EPA proposal should reduce water pollution

New regulations have been proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in order to reduce water pollution in areas around power plants that use either nuclear or fossil fuels for energy production. The new regulations would mean that these power plants will have to implement pollution control technology and waste treatment procedures between 2017 and 2022. The EPA has said that less that half of the 500 power-plants currently powered by coal would end up incurring costs as a result of the new regulations.

Bob Perciasepe, acting administrator of the EPA, said: "Reducing the pollution of our waters through effective but flexible controls such as we are proposing today is a win-win for our public health and our economic vitality. We look forward to hearing from all stakeholders on the best way forward."

The new regulations will be issued through the Clean Water Act and will lead to the reduction of several pollutants - such as lead, arsenic, selenium and mercury - that have been linked to cancer, kidney and liver problems and circulatory and neurological damage. These pollutants can enter the water via coal ash and other waste. The proposed regulations were well received by the American Public Health Association.

Once the regulations are in place it could lead to 50 billion to 103 billion gallons of water being saved every year, as well as reducing pollutant discharges by 470 million lbs to 2.62 billion lbs yearly - according to EPA estimates.

Power plants will be given four options for pollution control, that are preferred by the EPA. These options will take into account a variety of factors, such as the size of the power plants and the amount of pollution they emit. It is expected that most power plants will not be heavily affected by the regulations as many of them already have procedures in place and technology that will meet with the proposed standards of pollution control.

The proposal will be going through a 60-day public comment period and is expected to be met with opposition from some members of the industry. Challenges are also expected from the Republicans who have argued against other regulations that affect coal-fuelled power plants, due to the importance of coal ash in terms of road building and construction.