Steam Electric Detailed Study: Summary Paper for the Preliminary 2008 Effluent Guidelines Plan

摘要

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is conducting a review of discharges from the steam electric power generating industry as part of its broader review of effluent limitations guidelines and standards (ELGs) for the 2008 Effluent Guidelines Plan. Section 304(m) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requires EPA to develop and publish a biennial plan that establishes a schedule for the annual review and revision of ELGs required by Section 304(b). The 2007/2008 study is concentrating primarily on characterizing pollutant sources believed to contribute the majority of the toxic-weighted pollutant loadings from steam electric facilities. The study will also evaluate available pollution control technologies/practices for the pollutants present in these wastestreams. Building upon the results of a prior study EPA conducted for the 2005/2006 review of ELGs, the current effort is primarily focused on wastewater discharges from air pollution controls and ash handling operations at coal-fired power plants. Certain other discharges from steam electric power plants will also be reviewed during the study. EPA is collecting data using a variety of means, including facility inspections, wastewater sampling, industry and vendor contacts, and a data request instrument (i.e., questionnaire) sent to selected power plant operators.