Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseGeneral What accuracy is required on reported latitude and 

longitude throughout the questionnaire? Is the 15 second accuracy required by my NPDES permit sufficient?

The accuracy required for your NPDES permit questionnaire.

Q A1-6 The coal-fired power plant has recently been retired and 

replaced with new gas turbines and a new combined cycle plant. Should we answer "yes" to this question?

Although the coal-fired generating units have b“no” to Question A1-6, because the plant has n

Q A1-6 The plant will be out of operation by the end of 2010, but 

there may still be activity onsite after the December 31, 2011 deadline. These activities will likely include cleanup, demolition, material loading, landfill closure, etc. Would the plant still qualify under “permanently retired” since the plant will not be producing power by the deadline, even though it can technically be "switched" back on?

A plant is generally considered to be permanenfacility is unable to generate electricity and thetaking steps to establish that capability, or if it electricity and will not generate electricity in thplants are not permanently retired. A claim thapermanently retired should not be made lightlyreminded that in certifying the questionnaire, ththe veracity of the claim that the plant is or wilretired.

Q A1-6 If a plant is permanently retired before the December 31, 

2011 deadline, what parts of the questionnaire must be returned?

If a plant is permanently retired before the Decplant only has to complete A1-1 through A1-6 statement.

Part A
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseQ A1-8 We are currently in the process of making conversions to 

the plant and have no intention to use fossil fuel in the future. However, we used coal in 2009. Should I continue to fill out the questionnaire or should I stop after the completion of this question?

Although the plant has no intention of using fofuture, the plant used coal as a fuel source in 20should continue to fill out the questionnaire on plant in 2009. Please complete as much of the possible for the time in 2009 that the plant used a comment to Part A to elaborate on your curre

A1-8 If the plant uses a little natural gas, but primarily uses 

blast furnace gas, what should they report?

They should select "gas" and add a comment in for the use of blast furnace gas.

A1-8 If the plant is a coal-fired plant, but oil is used for start-up 

and stabilization, should I mark oil in Question A1-8?

Fuels only used for start up or in emergency gebe reported in Question A1-8. If the plant uses other purposes (including stabilization that is nstart-up activities), mark that fuel in Question A

A1-8 If a plant produced power during testing and 

commissioning activities in 2009, but was not commercially operational until 2010, how should they answer question A1-8? 

Because the plant was not in commercial operashould select "None" in question A1-8 and not remainder of the questionnaire.

A1-8 through A1-14

Should the plant include information for just the steam unit or for both the steam unit and the combustion turbine when answering these questions?

The plant should include information for both tthe combustion turbine when answering questio

A1-10 If the facility only has one NAICS code, what do we put 

under secondary and tertiary codes?

If the facility only has one NAICS code, you mblank for the secondary and tertiary codes.

A1-10 How can a facility identify their NAICS code? Information about NAICS codes can be found 

www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/.
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseA1-11 The plant's primary purpose is to provide thermal energy, 

but the electric generation revenue is greater than the revenue provided by thermal energy. How should question A1-11 be answered?

For the purpose of this questionnaire, a plant thhalf of its revenue from the sale of electricity hpurpose of electric generation.

A1-11 The plant's primary purpose is the production of process 

steam to local paper mills, with electrical generation as a byproduct. How should question A1-11 be answered?

For the purpose of this questionnaire, a plant thhalf of its revenue from the sale of electricity hpurpose of electric generation.

A2-1 For Question A2-1 should the plant name (as listed in EIA 

Form 860, Schedule 2, Line 1) be provided or should the EIA Code number (listed in EIA Form 860 above Line 1) be provided?

Provide the EIA Plant Identification Code, not 

Section 2.2 My facility does not record outfall locations in 

geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude), but in GPS UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) coordinates.

If your facility does not have the latitude and lofor the outfalls at your facility, check your NPDNPDES permit only reports the outfall locationcoordinates, please convert the coordinates to lYou may find a UTM/geographic coordinate coInternet search (one example is http://home.hiwaay.net/~taylorc/toolbox/geogrThe information required to convert your coordzone of the outfall location. As a simple check, geographical coordinates into Google maps to location of your outfall(s).

Section 2.2 If the facility did not discharge any flow through its 

outfalls in 2009, what do we enter for flow?

Please enter "0" (zero) in the flow answer cells
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseSection 2.2 How should this section be completed if the facility has 

no NPDES permitted outfalls?

Do not complete Part A, Section 2.2 if there are permitted outfalls and state in the comments seno outfalls. However, if the plant has emergencpermitted, such as an emergency outfall for a suyou must complete Part A, Section 2.2.

Section 2.2 If one of the outfalls at the facility is a storm sewer inlet 

and the plant does not measure the flow rate, how should the plant answer Section 2.2?

The plant should estimate this flow and report imay reference design flow calculations that wethe plant storm sewer piping was designed, or ynumber of days of discharge in 2009 with an esstorm event to estimate the stormwater flow. If keep these records, you can estimate flow by udata from a local rain gauge (available through performing runoff calculations based on the coplant. One method that can be used to calculate Curve Number Method; however, you may chois most appropriate for your plant. Report all esComments section.

Section 2.2 Is the outfall information required in Section 2.2 only for 

the individual NPDES permit for industrial activity discharges, or does it also include the stormwater general NPDES permit?

All general stormwater NPDES permits, such aGeneral Permit for Stormwater Discharges AssIndustrial Sources, should be designated as "Stand you do not need to include outfall informatstromwater permits in Section 2.2.

A2-3 Should a fish impingement study for 316(b) be included 

as an environmental assessment in question A2-3?

Fish impingement studies from 316(b) do not nquestion A2-3.
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseA2-4 If the facility has an industrial discharge permit through a 

Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) does this count as a NPDES permit?

No, this permit is not a NPDES permit and doereporting in Question A2-4 (Table A-2) or Sectquestions throughout the survey may require thwaste stream to be noted and, where appropriatselect "Indirect discharge to a publicly or privaworks" (see, for example, Question A9-6).

A2-4 Is a TPDES permit the same as a NPDES permit? Yes. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimin

(NPDES) program may be administered by an as Texas, and be referred to by a state name, suPollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDEstill a NPDES permit and should be reported as 

A2-4 Are plants required to submit copies of permits in 

addition to including permit ID numbers in Table A-2?

No, plants are not required to submit copies of 

A2-5 If a plant has no flow records for a stormwater discharge, 

can they leave the flow space blank?

No. If you do not have flow records, you shouland specify in the comments page the method ythe value.

A2-5, A3-2, and A4-2

Do nuclear facilities still need to provide latitude/longitude for discharges, pond/impoundments, and landfills? There is concern that this information needs to be kept safe from disclosure.

An exception will not be provided for these querequired to provide latitude/longitude for all diponds/impoundments, and landfills located at tdisclosure of this information is a high concern they should claim their response as CBI.
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseA2-10 For emergency outfalls on stormwater ponds, what should 

be used for the percentages in Table A-3 if there was no actual discharge in 2009?

Base the percentages on the relative contributiothe pond (e.g., for stormwater ponds, enter 100Enter comments to describe the specific situatio

Section 3 Should sedimentation ponds be reported? If the sedimentation ponds contain process was

sedimentation ponds should be reported. Note: stormwater is considered to be process wastew

Section 3 Are Questions A3-1 through A3-3 applicable to cooling 

water that is sent to a pond/impoundment?

