Version 1July 14, 2010Frequently Asked Questions - TechnicalP. 1 of 9Question # Question ResponseQ A1-6 The coal-fired power plant has recently been retired andreplaced with new gas turbines and a new combined cycleplant. Should we answer "yes" to this question?Although the coal-fired generating units have been retired, answer“no” to Question A1-6, because the plant has not been retired.Q A1-8 We are currently in the process of making conversions tothe plant and have no intention to use fossil fuel in thefuture. However, we used coal in 2009. Should Icontinue to fill out the questionnaire or should I stop afterthe completion of this question?Although the plant has no intention of using fossil fuels in the future,the plant used coal as a fuel source in 2009; therefore, you shouldcontinue to fill out the questionnaire on the operations of the plant in2009. Please complete as much of the questionnaire as possible forthe time in 2009 that the plant used fossil fuels, and add a commentto Part A to elaborate on your current operations.A1-8 If the plant uses a little natural gas, but primarily uses blastfurnace gas, what should they report?They should select "gas" and add a comment in the comments pagefor the use of blast furnace gas.A1-10 If the facility only has one NAICS code, what do we putunder secondary and tertiary codes?If the facility only has one NAICS code, you may leave the answerblank for the secondary and tertiary codes.A1-10 How can a facility identify their NAICS code? Information about NAICS codes can be found atwww.census.gov/eos/www/naics/.Section 2.2 If the facility did not discharge any flow through itsoutfalls in 2009, what do we enter for flow?Please enter "0" (zero) in the flow answer cells.A2-4 If the facility has an industrial discharge permit through aPublicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) does thiscount as a NPDES permit?No, this permit is not a NPDES permit and does not require reportingin Question A2-4 (Table A-2) or Section 2.2. However, questionsthroughout the survey may require the destination of a waste streamto be noted and, where appropriate, the plant should select "Indirectdischarge to a publicly or privately owned treatment works" (see, forexample, Question A9-6).A2-5, A3-2,and A4-2Do nuclear facilities still need to providelatitude/longitude for discharges, pond/impoundments,and landfills? There is concern that this information needsto be kept safe from disclosure.An exception will not be provided for these questions. All plants arerequired to provide latitude/longitude for all discharges,ponds/impoundments, and landfills located at the plant. If disclosureof this information is a high concern for nuclear plants, they shouldclaim their response as CBI.A2-10 For emergency outfalls on stormwater ponds, what shouldbe used for the percentages in Table A-3 if there was noactual discharge in 2009?Base the percentages on the relative contributions of wastewaters inthe pond (e.g., for stormwater ponds, enter 100% stormwater). Entercomments to describe the specific situation if necessary.Part AVersion 1July 14, 2010Frequently Asked Questions - TechnicalP. 2 of 9Question # Question ResponseSection 3 Should sedimentation ponds be reported? If the sedimentation ponds contain process wastewater, thensedimentation ponds should be reported. Note: contaminatedstormwater is considered to be process wastewater.A3-2 How should a pond be reported in Table A-4 if it wastaken out of service, lined, and brought back into serviceat a later date considering the pond had the samefootprint? Additionally, how should a pond be reported ifit was taken out of service, split into two impoundments(same total footprint), lined, and brought back into serviceat a later date?Identify each pond to be entered into Table A-4 based on the plant'scurrent configuration. For the first example, report the pond as linedand enter the year initially brought on line as the year the initialunlined pond was put into service. For the second example, reportthe two individual lined ponds and enter the year initially brought online as the year the original unlined pond was put into service. Add acomment for both ponds to say they were originally one pond.A4-3 If boiler blowdown is used to moisten fly ash beforesending it to the landfill, what should be included as wastestored or disposed of in the landfill?You should check both the "fly ash" and "other" boxes. Enter "boilerblowdown" in the "other, specify" field.A5-2 A5-2 requests that an “aerial map” be provided. Not surewhat an “aerial map” is; would you be referring to a UStopographic map? Or are you asking for an “aerialphotograph”?In Question A5-2, EPA is looking for an aerial depiction of the sitethat shows the property boundary of the plant site and relative layoutof