineering firm for compliance with the new rule range from $10 million to $100 million per plant.  This article will assist cooperatives in understanding the impact of this new ruling and available methods with which to comply.

Audience

Engineering, Operations, Finance