Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category: Unmanaged Combustion Residual Leachate

A coalition of environmental organizations, including Earthjustice and the Sierra Club, argues that the EPA should withdraw the Proposed Rule because it weakens wastewater treatment standards for coal plants. They contend that the EPA is unlawfully using broad energy policy goals to justify less stringent pollution limits and that zero-discharge technologies are both available and economically achievable.

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) provides technical comments highlighting the site-specific nature of unmanaged combustion residual leachate (UCRL) and the uncertainties surrounding its characterization, costs, and treatment feasibility. They argue that a lack of data and diverse hydrogeologic conditions make it difficult to establish nationwide effluent limitations and suggest that more research and site-specific evaluations are necessary.

Chief Pomaj-chakmam-yajalaji, representing the ARH TRUST and the Tuscarora Onkwehone Nations People, opposes the proposed rollback of wastewater pollution standards for coal-fired power plants. The commenter argues that weakening these limits threatens public health, environmental justice, and Indigenous stewardship by allowing toxic pollutants like mercury and arsenic to contaminate water systems.

Dorothea Digiovanni, a private resident, urges the EPA to withdraw the proposal. She argues that the action would weaken wastewater pollution standards and put vulnerable communities at risk.

Vonda Van Farowe, a private citizen from Cleveland, Ohio, opposes the proposed rule. She argues that the proposal weakens wastewater pollution standards and requests that the EPA withdraw it to protect public health.

Chad Reiber, a private individual, opposes the proposed rule to weaken wastewater pollution standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category. He argues that the rollback would allow coal plants to release hundreds of millions of pounds of toxic pollutants, such as arsenic and mercury, into U.S. waterways, posing significant health risks.

Christina Stanton, a private resident, opposes the proposed rule to weaken wastewater pollution standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category. She argues that the proposal will allow harmful pollutants into waterways, causing illness and death to people and wildlife, and urges the EPA to withdraw it.

Larry Dembrun, a private citizen, supports the development of effluent limitation standards for unmanaged combustion residual leachate. He argues that regulations should be based on scientific research and practical implementation while prioritizing water quality protection, transparency, and public accountability.

Myste Montesano opposes the proposed rule, arguing that it shifts the costs of cleaning up coal-fire tail waters onto low-income communities. The commenter claims the rule allows oil and gas companies to continue polluting water supplies with carcinogenic substances like arsenic to save money.

Dawn Knutson, a private citizen, opposes the proposed rule because she believes it weakens wastewater pollution standards for coal-fired power plants. She argues that the rule will allow toxic pollutants like arsenic and mercury to enter drinking water, posing significant health risks to nearby communities.