For the purpose of this questionnaire, condenseconsidered a process wastewater; therefore, any containing condenser cooling water should be r

A3-1 Does coal pile runoff need to be included in Table A-4? For the purpose of this questionnaire, coal pile 

reported in Table A-4.

A-3-2 In Table A-4, what constitutes a liner? Is spreading dirt 

around and sloping it, could be considered a liner? Or does a liner have to go through a more formal process of compaction where porosity, etc. are measured (e.g., like a landfill)?

Liners go through a compaction process where conductivity is achieved. For the purpose of thithat is spread and graded, but not compacted, is liner. 

A3-2 How should a pond be reported in Table A-4 if it was 

taken out of service, lined, and brought back into service at a later date considering the pond had the same footprint? Additionally, how should a pond be reported if it was taken out of service, split into two impoundments (same total footprint), lined, and brought back into service at a later date?

Identify each pond to be entered into Table A-4 current configuration. For the first example, reand enter the year initially brought on line as thunlined pond was put into service. For the secothe two individual lined ponds and enter the yeline as the year the original unlined pond was pa comment for both ponds to say they were orig
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseA3-2 Does a cooling water pond need to be reported? All ponds containing process wastewater (inclu

cooling water and cooling tower blowdown) neTables A-4 and A-5. However, cooling water pbe reported in any of the tables in Part D.

A3-2 How should a plant report latitude and longitude for a 

pond that has no discharge outlets including no emergency outlets?

The plant should provide the latitude and longiitself (e.g., center point) and state in the commepond has no outlets and the coordinates provideitself.

A3-2 Because the units requested are feet, how specific does 

the reported distance between the pond and the nearest surface water need to be? For example, if the plant only knows this distance is around 10 miles, what should be reported?

The plant should report the distance by multiplmiles by 5,280 feet.

A3-2 Should a thermal mitigation pond only used to cool plant 

process wastewater prior to discharge be included in Part A Section 3?

Yes, all pond/impoundment units should be repin Part A Section 3.

A3-2, A4-2 These questions request the closest distance to the nearest 

surface water. What is your definition for surface water? Besides ponds, reservoirs (including cooling water reservoirs), rivers, where there is water present most of the time, would it also include intermittent streams, waterways, or road ditches where water may only be present during runoff events?

For the purpose of the questionnaire, surface wwaterbodies such as reservoirs, lakes, rivers, anintermittent streams and other waterways. The not considered surface water for the purpose of The distance to surface water should not be basthe road ditch. Note,however, that if water collditch ultimately makes its way to a surface watwastewater is considered to be discharged to su
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseA3-3 For Table A-5, what should I do if there are more process 

wastewaters entering the pond/impoundment than there are dropdown options available?

A plant should use the dropdowns to select the process wastewaters and use the "other" fields process wastewaters stored or disposed of in thpond/impoundment. If necessary, separate mulcommas.

A3-3 For Table A-5 if a pond receives underflow from a 

softening clarifier, how should the plant list the pond?

The plant should select "other" in the process woptions and describe the wastewater in the spac

Section 4 For Section A-4, if the plant disposes of ash in a landfill 

that is not owned or operated by the plant or its parent company, does it need to be included in Table A-6?

For the purpose of this questionnaire, the landfnot need to be included in Table A-6. If the plalocated on non-adjoining properties that are uncontrol of the plant or parent company, that are of storing/disposing of process wastewaters, refrom the plant, they do need to be included on 
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseA4-2 I store bottom ash and coal pile runoff sludge on a lined 

coal pile storage pad. Should I identify this as a landfill in Table A-6?

For the purpose of this questionnaire, the coal pshould not be identified as a landfill in Table AIf a landfill is used by more than one plant, but within the boundaries of one specific plant, repTable A-6 for the plant in which it's located and landfill in Table A-6 for the other plant(s).If a landfill is used by more than one plant, but located within the boundaries of any plant, the select one plant and report the landfill in that sucompleting Table A-7 for this landfill, designatplant(s) that are stored or disposed of in this lanof waste are only sent from one of the plants to designate this in the comments page. For examscenario where only fly ash is sent to the landfionly bottom ash is sent to the landfill from planyou would select fly ash and bottom ash for thicomments section you would explain fly ash coand bottom ash from plant B. In Parts B and C you will have to designate where certain wastethe plant in which you did not report the landfiplease designate that this waste is sent to a landTable A-6.

A4-3 If boiler blowdown is used to moisten fly ash before 

sending it to the landfill, what should be included as waste stored or disposed of in the landfill?

You should check both the "fly ash" and "other"boiler blowdown" in the "other, specify" field

If multiple plants owned by the same company share a landfill, how should this landfill be reported?

A4-2
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseA5-1 What should be the basis for the geographical coordinates 

for the plant?

The plant should report the coordinates that weresponse to Form EIA-860, schedule 2, line 6. not/has not reported coordinates to Form EIA-8can use a structure located within the plant bouadministration building, unit location) as the ba

A5-2 A5-2 requests that an “aerial map” be provided. Not sure 

what an “aerial map” is; would you be referring to a US topographic map? Or are you asking for an “aerial photograph”?

In Question A5-2, EPA is looking for an aerial that shows the property boundary of the plant sof buildings, ponds/impoundments, landfills, anfeatures of the plant. You may submit an aeriasupplemented with notes as necessary, or a toplong as the requested information is shown. 

A5-3 Since the process wastewater definition on page xvi 

includes condenser cooling water, how would we label that process wastewater? And would it be addressed in Part A? In Part D?

The condenser cooling water flow will need to Part A water balance diagram. From the codes condenser cooling water is labeled as "CW". Cblowdown is "CTB." This process wastewater in Part D ONLY if it is an influent or effluent tpond/impoundment system required to be repor

A5-3 EPA requires flow rates to be reported in gpm or gpd. 

Can flows instead be provided in other units, such as mgd?

Flow rates will have to be provided in gpm or gthe specific questions in the questionnaire.

A5-3 What if my plant only tracks total plant flows and does 

not keep track of any internal flows necessary to complete the diagram for Part A?

The plant should provide their best estimates orequired for the diagram. Some flows can be deestimates that involve tank volume and frequenestimation methods used should be explained in section.
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseA5-3 Should city water used for bathrooms and then sent to the 

city sewer and/or city water used for boiler make-up water after it is run through a treatment system be included in the water balance diagram?If river water is used to cool the turbine condenser, what code should be used for the turbine condenser? If water is used to wash down the floors, what code should be used for floor wash water?

Do not include sanitary water, such as that used Include city water used for boiler make-up watneed to include the water treatment system. Yoinclude treatment systems for process wastewaYou do not need a code for the turbine condensuse the steam electric generating unit code assiYou should use the code for floor drain wastewwash water.

A6-1 If a plant operates three 200MW gas turbines, should the 

turbine capacity be listed as 200MW in Table A-8 or the sum (600MW)? 

The plant should include the sum of the gas turcombustion turbine capacity column (in this ca

A6-1 How should IDs for electrical generators be assigned 

when you have multiple boilers that can feed generators in any configuration?

