Implementation of Section 316(b) Rules for Cooling Water Intake Structures

Section 316(b) of the federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. section 1326) requires that the location, design, construction, and capacity of cooling water intake structures for facilities having NPDES permits reflect the best technology available for minimizing adverse environmental impact. Three separate rulemaking efforts have been undertaken by U.S. EPA in order to implement this section of the Clean Water Act, and are defined as:

• Phase I Rules - for new facilities
• Phase II Rules - for large, existing electric power generation facilities
• Phase III Rules - for new off-shore oil and gas extraction facilities

Implementation of these rules may require considerable data collection, taking place over a period of a year or more. In addition, certain compliance alternatives will necessitate engineering studies, economic analyses, and/or development of a number of operational plans and monitoring plans. Click on one of the three choices above for additional information and resources. Facilities with cooling water intake structures which are not classified specifically under Phase I, Phase II, or Phase III regulations will be evaluated for Section 316(b) compliance using best professional judgment (BPJ).

Map of Electric Generating Facilities in Ohio [PDF 173K]
Although this map is not completely up-to-date, it does show the locations of nearly all Ohio facilities which may be subject to the Section 316(b) rules. As noted on the map, it does not show municipal facilities such as the City of Hamilton and the City of Dover. In addition, new gas-fired generating facilities built recently in the Muskingum River basin and on the Ohio River are not included.

Confidentiality [PDF 12K]
This document contains general guidelines addressing confidentiality of information submitted to Ohio EPA.

Links

Map of endangered/threatened species in Ohio

Information on Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species in Ohio

Contact

If you have questions regarding Section 316(b) rule implementation in Ohio or would like to meet with Ohio EPA, please contact Mike McCullough by telephone at (614) 644-4824 or by e-mail at mike.mccullough@epa.state.oh.us.

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