buildings, ponds/impoundments, landfills, and other significantfeatures of the plant. You may submit an aerial photograph,supplemented with notes as necessary, or a topographic map, as longas 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 asmgd?Flow rates will have to be provided in gpm or gpd, as specified bythe specific questions in the questionnaire.A6-1 How should IDs for electrical generators be assigned whenyou have multiple boilers that can feed generators in anyconfiguration?Question A6-1 (Table A-8) should be completed on the generatorbasis. To complete question A8-1 (Table A-11) determine thecombination of fuels (from multiple boilers) that supplied thatgenerator with steam.A7-1 If a once-through cooling system has no blowdown, can aplant enter zero for amount of wastewater generated andduration/frequency?Question A7-1 requests the typical amount ofprocess wastewatergenerated ORblow downfrom the cooling system. Once throughcooling water is considered a process wastewater. Therefore, theplant should supply the generation, duration, and frequency of theonce through cooling water.Version 1July 14, 2010Frequently Asked Questions - TechnicalP. 3 of 9Question # Question ResponseA8-1 If a plant has a combined cycle unit with three generators(two gas turbines and one steam turbine), how should theycomplete Table A-11?First, the plant should identify the combined cycle unit (two gasturbines and one steam turbine) as one steam electric unit and NOTthree separate steam electric units in Question A6-1 (Table A-8).Then, in Question A8-1 (Table A-11), the plant should report thetotal fuel usage for the combined cycle unit as a whole (the two gasturbines and one steam turbine).A9-1 How should the facility report different NOXcontrolsystems for different boilers serving the same generatingunit, particularly if the boilers have the same type ofsystem (e.g., overfire air)?Complete a row for each generator/boiler combination and add acomment on the Comments page.General If both bottom ash and fly ash are conveyed and stored dryin combination, how should Part C be completed?Complete Section 3 (bottom ash) rather than Section 2 (fly ash) andadd comments to both sections that the plant has a combined fly andbottom ash conveyance and storage system.G4-1 The question asks for flow rate of the leachate stream, butthere is no entry field in the table for flow rate or units.Respondents should provide this information in the Commentssection for Part G.G5-1 Shouldn't the "Type and Amount of Waste" column referto "FGD Calcium Sulfite - Not Pozzolanic", rather than“FGD Calcium Sulfate – Not Pozzolanic”?If a pond/impoundment contains FGD calcium sulfite – notpozzolanic, respondents should select the "Other" checkbox and type“FGD calcium sulfite – not pozzolanic” as the description.Part HNA I received Part H on my disk, but I do not have anynuclear units. What should I do?Answer "no" to question H1-1. You do not have to provide anyother information in the Part H file.I5-4 The table is requesting annual fuel costs in dollars, but anumber greater than 8,760 cannot be entered into the cells.Respondents should download the new revised version of Part I fromthe EPA website.Part IPart GPart CVersion 1July 14, 2010Frequently Asked Questions - ApplicabilityP. 4 of 9Question ResponseIf a plant has two coal units and two gas units, do they have to completeVersion 2 of the questionnaire for all units or can they complete Version2 for the coal units and Version 4 for the gas units?Respondents should complete Version 2 of the questionnaire for all unitsat the plant. There will be many questions that apply to all the units. Forquestions that only apply to certain types of units, the directions in thequestionnaire will clearly indicate which units plants should include intheir response.If the plant’s SIC is 4961 (steam and air conditioning supply) and theplant’s primary purpose is to provide steam, does the plant need tocomplete the questionnaire? The plant does have electric generationcapacity.The first questions in Part A of the questionnaire specify that if a plantdoes not meet certain requirements they do not need to complete theremainder of the questionnaire. For example, in this case, question A1-11 asks if the primary purpose of the plant is to generate electricity. Youwould state no, designate the primary purpose in the box provided, andnot complete the remainder of the questionnaire. The completedquestionnaire and signed certification must be returned to the addressspecified in the questionnaire instructions.If the operating company needs to get information from other owners ofthe plant, should the owners send the operating company the completedinformation or can each owner send the information to EPA directly?Respondents should NOT submit the