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The EPA recently announced it intends to update the 2024 effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs) for steam electric power generating units. “ELGs are national industry-specific wastewater regulations based on the performance of demonstrated wastewater treatment technologies (often called ‘technology-based limits’). They are intended to represent the greatest pollutant reductions that are economically achievable for an entire […]
The EPA recently provided notice of a proposed administrative penalty settlement with BP Products North America for violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA) at its facility located in Seattle, Washington. The EPA alleges that the respondent failed to comply with its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction General Permit. Alleged violations include: The […]
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin recently traveled to San Diego, California, to survey the Tijuana River sewage crisis. Mexico has discharged untreated sewage and contaminated stormwater into the Tijuana River for decades. This contaminated water flows into the Pacific Ocean off Southern California, where residents complain of illness because of these discharges. The discharges have closed […]
The EPA recently announced a consent decree with the operators of the Oasis Mobile Home Park in California to resolve violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The consent decree requires the park’s operators to upgrade its drinking water and wastewater systems and pay a $50,000 penalty. “EPA is wholeheartedly committed to ensuring that […]
On March 12, 2025, the EPA made two announcements: Background The Clean Water Act (CWA) requires the EPA to revise industry-wide wastewater treatment limits, called effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs), to keep pace with innovations in pollution control technology. “[ELGs] are national industry-specific wastewater regulations based on the performance of demonstrated wastewater treatment technologies (often called […]
In the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024, the EPA finalized 215 settlement agreements with companies small and large across the United States. This represents a decrease in enforcement actions—down from 482 penalties issued in Q3. The actions taken resulted in $7,739,116 in fines. Here are some of the highlights. CAA violations yield biggest fine from […]
The consequences of last year’s U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) decision in Sackett v. EPA are revealing themselves across the nation, as exemplified on both sides of the Wabash River, which runs between Illinois and Indiana. That decision, which redefined “waters of the United States” (WOTUS), stated, “Wetlands that are separate from traditional navigable waters cannot […]
In April 2023, a coalition of 13 environmental groups filed a lawsuit against the EPA, alleging the Agency has violated the Clean Water Act (CWA) by failing to make mandatory updates to wastewater pollution regulations for seven industry sectors. The suit asks the court to direct the EPA to review its decision to not revise […]
Common household water leaks waste an average of 1 trillion gallons (gal) of water each year, says Beth Livingston, EPA WaterSense lead environmental specialist, according to the Federal News Network. While most people have heard of the EPA Energy Star program, its WaterSense program is not as well known. The program is a voluntary partnership […]
In March 2023, the EPA proposed strengthening wastewater discharge standards that apply to coal-fired power plants. The proposed rule would establish more stringent discharge standards for three wastewaters generated at coal-fired power plants: Flue gas desulfurization wastewater Bottom ash transport water Combustion residual leachate The proposed rule also addresses wastewater produced by coal-fired power plants […]