Results of EPRI Research on Closed-cycle Cooling Retrofits Applicable to the Final §316(b) Regulatory Requirements

In anticipation of the USEPA (EPA) Final §316(b) regulatory requirement, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) initiated a Closed-cycle Cooling Retrofit Research Program to inform the EPA of the implications of designating closed-cycle cooling as best technology available (BTA) for cooling water intake structures for compliance with §316(b) of the Clean Water Act.  EPRI initiated five projects as part of the program that covered: 1. Cost of retrofits, 2. Financial impacts, 3. Electric system impacts, 4. Adverse social and environmental impacts and 5. Benefits.  The presentation will discuss the potential applicability of the research in preparing the information listed under 122.21(r)(10), (11) and (12) of the proposed rule.  Those sections require facilities using more than 125 MGD actual intake flow to provide information to reduce entrainment mortality and specifically require facilities to discuss the social costs, benefits and non-water quality impacts of closed-cycle cooling.  The information, along with other information is intended to be used by the permitting authority to determine whether or not closed-cycle should be BTA.  This presentation will focus on describing portions of the study that may be useful in preparing submittals in a more cost-effective manner.