questionnaire to EPA in pieces.Operating companies should obtain the required information fromowners, use this information to complete the questionnaire, and submitone complete copy to EPA.If a plant is scheduled for retirement, do they need to complete thequestionnaire?In Part A, question A1-6 asks about the retirement date and states thatplants that will be permanently retired by December 31, 2011 will notneed to answer questions beyond A1-6. The completed questionnaireand signed certification must be returned to the address specified in thequestionnaire instructions.If the plant only received certain files on their disk, are they required todownload the remaining files from EPA's web site?If the facility received Version 2, 3, or 4 of the questionnaire, they areonly required to complete a subset of the questionnaire. Please see yourcover letter or the general instructions for more details.Two of our facilities utilize the same generating technology andequipment and burn the same fuel; therefore, the plants have identicalinformation. Do we have to complete both questionnaires?The questionnaire must be completed for both facilities.If the plant stopped burning coal in the middle of 2009 and is in theprocess of switching to a different fuel source such as biofuels, do theyneed to complete the questionnaire?The plant must complete as much of the questionnaire as possible for allmonths it operated the coal units in 2009. The completed questionnaireand signed certification must be returned to the address specified in thequestionnaire instructions.Version 1July 14, 2010Frequently Asked Questions - GeneralP. 5 of 9Question ResponseEPA distributed this questionnaire to all coal-fired power plants and a subset ofother power plants that are likely subject to the Steam Electric Power Generatingeffluent guidelines (40 CFR Part 423). EPA identified these plants by reviewingcertain data reported to DOE’s Energy Information Associated (EIA) in the 2007-860 reports. Your facility was selected as a potential respondent to thequestionnaire based on the following criteria:· Your reported a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)code of 22 (Utilities);· You reported that you operate at least one generating unit that uses coal,gas, oil, petroleum coke, or nuclear fuel as the primary energy source (or coal orpetroleum coke as the secondary energy source); and· You reported that you operate at least one generating unit using the fuelslisted above that uses steam as a prime mover, which includes combined cyclegenerating units.If your facility receives a version of the questionnaire (delivered on CD) by mail orexpress courier, then you are required to complete the questionnaire. EPA isadministering this questionnaire under the authority of Section 308 of the CleanWater Act (Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C. Section 1318). Failureto respond, late filing, or failure to comply with the instructions may result incriminal fines, civil penalties, and other sanctions, as provided by law.Depending on the specific fuel burned and operations at the facility, you may notbe required to complete the entire questionnaire. Follow the directions provided inthe cover letter and throughout the questionnaire to determine if all parts areapplicable to your facility.You can obtain assistance in completing the questionnaire using EPA’s telephoneor email helpline. For assistance with technical questions, please call 703-633-1696 (or tollfree at 1-877-353-7560), or email steamhelp@erg.com.If you need assistance with Part I of the questionnaire, please call the economicshelpline at 617-520-2336 (or tollfree at 1-877-344-9540), or emailsteam_econ@abtassoc.com.Use the return label provided in your package to return your electronic response toERG 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?Version 1July 14, 2010Frequently Asked Questions - GeneralP. 6 of 9Question ResponseU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyQuestionnaire for the Steam Electric Power Generating Effluent Guidelinesc/o Eastern Research Group, Inc.14555 Avion Parkway, Suite 200Chantilly, VA 20151Who should certify the questionnaire? The individual that directed or supervised questionnaire preparation should readand sign the certification statement. The signatory should be a corporate official ortheir authorized representative.Does EPA has specific requirements for who certifies the response? No, whoever is given the authority at the operation to certify the response isacceptable to EPA.Does the certifier need to be pre-approved by EPA? No.I didn’t complete the questionnaire myself. How can I sign thecertification?Your signature means that to the best of your knowledge, employees under yoursupervision properly completed the questionnaire.How long