On September 30, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized revisions to technology-based effluent limitations guidelines and standards, setting the first federal limits on the levels of toxic metals in wastewater discharges from steam electric power plants. There are approximately 1,080 steam electric power plants in the U.S. There are 134 plants that will have to make new investments to meet the requirements of the Steam Electric Effluent Limitation Guidelines. The new requirements do not apply to plants that are oil-fired or smaller than 50 megawatts.

The effective date of the rule will be 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

For more information: http://www2.epa.gov/eg/steam-electric-power-generating-effluent-guidelines-2015-final-rule