EPA Extends Comment Period for Proposed New Cooling Water Intake Structure Standards to Reduce Environmental Impact

The EPA has extended the period during which the public can provide comments on proposed regulations concerning cooling water intakes at power plants until August 18 (adding 30 days to the public comment period).

Background:
The EPA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on April 20 that will affect (when finalized) many large cooling water dischargers to rivers in the Mississippi River Basin, including large electric utility plants. The rule sets requirements that reflect the best technology available (BTA) for minimizing adverse environmental impact; requirements that would be implemented through National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. Read more background and comment submission information here.