Question A6-1 (Table A-8) should be completebasis. To complete question A8-1 (Table A-11) combination of fuels (from multiple boilers) thgenerator with steam.

A6-1 Does the total electric generation per unit in Part A 

Section 6 refer to net or gross?

Table A-6 is requesting the total gross generati

A6-1 Question A6-1 asks for calendar days of operation for 

each steam electric unit. If a unit only operates for 2 hours on a calendar day, is that to be counted as a calendar day for the purposes of completing Table A-8?

For the purpose of Table A-8 (Question A6-1), for any part of a calendar day (2 hours, 13 houris to be counted as a calendar day. 
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseA6-1 Is there a MW size limitation for steam electric generating 

units such as 25 MW as found in the Clean Air Act?

No, please provide information for all steam elunits regardless of their size.

A6-2 How can I record that the plant does not operate a steam 

electric generating unit that commenced after December 31, 2009 and the plant is not currently planning on installing or planning to construct/install by December 31, 2015?

If the plant does not operate a steam electric gecommenced after December 31, 2009 or the plaplanning on installing or planning to construct/31, 2015, Table A-9 does not need to be complnote to the comments section, if you wish.

A7-1 If a once-through cooling system has no blowdown, can a 

plant enter zero for amount of wastewater generated and duration/frequency?

Question A7-1 requests the typical amount of pgenerated OR blow down from the cooling systcooling water is considered a process wastewatplant should supply the generation, duration, anonce through cooling water.

A7-1 What should a plant enter for the amount of wastewater 

generated for a once-through condenser cooling systems?

In the "Typical Amount of Process WastewaterDuration and Frequency...." columns, you shouinformation for the water that flows through thcooling system.

A7-1 For Question A7-1, Table A-10, should I include any 

chemicals that are added to the boilers in the heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs)? 

In Part A Section 7, EPA is requesting chemicawater systems. This section does not include rechemical addition to the condensers within the However, chemicals added directly to the coolicooling water system which empties into the coother parts of the cooling water system should 
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseA7-1 If a plant has four turbines and four condensers but just 

one cooling water pond. Should this be considered as one or four cooling systems in Part A, Section 7? If it is considered four systems, all four systems would have the same data. 

You may report this as one cooling system (for units are serviced by the same once through coseparate cooling systems (if they are operated iwhichever makes more sense for your plant.

A8-1 If a plant has a combined cycle unit with three generators 

(two gas turbines and one steam turbine), how should they complete Table A-11?

First, the plant should identify the combined cyturbines and one steam turbine) as one steam elthree separate steam electric units in Question AThen, in Question A8-1 (Table A-11), the plant total fuel usage for the combined cycle unit as turbines and one steam turbine).

A8-1 Should I enter an instantaneous or annual number for 

"BTU generated ..."?

Enter the total BTU generated for 2009 (i.e., thinstantaneous rate).

A8-1 What should be provided for the "BTU generated by gas", 

and is there a difference between BTU generated and amount of natural gas?

The BTU generated by burning the gas and the gas burned are two separate requests in the quecontent of the gas and the amount of gas burneto determine the BTU generated. 

A8-1 We consume the BTUs produced when we burn coal, we 

do not generate them. Do you mean the number of BTUs generated when the coal is burned?

For the purposes of this questionnaire, Questionumber of BTUs generated when coal is burne

A9-1 How should the facility report different NOX control 

systems for different boilers serving the same generating unit, particularly if the boilers have the same type of system (e.g., overfire air)?

Complete a row for each generator/boiler combcomment on the Comments page.
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseA9-1 We operate CFB boilers that burn between 1,500 and 

1,550 degrees. Although they are not classified as low NOx boilers, should we mark them as a NOx control system because we do burn at lower temperatures?

No, the CFB boiler should not be marked as a Nbut you may provide a comment about the CFB temperature of the boiler. 

A10-1 If a plant has one type of flue gas mercury control on each 

unit, do I complete Table A-14 for each control on each unit?

The plant should only report the types of flue gsystems at their plant once, and then use the thidistinguish which steam electric units have that 

A13-2 There is a berm around the plant's coal pile yard in which 

coal pile runoff collects. This water typically evaporates within a day and there is no discharge from this berm. How should the plant answer question A13-2?

Enter "0" (zero) for gpy of discharge. Identify pond/impoundment in Table A-4 and indicate icoal pile runoff is transferred to that pond. Thecoal pile run-off is transferred to a pond that doA13-5.

Part BB1-1 Is the ash produced by the addition of limestone to a 

circulating fluidized bed boiler considered an FGD material? No water is involved in any part of the process.

The addition of limestone to the CFB boiler doFGD system for the purpose of this questionnaproduced is not considered an FGD material. If present at the plant, answer QB1-1 as "no" and have to respond to the rest of Part B. Additionadd a comment to Part A, Question 6-1 indicatiunits are CFB boilers and have limestone added

B1-2 If an old scrubber (shut down in 1996) is being retrofitted, 

how should it be entered in Table B-1, as one entry, or two separate scrubbers? 

Table B-1 asks plants to list scrubbers in operaoperated. The system should only be entered oninformation about how they plan to operate it ocomplete. They can add a comment saying it is previous scrubber.
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseB6-2 TKN and Nitrate/Nitrite analytes do not have CAS 

numbers. What should be reported? 

Enter "No CAS" for these analytes.

B6-2 Question B6-2 requires data to be reported before 

treatment. The data requires indicates metals and other parameters. However, selenium (which is not a metal), is not listed. Should selenium data be reported?

Analytical data for selenium should be provideB6-2. The analytical methods used for the deteselenium, such as EPA Method 200.7 or 200.8, for metals and other trace elements in environmoften are commonly referred to as metals analythe purpose of the questionnaire, selenium and measured by these methods are collectively refshould be reported in Question B6-2.

B8-9 In Question B8-9, should wastewater from cleaning a dry 

FGD scrubber include building washdowns or only the FGD system internal parts? 

Questions B8-9 does not need to include buildiwastewater generated from cleaning a dry FGD 

General How should Part C be completed, if bottom ash and fly 

ash are conveyed and stored dry in combination? 

Complete Section 3 (bottom ash) rather than Seadd comments to both sections that the plant habottom ash conveyance and storage system.

General The plant may not have costs and design records prior to 

the last 5-7 years for ash handling systems, or other systems at the plant. 

Cost questions only require information for sysafter January 1, 2000. In the event that exact daprovide your best engineering estimate and notused in the Comments page at the end of the Pa

Part C
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseGeneral If a plant's ash handling system was installed and began 

operating prior to January 1, 2000 and has not been modified after January 1, 2000, do they need to answer questions asking for information about ash handling systems that began operating or were converted after January 1, 2000?

No.

C1-1, C1-3 What is the difference between "ash" referenced in C1-1 

and "fly ash" referenced in C1-3?

"Ash" in question C1-1 refers to any ash that is (i.e., fly, bottom, economizer). EPA included thplants with units that do not produce ash to skip C. Question C1-3 "fly ash" is ash that is carried the gas stream (see the Questionnaire Instructiofly ash).

