The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) is proposing a regulation to revise the technology-based effluent limitations guidelines and standards (ELGs) for the steam electric power generating point source category applicable to flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater, bottom ash (BA) transport water, and combustion residual leachate (CRL) at existing sources. EPA is also soliciting comment on ELGs for legacy wastewater. This proposal is estimated to cost $200 million dollars annually in social costs and reduce pollutant discharges by approximately 584 million pounds per year.

DATES:

Comments: Comments on this proposal must be received on or before May 30, 2023. Comments intended for the associated direct final rule published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register , Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category—Initial Notification Date Extension, must be received on or before April 28, 2023.

Public hearing: EPA will conduct two online public hearings about this proposed rule on April 20, 2023, and April 25, 2023. After a brief presentation by EPA personnel, the Agency will accept oral comments that will be limited to three (3) minutes per commenter. The hearing will be recorded and transcribed, and EPA will consider all the oral comments provided, along with the written public comments submitted via the docket for this rulemaking. To register for the hearing, please visit EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/​eg/​steam-electric-power-generating-effluent-guidelines-2023-proposed-rule.