EPA proposes to reduce water pollution from power plants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a set of guidelines in accordance with the Clean Water Act to reduce water pollution stemming from steam electric power plants, the EPA has reported.

The emission of coal ash and air pollution control waste from steam electric power plants results in mercury, arsenic, lead and selenium toxins being absorbed into America’s waterways.

To reduce pollution, the EPA aims to update steam electric power facilities with newer technologies and revise emission standards that have been in place since 1982.

The EPA estimates that the new regulations and facility upgrades could reduce emissions by 470 million to 2.62 billion pounds per year while conserving 50 to 103 billion gallons of water annually.

Image: Steam electric power plant (Credit: EPA)