EPA Announces New ELGs for Power Plants

On April 19, 2013, EPA released the proposed "Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category" (Steam Electric ELG). The proposed Steam Electric ELG would revise the existing technology-based effluent limitations guidelines [40 CFR 423] for most steam electric power plants and their discharges to U.S. waters or POTWs. This proposed ELG could impact electric power generating facilities fueled by fossil fuels or nuclear sources [NAICS Codes 22111, 221112, 221113]. EPA's proposed options include exclusions for smaller generators (i.e., 50-megawatt).

Overview

For new sources, EPA has proposed one option in this proposed rule and for existing sources EPA has developed four different regulatory options. Any new requirements for existing sources would apply "on a date determined by the permitting authority that is as soon as possible when the next permit is issued beginning July 1, 2017." EPA expects the new