EPA Enacts Stricter Wastewater Standards for Coal-Fired Power Plants to Eliminate Toxic Metals

WASHINGTON, DC — The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the final revised Steam Electric Power Generating Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG) under the Clean Water Act, establishing mandatory zero-discharge wastewater recycling standards for remaining coal-fired power generation plants nationwide.

Keeping Arsenic, Mercury, and Selenium Out of Public Drinking Waterways

The finalized rule establishes binding discharge limits that require power utilities to install membrane filtration and zero-liquid-discharge (ZLD) thermal crystallizers on flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater and bottom ash transport water streams. EPA water quality analysis estimates the rule will eliminate 660 million pounds of toxic heavy metals, arsenic, mercury, and nutrient pollutants from being dumped into American rivers, lakes, and reservoirs annually, protecting downstream drinking water intakes for 40 million citizens.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan stated that every American has the right to clean drinking water, affirming that strong federal standards ensure corporate polluters treat toxic wastewater before it reaches public rivers.

Clean Water Coalitions and Utility Sector Perspectives

Clean Water Action and riverkeeper organizations celebrated the finalized rule as a monumental victory for freshwater ecosystems and public health.

Electric utility trade associations confirmed that compliant facilities will coordinate with regional grid operators to schedule wastewater treatment equipment retrofits.

Compliance Timelines

Power plants must achieve full operational compliance with the finalized ELG standards by December 31, 2027.