Abstract |
The proposed Phase II rule applies to existing power producing facilities that meet all of the following conditions: They use a cooling water intake structure or structures, or obtain cooling water by any sort of contract or arrangement with an independent supplier who has a cooling water intake structure; or their cooling intake structure(s) withdraw(s) cooling water from water of the U.S., and at least twenty-five (25) percent of the water withdrawn is used for contact or non-contact cooling purposes; (1) They have an NPDES permit or are required to obtain one; and (2) They have a design intake flow of 50 MGD or greater. The proposed Phase II rule also covers substantial additions or modifications to operations undertaken at such facilities. While all facilities meet these criteria are subject to the regulation, the Economic and Benefit Analysis (EBA) focuses on 539 utility and non-utility steam electric power generating facilities identified in EPA's 2000 Section 316(b) Industry Survey as being potentially covered by this proposed rule. These 539 facilities represent 550 facilities nation-wide. |