C1-2 What is meant by "other developed areas" in Table C-1? Table C-1 is intended to capture a distribution o

the plant. The category "Buildings and Other Dintended to capture acreage that is used for buildeveloped for a specific use (other than those uin the table). For example, "other developed areswitch yards and ash silos.
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseC2-1 What is LOI and do I have to report it if I have never 

measured it before?

The loss on ignition (LOI) is defined as a measunburnt fuel remaining in the ash/residue from process. For the combustion of coal, the loss omeasure of the carbon content remaining in the ignition is a property of the ash (typically reporthat is affected by the type of coal burned, type types of NOx controls (specifically, over fire aiNOx burners). Please use the following link for information and to see the methods for measurithe American Society for Testing and Materialhttp://www.astm.org/Standards/D7348.htm. Plenot requiring your company or plant to perform measurements solely for the purpose of respondquestionnaire (with the exception of Part G). In data are not available, provide your best enginenote the methods you used in the Comments paPart.

C2-1 What is the difference between a cold side and hot side 

ESP?

Cold side and hot side refers to the location basIn a cold side ESP, the ESP is after the air heatair going through the ESP is colder. In a hot sidbefore the air heater.
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseC2-3, C2-4, C3-3, and C3-4

Is it correct that even if units identified in Table A-8 have fly ash conveyance systems, the only units that are required to provide data in this section are those units whose fly ash conveyance system began operating after January 1, 2000? 

Any ash handling system(s) that were installed prior to January 1, 2000 and have not been mod2000, do not need to be included in sections 2.3Part C, even if the associated units/destinations the reference tables (e.g., Steam Electric Units Table A-8, or storage destinations identified in note, the January 1, 2000 installation or modifiapplies specifically to the ash handling system(example, if a SEU was installed or last modifie2000, but the ash handling system was installed system must be included in sections 2.3, 2.4, 3.

C2-6 What is a wet vacuum pneumatic system? A wet vacuum system (pneumatic) refers to a s

vacuum that pulls the ash is created from a watsluice water). A completely dry pneumatic systwater to create the vacuum or pressure that is ththe ash.

C2-6 How should this question be answered for a pneumatic 

system which is not wet?

Depending on the configuration of your system"Dry vacuum system," "Pressure system," or "Cvacuum/pressure system" for "Type of Fly Ash 1, then select "No" in Q C2-2 and Q C2-6.

C2-24 In Table C-5, should ESP outages be included in the Fly 

Ash Handling System outages? 

ESP outages should not be included in the Fly outages. Only outages associated with the convshould be included. 
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseC2-25 If the plant does not directly measure the percent moisture 

of the fly ash, what should they report?

Estimate the percent moisture and indicate in ththe method you used to determine the estimatio

Section 2.3 Is my plant required to complete Questions C2-30 through 

C2-36 if we do not have a ‘fly ash handling system that began operating or was converted after January 1, 2000’ BUT have purchased a screw conveyor for one unit in 2010 and intend on installing it this year?

As long as the the fly ash handling system has since January 1, 2000, then the plant does not nC, Section 2.3, because the system has not beguconversion since January 1, 2000. However, ppurpose of the questionnaire, installation of a sconsidered a modification, which should be kepsections, such as 2.4 and 2.5.

Sections 2.3 and 2.4

The instructions for Part C Sections 2.3 and 2.4 (cost information for fly ash conveyance and interim storage) initially state that these sections should be completed for each unit that began operating or was converted after January 1, 2000. But the instructions later state that these sections should be completed for units operated in 2009. If a utility has a unit that began operating BEFORE January 1, 2000, and that unit was in operation in 2009, do Sections 2.3 and 2.4 need to be completed for these units? 

The instructions for Part C Sections 2.3 and 2.4 and 3.4) first state to complete the section for thash. The plant is required to provide this data fosystems, not steam electric units, that began opconverted on or after January 1, 2000. EPA has instructions to provide more clarity: For all units operated in 2009, make copies of Swet and dry fly ash handling system (conveyinoperating on or after January 1, 2000, is being ito be installed by December 31, 2020 using the button below.
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseSections 2.3 through 2.5

What is the definition of modfication or major change? Does this include new valves that were added to system?

While answering the Sections 2.3 through 2.5 imodifications include changes such as an additexpansion of a silo, or changing the motive for(e.g., vacuum system to a vacuum/pressure sysreplacing small pieces of equipment (e.g., pumqualify as modifications to the system. 

C2-42 For Part C, Table C-14, should plants include all fly ash 

costs from 2000 to present?

Answer the question for any equipment installeafter January 1, 2000. For example, if a change motive force to move the fly ash (e.g., convertesystem to a vacuum/pressure sytem) in 2005, thchanges should be included in Table C-14.

Tables C-30 and C-32

Why does Table C-14 (Capital Cost for Intermediate Storage of Fly Ash Handling) and C-16 (Capital Cost for Transport/Disposal of Collected Fly Ash) request costs since January 1, 2000; however, Table C-30 (Capital Cost for Intermediate Storage of Bottom Ash Handling) and Table C-32 (Capital Cost for Transport/Disposal of Collected Bottom Ash) do not request costs for a specific period of time. All of the other tables requesting costs specify since January 1, 2000. 

Although the instructions to Tables C-30 and Cthat the plant should provide costs after January 3.4 and 3.5 instructions specify this date cutoffshould provide cost data in Tables C-30 and C-handling system as originally installed or modi2000.
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseC3-4 A plant has no maximum acceptable limits on their 

system. How should they respond to Question C3-4?

Provide the maximum acceptable limits for chlmaterials of constructions used in your system. should at least be rated for chlorides and possibprevent corrosion. Please note in the comments typically operate the system at a lower level. Amaximum solids percentage based on how the managed. If you truly have no limit as to the soindicate this in the comments.

C3-6 If a facility sends bottom ash sluice to a pond to settle out 

the ash and then transfers water from the pond to a POTW, how should they answer Question C3-6? 

The plant should answer "Yes" to questions C3

C3-33 If a plant has to subsidize the recycling of bottom ash in 

order to encourage its use, sometimes at a loss, should they report the loss in the gross revenue generated column?

No, do not report loss. If you have no revenue, revenue. Please feel free to provide additional dcomments page.

C5-3 Question C5-3 asks for the average amount of dry air 

heater ash produced in tons per day and days per year. Air heater ash is typically blown from the air heater periodically into the fly ash stream. If there is no way of measuring and no good way to estimate how much ash is removed from the air heater during this operation, can this question be skipped? 

In regard to Question C5-3, an estimation is requnable to provide the measured amount. Please page in Part C to explain the calculations and acompleting this question.
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseC4-4 and C5-3

These questions request the amount of economizer and air heater ash produced, respectively. If both the economizer and air heater ash is collected with the fly ash, can I skip these questions?

In regard to Questions C4-4 and C5-3, an estimyou are unable to provide the measured amouncomments page in Part C to explain the calculaassumptions made for completing this question

C5-4 Is there a mismatch of pond IDs available in Table A-4 

versus the dropdown box in Question C5-4?

No. The pond IDs in Table A-4 refer to individID in Question C5-4 refers to the pond system Table D-1.

Part DGeneral If the plant sends the wastewaters to a pond/impoundment 

that is located at and owned by another facility, does the plant have to fill out the information in Part D? 

