Water Quality, Like Air Quality, Is Improving
Water is vital for every form of life on the planet, and is also a critical component of electricity production. The electric power industry uses billions of gallons of water every day to operate its electricity generating plants, and has dramatically improved how that water is treated, and released back into the environment. We work with federal, state and local government agencies to reduce adverse impacts and promote the sustainable development of aquatic habitats.
According to a variety of indices, water quality in the U.S. has improved substantially over the last part of the twentieth century. For example, in 1961, 30 percent of water sources were severely polluted while today less than 5 percent fall into that category. The percentage of rivers, lakes, and streams that are safe for fishing and swimming is up 55 percent since 1972. And in the 10 years between 1993 and 2003, states reported that the percentage of the population served by water systems that meet all health-based standards rose from 79 percent to 94 percent.
Electric cooperatives believe that additional clean water requirements can meet environmental goals to enhance water quality through scientifically sound, cost-effective methods, while allowing utilities as much flexibility as possible. We believe common-sense reforms should expedite routine permitting and increase the flexibility of water protection programs.
Preserving Wetlands
NRECA participated in the development of the Wetlands Mitigation Action Plan, designed to preserve and increase the number of wetlands in the United States. NRECA supports flexibility in the use of different types of mitigation, the use of preservation alone and the use of vegetated buffers for stream or wetlands impacts. NRECA supports the National Wetlands Coalition and is working to build Congressional support for balanced legislation that will provide cooperatives with greater certainty over wetlands regulations and permitting activities.
Documents:
NRECA Comments on EPA’s Proposed PGP
NRECA submitted comments on July 19 addressing EPA’s draft permit program for point source discharges from the application of pesticides to waters of the United States, known as the Pesticides General Permit (PGP).
Type: Date: 2010-07-19 Size: 147KB- NRECA Comments on EPA's Proposed CERCLA Rulemaking
On April 6, NRECA submitted comments to EPA regarding the agency’s proposed changes to the CERCLA financial assurance requirements.
Type: Date: 2010-04-23 Size: 71KB - NRECA Comments on EPA's Draft ICR for Effluent Guidelines
On April 8, NRECA submitted formal comments to EPA addressing the agency’s “Questionnaire for Steam Electric Power Generating Effluent Guidelines (ICR).”
Type: Date: 2010-04-23 Size: 128KB - NRECA Comments on EPA's Proposed C&D Effluent Limitations
NRECA comments on the EPA's proposed effluent limitations guidelines and standards for the construction and development point source category.
Type: Date: 2010-03-01 Size: 139KB - NRECA Comments on SPCC Tier II Extension
NRECA comments on EPA’s final amendments to the non-transportation related onshore facilities: Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure ("SPCC") Rule.
Type: Date: 2010-03-01 Size: 126KB - NRECA Comments on UIC
NRECA comments on EPA's proposal to establish the regulatory framework for geologic sequestration (“GS”) of carbon dioxide (“CO2”) under the Underground Injection Control (“UIC”) Program pursuant to the Safe Drinking Water Act ("SDWA").
Type: Date: 2010-03-01 Size: 62KB - NRECA Comments on EPA's NODA for UIC
NRECA comments on the EPA's Notice of Data Availability (NODA) for federal requirements under the underground injection control (UIC) program for carbon dioxide (CO2) geologic sequestration wells.
Type: Date: 2010-03-01 Size: 328KB