WSJ: Utilities Face Stiffer Wastewater Rules

Utilities Face Stiffer Wastewater Rules 

By SIOBHAN HUGHES, Wall Street Journal

WASHINGTON -- The Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday it will start demanding utilities do more to remove heavy metals from wastewater discharged by coal-fired power plants, a decision aimed at preventing pollution of drinking water that also could compel power companies to install costly new treatment systems.

The EPA hasn't changed the rules governing wastewater from coal-fired plants since 1982. On Monday, a group of environmental organizations including the Defenders of Wildlife, the Sierra Club and the Environmental Integrity Project notified the EPA that they intend to take legal action. The groups say the agency's failure to limit the spread of wastewater toxins into rivers, streams and swamps could endanger drinking-water supplies and wildlife. [read rest of article]