Throughout the questionnaire, the plant should wastewaters generated at the plant are sent off-privately owned treatment works, as appropriatalso answer "no" to Question D1-1 if no other pare used or planned to be used (or begin construat the plant. The plant should make a comment the situation, reporting the types of wastewaterwhether the plant shares the cost of treatment wcompany operating the pond/impoundment. 

General Does a demineralizer need to be reported in this section of 

the quesitonnaire?

Demineralizers do not need to included in Part 
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseGeneral An on-site stormwater collection pond is used to collect 

stormwater runoff from the on-site coal pile. No liquid process wastes or process wastes containing free liquids are added to the pond. This pond is lined and the stormwater is re-used in the plant as process water. Any coal fines that are in the stormwater settle out by gravity and are collected in the lined basin. The basin is occasionally dredged to remove the accumulated coal fines. At times, the pond level is high and the stormwater must be discharged to the surface water under an existing NPDES permit. Under Part D of the ICR, would this type of pond be considered a “pond/impoundment” as defined?

The pond is considered a “pond/impoundment” questionnaire, because the runoff from the coal process wastewater (i.e., coal pile runoff); thereshould be identified as a pond/impoundment in However, the pond should not be reported in Pis restricted to pond/impoundments that receive combustion of coal.

General Based on the definitions of "wastewater treatment unit" 

and "wastewater treatment system," is it possible for a pond to be classified as a wastewater treatment system?

For the purpose of the questionnaire, a pond/impart of a pond/impoundment system (see Part D definitions), as long as the system only consists ponds/impoundments (i.e., there are not any notreatment units). Additionally, a pond/impoundwastewater treatment unit, but ONLY if it is uswith non-pond wastewater treatment units (e.g.separation, biological treatment). 

General Do sewage treatment operations need to be included in 

the wastewater treatment system sections of the questionnaire?

Sewage treatment operations should only be inwastewater treatment system section (Part D) othey are used for the treatment of process wastehandling or FGD operations. 
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseGeneral For the purpose of Part D, are bottom ash sluice 

dewatering bins considered wastewater treatment units if used to remove bottom ash prior to additional settling in ponds?

For the purpose of Part D, the bottom ash sluicshould not be considered wastewater treatment information for the bins will be collected in Parquestionnaire. 

General FGD blowdown from the absorber is sent to a pond for 

treatment. Prior to the pond, a polymer is added to thicken the blowdown and it is sent through a vacuum filter. Is this considered a wastewater treatment system?

No. Because the vacuum filter is the primary sopolymer addition and vacuum filter are not conwastewater treatment system.

General FGD blowdown from the absorber is sent to a pond for 

treatment. Prior to the pond, a polymer is added to thicken the blowdown and it is sent through a vacuum filter. How do I label the water from the vacuum filter entering the pond?

The FGD water from the primary solids removvacuum filter) is FGD scrubber purge.

General Is a sump considered a primary/secondary equalization 

wastewater treatment unit?

No, a sump should not be considered a primaryequalization unit.

General Do you define water for limestone preparation as "FGD 

slurry preparation water?"

Yes, water used for limestone preparation is "FPreparation Water."
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseGeneral Does Part D apply to ponds/impoundments or wastewater 

treatment systems used to treat boiler blowdown or spent cooling water?

Part D applies to ponds/impoundments or wastsystems used for the storage, treatment, and/or wastewater, residues, or by-products (or sludgecontaining the residues or byproducts) from the petroleum coke, or oil, including but not limiteash, boiler slag, or flue gas emission control rethat Part D is requesting information on ponds/wastewater treatment systems with process wasassociated/related to the combustion of coal/coprocess wastewater, regardless of whether othewastewaters, such as boiler blowdown water antower water are also managed in the pond/impoPonds/impoundments and wastwater treatment contain or treat other process wastewaters, like boiler blowdown water, do NOT need to be repHowever, information regarding ponds/impounwastwater treatment systems that only contain wastewaters, like cooling water or boiler blowd
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseGeneral What is the definition of a "basin" in the definition for 

pond/impoundment in the Questionnaire Instructions?

There is no specific definition required for "basof pond/impoundment indicates that "outdoor cconcrete basins" are not considered ponds/impoHowever, basins (including concrete basins) thprocess wastewater, other than for the purpose holding or transfer station (e.g., sump), should 

General Is evaporation from a pond an effluent? Evaporation from a pond is not an effluent. Ho

evaporation from your pond system on your diato make the flows balance. It does not need to b4.

General Is Part D only for combustion by-product wastewaters? Part D is only for ponds/impoundments and wa

systems for process wastewaters associated witcoal, petroleum coke, or oil. Therefore, only thpond/impoundment systems and advanced wassystems should be reported. However, if procesassociated with the combustion of coal, pet cokthe pond/impoundment or wastewater treatmenor effluents), they must be included in Part D, asystem and necessary for the block diagram. 

D2-6 If the plant has a pond that is primarily used for other 

wastewaters at the facility (e.g., coal pile runoff, rainfall, floor wash water), should it be included in Part D if a small amount of ash may be collected with the floor wash water?

No, the pond does not have to be included in P
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseD3-1 Are rain and run-off into a pond influents? If so, are they 

the same influent?

Direct precipitation (rain) does not need to be iinfluent in Table D-3. However, runoff contribdoes need to be included. If direct rain and run-off are not broken out sepprovide the direct rain and run-off as one total ishould provide comment explaining that the infdirect rain and run-off. Alternatively, you could records to estimate the inches of precipitation rthe surface area of the pond estimate the amounprecipitation entering the pond.

D3-1 Should every stream leaving the pond system be labeled 

as an effluent in the block diagram?

Everything leaving the pond system should be (i.e., EFF-1, EFF-2) in the diagram, unless the already identified as another process wastewatetables on the Code Tables tab, located at the enthe influents and effluents of the system and theffluent. For example, you may recycle the watin your system to use as bottom ash sluice. You an effluent from the system (e.g., EFF-1) and thfor the destination "Reuse as bottom ash sluiceBAS). See the POND-1 example diagram in thanother example.
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseD3-1 When submitting the block diagram(s) for Question D3-1, 

what is meant by the pond/impoundment or wastewater treatment system ID and the block diagram number?

Use the checklist provided below D3-1 to compdiagram. The pond/impoundment system or wasystem ID is the ID from the 1st column in Tabexample, POND-1, POND-2, WWT-1. The blobe numbered in the upper right corner. The 1st should be numbered D-1, second D-2, etc. D-1 diagram numbers.

D3-1 If flows are intermittent (e.g., a wash that happens every 

three years), should the flow rate be reported as a flow rate occuring 3 days every 3 years or should the flow rate be divided by 3 and the flow rate be reported per year?

There is no need to average any values. To prowashing event that occurred every three years, during the event, the number of days of discharand frequency the event occurs (every 3 years)

D3-1 Should all the effluents be labeled in the D3-1 diagrams 

with an Effluent-# designation, even if the numbers increase beyond 6?

Yes, the effluents should be numbered EFF-1 tthen keep numbering (7, 8, 9, etc.) even though provided in the drop down or codes table. 

