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July 14, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseQ 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 “no” to Question A1-6, because the plant has 

Q 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 the plant used coal as a fuel source in 2009; tcontinue to fill out the questionnaire on the o2009. Please complete as much of the questithe time in 2009 that the plant used fossil fueto Part A to elaborate on your current operati

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 for the use of blast furnace gas.

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 blank for the secondary and tertiary codes.

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

www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/.

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 cel

A2-4 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 din Question A2-4 (Table A-2) or Section 2.2. throughout the survey may require the destinto be noted and, where appropriate, the plant discharge to a publicly or privately owned treexample, Question A9-6).

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 qrequired to provide latitude/longitude for all ponds/impoundments, and landfills located aof this information is a high concern for nuclclaim their response as CBI.

A2-10 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 contributhe pond (e.g., for stormwater ponds, enter 10comments to describe the specific situation if 

Part A
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July 14, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseSection 3 Should sedimentation ponds be reported? If the sedimentation ponds contain process w

sedimentation ponds should be reported. Notstormwater is considered to be process waste

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 Acurrent configuration. For the first example, and enter the year initially brought on line as unlined pond was put into service. For the sethe two individual lined ponds and enter the yline as the year the original unlined pond was comment for both ponds to say they were ori

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 "othblowdown" in the "other, specify" field.

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 aerithat shows the property boundary of the planof buildings, ponds/impoundments, landfills, features of the plant. You may submit an aersupplemented with notes as necessary, or a toas the requested information is shown. 

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 othe specific questions in the questionnaire.

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 complebasis. To complete question A8-1 (Table A-1combination of fuels (from multiple boilers) generator with steam.

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 

generated OR blow down from the cooling sycooling water is considered a process wastewplant should supply the generation, duration, once through cooling water.
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July 14, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - Technical 

Question # Question ResponseA8-1 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 turbines and one steam turbine) as one steam three separate steam electric units in Question Then, in Question A8-1 (Table A-11), the platotal fuel usage for the combined cycle unit aturbines and one steam turbine).

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 comcomment on the Comments page.

General If both bottom ash and fly ash are conveyed and stored dry 

in combination, how should Part C be completed?

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

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 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 calciupozzolanic, respondents should select the "O“FGD calcium sulfite – not pozzolanic” as th

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 hother information in the Part H file.

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 revisethe EPA website.

Part IPart GPart C
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July 14, 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 

Two 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. The and signed certification must be returned to the questionnaire instructions.
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July 14, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - General 

Question Response

EPA distributed this questionnaire to all coal-fired power other power plants that are likely subject to the Steam Eleeffluent guidelines (40 CFR Part 423). EPA identified thcertain data reported to DOE’s Energy Information Assoc860 reports. Your facility was selected as a potential respquestionnaire based on the following criteria:· Your reported a North American Industry Classificcode of 22 (Utilities);· You reported that you operate at least one generatigas, oil, petroleum coke, or nuclear fuel as the primary enpetroleum coke as the secondary energy source); and· You reported that you operate at least one generatilisted above that uses steam as a prime mover, which inclgenerating units.If your facility receives a version of the questionnaire (deexpress courier, then you are required to complete the queadministering this questionnaire under the authority of SeWater Act (Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.to respond, late filing, or failure to comply with the instrucriminal fines, civil penalties, and other sanctions, as provDepending on the specific fuel burned and operations at tbe required to complete the entire questionnaire. Follow tthe cover letter and throughout the questionnaire to determapplicable to your facility.You can obtain assistance in completing the questionnaire or email helpline. For assistance with technical questions1696 (or tollfree at 1-877-353-7560), or email steamhelp@If you need assistance with Part I of the questionnaire, plehelpline 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 yoERG at the following address:

Why did I receive a questionnaire?Am I required to complete the questionnaire?Where do I send the completed questionnaire?How can I get assistance to complete responses to the questionnaire?
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July 14, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - General 

Question Response

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 p

and sign the certification statement. The signatory should their authorized representative.

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

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 knowledge, supervision properly completed the questionnaire.

How long do I have to complete the questionnaire? You have 90 days from the time of receipt to complete th

exception of Part G. If you are required to complete Part Gcomplete and report data for that part. The due date is the 120 days) calculated from the date of signed receipt.If you wish to request an extension, you must do so in wrreceipt of this questionnaire. Written requests may be e-mmailed 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 baextension request to EPA does not alter the due date of yoand until EPA agrees to the extension and establishes a ne

Can I get an extension of time to complete the questionnaire?
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July 14, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - General 

Question ResponseHow 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 and performed at the plant. In addition, only certain plants are questionnaire in its entirety. EPA estimated an average burespondent; however, the actual burden can vary significahours to several hundred hours

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

To obtain a paper copy, print the PDF version of the quesClose (do not save) the file. Follow the directions below felectronic forms and entering your Plant ID. Note these dprovided in the Questionnaire Instructions.pdf file, which provided and online. 1. Download the excel file(s) from the CD provided or on2. Launch Microsoft® Excel, then select Tools > Macro Security Level tab, select "Medium." (Note: This security essential macros contained in the electronic form.) 3. As you open each part of the questionnaire, a security regarding macros. Select "Enable Macros" and then "OK.appear, close the file and repeat step 2 above.4. On the first tab only (i.e., the Table of Contents tab) in Plant ID. The Excel program will automatically copy youthe top of every page in the file.

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

and provide best estimates for all questions. Use the comany additional explanations, or if you have trouble enterinspecific 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. If insufficient, write “see comments” and provide the extendcomments question at the end of the section. Use multiple necessary.

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 situabest approach for documenting your answers.

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.
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July 14, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - General 

Question ResponseWhat if I need more copies of a section? Click the copy button located directly under the instructio

Selecting the copy button will generate new worksheets wcontaining the same tables and questions from the specifiworksheets 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 questionn

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

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

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

How will the questionnaire results be used? EPA will use the technical data collected by the steam ele

revise the effluent limitation guidelines and standards (ELpower generating industry. In combination with the techndata collected will aid EPA in developing appropriate tecfor the steam electric industry. 

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

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

are incorporated into NPDES permits.If you wish to protect any information submitted from puassert a claim of business confidentiality covering all or psubmit. This claim should be made at the time of questionRegulations regarding data confidentiality and directions confidentiality are discussed in the questionnaire instructithe “CBI” box if you wish to designate the response to thRegulations governing the confidentiality of business info40 CFR Part 2, Subpart B.

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

contained in 40 CFR Part 2, Subpart B. Please refer to thIntroduction 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 o

EPA. Do NOT return the questionnaire in PDF format. 

What about submitting confidential business information (CBI)?
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July 14, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions - General 

Question ResponseMay 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 suse the following naming convention for files submitted iPlantID_PartX.xls. For example, name the Part A respon"00001_PartA.xls."