Wastewater NPDES Permit

FirstEnergy Lake Shore Power Plant

September 10, 2010

Ohio EPA has issued a final modified permit for FirstEnergy’s discharge of mercury at its power plant located at 6800 Marginal Road in Cleveland.

The modified permit will allow FirstEnergy to continue discharging wastewater to Lake Erie that averages 2.9 parts per trillion (ppt) of mercury. At the same time, the company must enhance efforts to minimize the sources of mercury coming to the plant.

FirstEnergy has six months to complete a mercury analysis at the ash pond discharge, thirteen months to evaluate its coal sources and other sources of mercury, and eighteen months to complete a treatment system evaluation/optimization project.

December 9, 2009

Ohio EPA has proposed to modify the NPDES permit for FirstEnergy's Lake Shore Plant to include a mercury variance for the bottom ash pond discharge (Outfall 002). The variance sets limits for mercury at their current levels and requires pollutant minimization to determine if mercury discharge levels can be improved through lowering mercury inputs to the outfall, wastewater reuse, or improving mercury removal at the current treatment plant. Engineering and cost studies show that meeting lower mercury levels through adding treatment can not be done with technologies currently tested and available.

Ohio EPA does not believe that there is any additional risk to public health or wildlife as a result of this variance because limits are set at current levels.

We are not proposing to approve the dissolved metal translator (DMT) for copper with this public notice because FirstEnergy has not submitted certain information required by the Antidegradation Rule. The company's technical analysis of the DMT is sound, and we are still considering the request. If FirstEnergy sends in the required information, and Ohio EPA decides to approve the DMT and revise the copper limit, the Agency will publish additional information and extend the public comment period.

Comments must be submitted by the close of business on January 28, 2010.

Information about this proposed modification: