From: Richard Brister [rabrister@bellsouth.net]

Sent: Friday, May 30, 2008 1:10 PM

To: Sunda, John B.

Subject: RE: Request for Modular Cooling Tower Cost Information In Support of EPA 316(b) 

Rule.

Attachments: Cooling Flow Chart; scan0006.jpg

John, please see attached drawing and cooling cost chart.

Will now try to answer some of you questions.

Let me know you received this e-mail and then we can talk.

Regards,

Richard

From: Sunda, John B. [mailto:JOHN.B.SUNDA@saic.com]

Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 1:11 PM

To: Richard Brister

Subject: RE: Request for Modular Cooling Tower Cost Information In Support of EPA 316(b) 

Rule.

Richard,

Could you please answer the following additional questions regarding modular cooling 

towers. I am also hoping to hear from you soon regarding modular cooling tower costs 

data.

1) How long does it take to install systems of varying sizes? After unit set in place, 

one day per unit i.e.: 10 units/10days

2) How can the towers be configured spatially to ensure minimum air recirculation? See 

drawing.

3) What clearance is required between side-by-side units for airflow? Picture on web 

looks like about 12 ft You are right 12’between units.

4) If multiple rows are used, what clearance is required between the rows for proper 

airflow to minimize air recirculation? 12’x 24’

5) If you were to use the towers to replace intake water in a situation where the intake 

opening is blocked off, how would you control pumping rate to match condenser pump rate 

(i.e., prevent condenser pump wells from running dry or overflowing)? We would install a 

float level monitoring device in intake, add flow as needed.
Thank You

John Sunda

SAIC

Office: 703-318-4607

Fax: 703-709-1042

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Richard Brister [mailto:rabrister@bellsouth.net]

Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 5:59 PM

To: Sunda, John B.

Subject: FW: Request for Modular Cooling Tower Cost Information In Support of EPA 316(b) 

Rule.

John, received e-mail.

Thanks,

Richard

From: Sunda, John B. [mailto:JOHN.B.SUNDA@saic.com]

Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:16 PM

To: rabrister@bellsouth.net

Subject: Request for Modular Cooling Tower Cost Information In Support of EPA 316(b) Rule.

Mr Brister,

Thank you very much for taking the time to talk to me and to offer to provide answers to 

my questions about modular cooling towers and associated technical issues and costs.

As I explained to you in our phone conversation today, I am a senior environmental 

engineer working for the company SAIC. I am working on a contract with EPA Headquarters 

to provide technical support in the development of the 316(b) Rule. I am currently 

assisting them with development of Phase II of the 316(b) rule that regulates cooling 

water intakes at existing power plants with design intakes of 50 mgd or greater. The EPA 

has asked me to investigate the applicability, technical issues, and costs associated 

with including modular cooling tower technology as a intake flow reduction compliance 

technology option to be used in estimating industry compliance costs under various 

regulatory scenarios. As we discussed I am interested in both short-term rentals and 

long-term purchase scenarios. A minimum design flow of 10,000 gpm will be fine and I 

would like to be able to scale the cost data up to systems of 1,000,000 gpm or greater. 
Being modular this should not be difficult but I would also like to be able to account 

for economies of scale. The 316(b) rule applies to steam power plants throughout the 

country so I may want to account for regional differences in shipping costs if they are a 

significant component.

Basically, I am interested in data that will allow me to estimate total technology costs 

to the facility and be able to scale them to different sized systems. Specifically, I 

need info regarding:

One-time costs including:

Shipping

Mobilization/demobilization

Engineering design

Equipment purchase

Installation and site preparation

O&M Costs including

Rental (if rented)

Operating labor & materials (including equipment replacement/rebuild for long term 

scenarios)

Energy requirements at full load (can be in MW rather than $$$)

I don’t necessarily need cost to be broken down but rather the knowledge that everything 

(except permitting) is included or be aware of components I may need to add costs for. I 

realize that costs will vary dependent on site conditions and so costs can be given in 

ranges. But ultimately I will need to pick a number to represent “average” national 

costs. We often pick costs that are somewhat on the conservative (high side) to avoid 

arguments that EPA underestimated compliance costs. Also I will need to know what 

component of the O&M is fixed (regardless of tower operation) and what varies with 

operation (e.g., the energy requirement should be 100% variable).

As I discussed, all information you provide may become part of the public record unless 

you clearly identify information to be company confidential.

I may submit additional questions as I investigate further.

Thank You,

John Sunda

SAIC

11251 Roger Bacon Drive

Reston, Va 20190

Office: 703-318-4607
Fax: 703-709-1042