D3-1 Should all block diagrams requested by the questionnaire 

balance?

Yes, all diagrams should balance. You should imade (i.e., water loss to evaporation) in order tdiagram. Make sure the include these estimatiotab for Part D.

D3-1 Should one stream from one pond, or wastewater 

treatment unit, to another be labeled as an effluent?

A stream leaving one pond and entering anothesystem (or unit to unit in a wastewater treatmenbe labeled as an effluent. Please note that all inshould be identified for the system, not each inYou can see in the POND-1 example diagram ithat the flow from SPD-1 to SPD-2 is not labelinfluent or effluent from the system. 
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseD3-1 In the Part D diagrams, I plan to only list the flow rates 

attributable to the combustion byproduct process. Is that appropriate?

In the Part D diagrams you should list all of the effluents to the pond system, and correspondindoesn't relate to the combustion by product pro

Table D-3 How should I label the numerous influents to our pond 

system?

While identifying influents to your pond systemprocess wastewaters table and the treated wasteCode Tables tab. 

Section D4-1 Does coal pile runoff and once through cooling water 

need be included in section D4.1? 

For the purposes of this questionnaire, ponds thpile runoff and once through cooling water do nincluded in Part D, including Section D4.1. Hobe included in Part A. 

D4-3 For Part D, Table D-5:

1) Current section – which volume should be entered, the remaining capacity for storage or the volume stored?2) Expected End of Life section – for a pond being planned for closure – what should we enter for the final surface area (zero?), Bottom elevation, Top elevation (top of crest or the berm)? 3) We have a run-off pond from a coal combustion byproducts landfill. Does Pond/Impoundment include the entire landfill or just the pond?

1) Current - enter the volume currently stored iand added solids.2) End of life - enter the surface area of the addremaining water at closure. For bottom elevatioelevation at the top of the added solids. For the enter the elevation at the top of the berm.3) The individual pond/impoundment unit (repshould just include the runoff pond. The pond/i(reported in Table D-1) should only include the other associated ponds. It should not include th
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseD4-5 If the plant is currently dredging the pond, should the 

information be reported in Question D4-5?

Yes, enter 2010 for the year dredged and supplaccompanying information to the best of your a

solids dredged, number of days dredged), as wefor dredge operations in the last five years. If ncomments section to document any notes about 

Section 4.2 If a former ash pond has not been closed but has been put 

to another use by the plant, does it need to be included in Part D Section 4.2 - Closed Pond/Impoundment Unit Informaiton?

If a former ash pond has not been closed but hause by the utility, it should not be included in PClosed Pond/Impoundment Unit Information. Hincluded in Part D Section 4.1 Active/Inactive/Pond/Impoundment Unit Information. Even thobeen put to another use by the utility, it is still snot yet been closed. You should provide the infpond and then use the comments section to furtpond was converted from ash to another use, if first, and what is being placed in the pond now

D5-11 If a plant intends to install a scrubber, in which other plant 

process wastewaters (e.g., boiler blowdown) will be used during operation, is using process wastewaters for this purpose, rather than sending it on to wastewater treatment considered a planned improvement to the wastewater treatment system?

No, if you already have a pre-existing wastewathat treats process wastewater such as boiler bluse boiler blowdown or other process wastewarather than sending them to the wastewater treaconsidered a planned improvement to the wastesystem.
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseGeneral In part E, we have a problem in the titles and plant ID 

entry in the upper right-hand corner. We have used the TOC and inputted the plant ID and plant numbers. Once we get to sections 1, 2, and 3, the plant name and plant ID are reversed. The plant name is populated with the plant ID and the plant ID is populated with a reference number because I guess the name is too long. How can I fix this?

Fill in the plant ID and plant name as written o

the plant name is cut off and only displays the rthe cell, we can still access the whole name. 

E2-1 In Table E-1, the amount of chemicals added is requested 

in gallons. If some of the chemicals used are delivered as solids, can I report these chemicals as pounds?

Yes, for this question you can report the amounpounds rather than in gallons. Please put a note page designating that the units are in pounds ra

E2-2 If high pressure steam is used for soot blowing in the 

boiler, using boiler steam during boiler operation and the steam exits out the stack, how should Question E2-2 be completed? Since the steam goes out the stack, no water is created from this process.

Partially fill in the soot blower line on the tableyou soot blow and list steam as the fluid, and fishowing numbers of gallons as “zero” because steam. Please use the comments page to explain we understand that the boiler steam goes out th

NA If I have a landfill that is currently under construction, 

that has not been previously in use (i.e., no materials added to the landfill), do I have to complete Part F?

Planned landfills, including those under construhad any materials added to date, are not requirePart F.

Part FPart E
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseGeneral Does leachate include stormwater runoff of an active 

landfill area? At one of our plants, we do not collect any leachate that may have percolated through our wastes, but do have sedimentation basins for the surface runoff that has contacted waste. Will we need to sample at this location pursuant to Section G? We also have an older landfill that has final cover and vegetative growth, but hasn’t gone through formal closure. Its runoff is also collected in a sedimentation basin, but this runoff would not have contacted the landfilled waste. Will we need to sample this runoff as a “leachate”?

Sedimentation basins that collect only stormwathe uncapped portion of a landfill do not need tpursuant to Part G.Landfills do not have to go through formal closclosed for the purposes of this questionnaire. Hlandfill may still contribute leachate to your sedthe sedimentation basins do not contain leachatto be sampled for Part G.

General If I do not have a leachate collection system, but I do have 

stormwater runoff ponds and groundwater monitoring wells, do I have to answer Part G?

The plant should not respond to Part G for grouwells as they are not a form of leachate collectirunoff ponds should only be included if the ponleachate. Please contact the helpline for further regarding the situation at your facility. 

General If I have a pond configuration including two or more 

ponds, where should I collect leachate?

Instructions to Question G3-1 state that the plasamples from each leachate collection point for 

pond/impoundment and landfill. If a plant detefrom one or more collection points are represenindividual pond/impoundment or landfill, they from only the representative sample point(s) fopond/impoundment or landfill .

Part G
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseSection 4 Can the plant use local rainfall records to report 

precipitation instead of directly measuring it on site?

Local rainfall measurements are acceptable.

G4-1 The question asks for flow rate of the leachate stream, but 

there is no entry field in the table for flow rate or units.

Respondents should provide this information in section for Part G.

G5-1 Shouldn't the "Type and Amount of Waste" column refer 

to "FGD Calcium Sulfite - Not Pozzolanic", rather than “FGD Calcium Sulfate – Not Pozzolanic”?

If a pond/impoundment contains FGD calcium pozzolanic, respondents should select the "Othetype “FGD calcium sulfite – not pozzolanic” as 

G5-1 Is Table G-3 asking for total tons of each type of waste 

stored/disposed or tons disposed in 2009? 

In Table G-3, please indicate the total amount ostored, treated, and/or disposed of in each pondand/or landfill. Please note, we are looking for waste put into the pond or landfill during the yewaste that is stored in 2009, but also removed ithat is stored for one month) should be included 

Part HNA I received Part H on my disk, but I do not have any 

nuclear units. What should I do?

Answer "no" to question H1-1. You do not havother information in the Part H file.

H1-2 What is meant by the term "service water treatment 

systems"?

A service water treatment system would be a syor river water, so that it could be used in the boonsite uses. 

I5-4 The table is requesting annual fuel costs in dollars, but a 

number greater than 8,760 cannot be entered into the cells. 

Respondents should download the new revised from the EPA website.

Part I
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Applicability 

Question ResponseIf a plant has two coal units and two gas units, do they have to complete Version 2 of the questionnaire for all units or can they complete Version 2 for the coal units and Version 4 for the gas units?

Respondents should complete Version 2 of the at the plant. There will be many questions that questions that only apply to certain types of unquestionnaire will clearly indicate which units their response. 

If the plant’s SIC is 4961 (steam and air conditioning supply) and the plant’s primary purpose is to provide steam, does the plant need to complete the questionnaire? The plant does have electric generation capacity.

The first questions in Part A of the questionnaidoes not meet certain requirements they do not remainder of the questionnaire. For example, in 11 asks if the primary purpose of the plant is to would state no, designate the primary purpose not complete the remainder of the questionnairquestionnaire and signed certification must be specified in the questionnaire instructions.

If the operating company needs to get information from other owners of the plant, should the owners send the operating company the completed information or can each owner send the information to EPA directly?

Respondents should NOT submit the questionnOperating companies should obtain the requireowners, use this information to complete the quone complete copy to EPA. 

If a plant is scheduled for retirement, do they need to complete the questionnaire?

In Part A, question A1-6 asks about the retiremplants that will be permanently retired by Deceneed to answer questions beyond A1-6. The coand signed certification must be returned to the questionnaire instructions.

If the plant only received certain files on their disk, are they required to download the remaining files from EPA's web site?

If the facility received Version 2, 3, or 4 of the only required to complete a subset of the questcover letter or the general instructions for more 
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Applicability 

Question ResponseTwo of our facilities utilize the same generating technology and equipment and burn the same fuel; therefore, the plants have identical information. Do we have to complete both questionnaires?

The questionnaire must be completed for both 

If the plant stopped burning coal in the middle of 2009 and is in the process of switching to a different fuel source such as biofuels, do they need to complete the questionnaire?

The plant must complete as much of the questimonths it operated the coal units in 2009.

If the plant's coal unit shut down in May 2010, and the plant is building a new gas unit, should the questionnaire be answered for the coal or the gas unit?

The plant must complete the questionnaire for was in operation in 2009. The plant must also iinformation available for the planned gas unit.

The coal-fired generating station was recently repowered using gas turbines with waste heat powering one of original steam turbines. The plant began operation as a gas facility in April 2009 but did not generate electricity using coal in 2009. There are no remaining coal or ash handling or storage facilities and no leachate is generated for sampling. Can the plant answer "no" to Parts B, C, D, F, G, and H.

The plant should answer “no” to the first questand H if the following statements are true:1.) Part B: Did not operate, construct/install, or flue gas desulfurization (FGD) system;2.) Part C: Did not operate ash handling or stor3.) Part D: Did not operate or plan to use pond/not operate or plan to operate any wastewater t4.) Part F: Did not have one or more active/inaretired/closed pond/impoundment units or land5.) Part G: Did not collect leachate from a pondlandfill; and 6.) Part H: Did not operate one or more nuclear 

Does surface water include on-site ponds/impoundments or are only offsite receiving waters included? On-site ponds/impoundments that are part of a 

system are not generally considered surface waconsidered as such by the permitting authority Clean Water Act. Whether the location is on o
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - General 

Question Response

EPA distributed this questionnaire to all coal-fired poweother power plants that are likely subject to the Steam Eleffluent guidelines (40 CFR Part 423). EPA identified thcertain data reported to DOE’s Energy Information Asso860 reports. Your facility was selected as a potential respquestionnaire based on the following criteria:· Your reported a North American Industry Classifcode of 22 (Utilities);· You reported that you operate at least one generagas, oil, petroleum coke, or nuclear fuel as the primary epetroleum coke as the secondary energy source); and· You reported that you operate at least one generalisted above that uses steam as a prime mover, which incgenerating units.If your facility receives a version of the questionnaire (dexpress courier, then you are required to complete the quadministering this questionnaire under the authority of SWater Act (Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.Sto respond, late filing, or failure to comply with the instrcriminal fines, civil penalties, and other sanctions, as proDepending on the specific fuel burned and operations at be required to complete the entire questionnaire. Follow the cover letter and throughout the questionnaire to deterapplicable to your facility.

Why did I receive a questionnaire?Am I required to complete the questionnaire?
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - General 

Question ResponseDo I have to complete the questionnaire if I am a zero discharge facility?

Zero discharge facilities are still required complete the einformation that zero discharge plants provide will help and understand the steam electric industry. EPA is specidischarge facilities because their impact on the environmthan other steam electric plants. Better understanding howhile not discharging wastewater is very important to EPYou can obtain assistance in completing the questionnaior email helpline. For assistance with technical question1696 (or tollfree at 1-877-353-7560), or email steamhelpIf you need assistance with Part I of the questionnaire, phelpline at 617-520-2336 (or tollfree at 1-877-344-9540)steam_econ@abtassoc.com.Use the return label provided in your package to return yERG at the following address:U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyQuestionnaire for the Steam Electric Power Generating Ec/o Eastern Research Group, Inc.14555 Avion Parkway, Suite 200Chantilly, VA 20151

Who should certify the questionnaire? The individual that directed or supervised questionnaire 

and sign the certification statement. The signatory shoutheir authorized representative.

Does EPA has specific requirements for who certifies the response? No, whoever is given the authority at the operation to ce

acceptable to EPA.

Does the certifier need to be pre-approved by EPA? No.I didn’t complete the questionnaire myself. How can I sign the certification?

Your signature means that to the best of your knowledgesupervision properly completed the questionnaire.

How can I get assistance to complete responses to the questionnaire?Where do I send the completed questionnaire?
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - General 

Question ResponseHow long do I have to complete the questionnaire? You have 90 days from the time of receipt to complete t

exception of Part G. If you are required to complete Part complete and report data for that part. The due date is th120 days) calculated from the date of signed receipt.If you wish to request an extension, you must do so in wreceipt of this questionnaire. Written requests may be e-mailed to:Jezebele AliceaUSEPA HeadquartersAriel Rios Building1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NWMail Code: 4303TWashington, DC 20460alicea.jezebele@epa.gov

202-566-1755Extension requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case bextension request to EPA does not alter the due date of yand until EPA agrees to the extension and establishes a n

How long will it take to complete the questionnaire? Due to the nature of this questionnaire, different plants w

different parts of the questionnaire based on fuel type anperformed at the plant. In addition, only certain plants arquestionnaire in its entirety. EPA estimated an average brespondent; however, the actual burden can vary significhours to several hundred hours.

Can I get a paper copy of the questionnaire? EPA supplied the facility with MS Excel and PDF versio

To obtain a paper copy, print the PDF version of the que

Can I get an extension of time to complete the questionnaire?
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - General 

Question Response

Close (do not save) the file. Follow the directions below electronic forms and entering your Plant ID. Note these provided in the Questionnaire Instructions.pdf file, whicprovided and online. 1. Download the excel file(s) from the CD provided or o2. Launch Microsoft® Excel, then select Tools > Macro Security Level tab, select "Medium." (Note: This securitessential macros contained in the electronic form.) 3. As you open each part of the questionnaire, a security regarding macros. Select "Enable Macros" and then "OKappear, close the file and repeat step 2 above.4. On the first tab only (i.e., the Table of Contents tab) iPlant ID. The Excel program will automatically copy yothe top of every page in the file.

I am not able to click on the yes or no radio buttons or the CBI box in the questionnaire file.

Close and reopen the file following the direction above. download a new copy of the file from the website or maanswers in the comments section. If responses are CBI, ssection and check the CBI box next to the comment.

Do I have to answer all the questions? You must complete all applicable technical and financia

and provide best estimates for all questions. Use the comany additional explanations, or if you have trouble enterspecific answer field. 

What if my response is larger than the space provided (i.e., not enough space in a cell or column)?

Most cells in the survey have a limit of 255 characters. insufficient, write “see comments” and provide the extencomments question at the end of the section. Use multipnecessary.

The excel file will not open, I cannot select answers in the questionnaire, and/or the Plant ID did not pre-populate at the top of every worksheet in the electronic version of the questionnaire.
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - General 

Question ResponseI cannot see the number I entered. It does not fit in the space provided. Can I expand or reformat the cell?

EPA has locked the Excel files so that the format and sizchanged. Please enter numbers without any commas or onumber is too large to fit in the cell, the number should bnotation. If it does not convert to scientific notation, you displayed; however, the full number is still located in the the cell, you will see the cell contents displayed near the between the toolbars and the spreadsheet itself. You are electronic Excel files to EPA, and EPA will retrieve the electronically.

What if I need more rows to report the information for my operation (e.g., pond/impoundments in Table A-4)?

Please contact the technical helpline to discuss your situbest approach for documenting your answers.

What if I need more copies of a section? Click the copy button located directly under the instructi

Selecting the copy button will generate new worksheets containing the same tables and questions from the specifworksheets are accidentally generated from selecting the unneeded worksheets can simply be deleted. 

How many plants have received this questionnaire? A total of 733 steam electric plants received the question

plants can be found on EPA’s web site, at www.epa.gov

Why did EPA send the questionnaire to a subset of plants in the industry?

EPA has identified approximately 1,200 fossil- and nuclpower plants that are potentially within scope of the data the questionnaire. To reduce the overall burden on the inthe questionnaire to all coal-fired (including petroleum cand to a statistically-sampled subset of other power plan
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - General 

Question ResponseHow will the questionnaire results be used? EPA will use the technical data collected by the steam el

revise the effluent limitation guidelines and standards (Epower generating industry. These revisions will focus on treatment, and ash handling practices. In combination wfinancial data collected will aid EPA in developing apprguidelines for the steam electric industry. 

What are effluent limitation guidelines and standards? Effluent limitation guidelines and standards are discharg

dischargers of wastewater. Depending on the industrial limits may cover process wastewater, stormwater and/or 

are incorporated into NPDES permits.If you wish to protect any information submitted from passert a claim of business confidentiality covering all or submit. This claim should be made at the time of questioRegulations regarding data confidentiality and directions confidentiality are discussed in the questionnaire instructhe “CBI” box if you wish to designate the response to thRegulations governing the confidentiality of business inf40 CFR Part 2, Subpart B.

What assurances do I have that CBI will be protected? Regulations governing the handling of confidential busin

contained in 40 CFR Part 2, Subpart B. Please refer to tIntroduction for a summary of these regulations.

In what format should I submit the questionnaire back to EPA? You must return the completed Microsoft Excel version 

EPA. Do NOT return the questionnaire in PDF format. 

Do I have to submit the survey electronically and follow it up with a hardcopy?

You only need to submit an electronic copy, we do not ncertification certification statement can be scanned and ssubmitted as a hardcopy.

What about submitting confidential business information (CBI)?
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - General 

Question ResponseHow should I submit the signed certification page and the required maps with our responses?

Please either save a pdf version of the signed certificatioto the CD/DVD with the responses or return a hardcopy page and maps. EPA prefers to receive these document possible.

May I submit the files to EPA for more than one plant on one CD or DVD?

Yes, you may submit the files for multiple plants on the use the following naming convention for files submitted PlantID_PartX.xls. For example, name the Part A respo"00001_PartA.xls."

What if the CD containing the questionnaire files was broken when it arrived or my plant misplaced the CD?

All the questionnaire files can be downloaded from the Ehttp://www.epa.gov/guide/steam/.

Can the questionnaire be saved to the CD/DVD already provided or should it be saved to a new CD/DVD?

It would be best to save the files to a clean CD/DVD. If the CD/DVD already provided, be sure to rename the fil

I accidently answered a question that I did not mean to answer. Is there any way to clear the answer?

Answers cannot be cleared. Make sure the final responsselection. If the selection did not need to be made, pleasquestion.

If a plant is in the process of changing its name, such that the plant name on the submission date is not the same as on the issue date, what name should be provided on the submitted questionnaire? 

The plant should report the plant name at the time of subin the comments section.
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - General 

Question ResponseSome questions refer to “as reported in US DOE/EIA Form 860 Schedule 3, line 1.” Where can I locate this form? 

The Form EIA-860 is a generator level data file that inclabout generators at electric power plants owned and opeand nonutilities (including independent power producerspower producers, and other industrials).All existing plants and proposed (5-year plans) plants thgenerator nameplate capacity (sum for generators at a singreater; and 2) where the generator(s), or the facility in wresides, is connected to the local or regional electric powto draw power from the grid or deliver power to the grid and submit the Form EIA-860 to EIA on an annual basisThe instructions for the form can be found at the followihttp://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/forms/eia860.p

Is it sufficient to provide the plant's name and ID on just the first page, instead of every page, of a document requested in the questionnaire?

If the plant submits the document electronically as one finclude the plant name and ID on the first page of the repsubmits the document in hard copy, the plant must incluon every page. 

The questionnaire instructions state "Do not leave any questions blank." Does this include questions you are instructing to skip?

No, if you are instructed to skip a question, set of questiocan leave the question(s) blank. All questions that you arincluding skips, must be answered. 
Version 3

August 27, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - General 

Question ResponseIf a plant does not have the requested data/figures/diagrams, can the plant state so on the ICR or does the plant have to collect/create the data/figures for the ICR?

If a plant does not have certain data or figures requested responsibility to provide a best engineering estimate or istates in the questionnaire instructions, "EPA is not requplant to perform non-routine tests or measurements solelresponding to the questionnaire, with the exception of coto complete Part G. In the event that exact data are not aengineering estimates and note the methods that were us

the Comments page located at the end of each part of the 

Table A-4 provides space to add up to 14 active/inactive/open and/or 4 retired/closed and/or 5 planned pond/impoundment units but our plant has more. How do we account for the additional pond/impoundment units?

We will need to amend both Parts A and D of your questhe additional ponds. If you have already started filling owill need you to send your partially completed electronic Part D so that we can modify these files for you. If you hthe questionnaire, we can send a modified version of eacanswering questions. Let us know how many additional 4 for each group (active/inactive/open, retired/closed, an