do I have to complete the questionnaire? You have 90 days from the time of receipt to complete the questionnaire, withtheexception of Part G. If you are required to complete Part G, you have 120 days tocomplete and report data for that part. The due date is the specified period (90 or120 days) calculated from the date of signed receipt.If you wish to request an extension, you must do so in writing within 21 days ofreceipt of this questionnaire. Written requests may be e-mailed (preferred) ormailed to:Jezebele AliceaUSEPA HeadquartersAriel Rios Building1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NWMail Code: 4303TWashington, DC 20460alicea.jezebele@epa.gov202-566-1755Extension requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Submittal of anextension request to EPA does not alter the due date of your questionnaire unlessand until EPA agrees to the extension and establishes a new date.Can I get an extension of time to complete the questionnaire?Version 1July 14, 2010Frequently Asked Questions - GeneralP. 7 of 9Question ResponseHow long will it take to complete the questionnaire? Due to the nature of this questionnaire, different plants will be requiredto fill outdifferent parts of the questionnaire based on fuel type and specific operationsperformed at the plant. In addition, only certain plants are required to complete thequestionnaire in its entirety. EPA estimated an average burden of 168 hours perrespondent; however, the actual burden can vary significantly, from only a fewhours to several hundred hoursCan I get a paper copy of the questionnaire? EPA supplied the facility with MS Excel and PDF versions of the questionnaire.To obtain a paper copy, print the PDF version of the questionnaire.Close (do not save) the file. Follow the directions below for correctly opening theelectronic forms and entering your Plant ID. Note these directions are alsoprovided in the Questionnaire Instructions.pdf file, which can be found on the CDprovided and online.1. Download the excel file(s) from the CD provided or online.2. Launch Microsoft® Excel, then select Tools > Macro > Security. In theSecurity Level tab, select "Medium." (Note: This security level allows you to runessential macros contained in the electronic form.)3. As you open each part of the questionnaire, a security window should appearregarding macros. Select "Enable Macros" and then "OK." If the window does notappear, close the file and repeat step 2 above.4. On the first tab only (i.e., the Table of Contents tab) in each Part, type yourPlant ID. The Excel program will automatically copy your ID into the ID field atthe top of every page in the file.Do I have to answer all the questions? You must complete all applicable technical and financial questions as instructed,and provide best estimates for all questions. Use the comments page to provideany additional explanations, or if you have trouble entering your response into thespecific answer field.What if my response is larger than the space provided (i.e., notenough space in a cell or column)?Most cells in the survey have a limit of 255 characters. If the space provided isinsufficient, write “see comments” and provide the extended answer in thecomments question at the end of the section. Use multiple comments cells asnecessary.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 situation and determine thebest approach for documenting your answers.The excel file will not open, I cannot select answers in thequestionnaire, and/or the Plant ID did not pre-populate at the top ofevery worksheet in the electronic version of the questionnaire.Version 1July 14, 2010Frequently Asked Questions - GeneralP. 8 of 9Question ResponseWhat if I need more copies of a section? Click the copy button located directly under the instructions for each section.Selecting the copy button will generate new worksheets within the Excel filecontaining the same tables and questions from the specific section. If additionalworksheets are accidentally generated from selecting the copy button, theunneeded worksheets can simply be deleted.How many plants have received this questionnaire? A total of 733 steam electric plants received the questionnaire. A list of thoseplants can be found on EPA’s web site, atwww.epa.gov/guide/steam.Why did EPA send the questionnaire to a subset of plants in theindustry?EPA has identified approximately 1,200 fossil- and nuclear-fueled steam electricpower plants that are potentially within scope of the data collection objectives ofthe questionnaire. To reduce the overall burden on the industry, EPA distributedthe questionnaire to all coal-fired (including petroleum coke-fired) power plantsand 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 electric questionnaire torevise the effluent limitation guidelines and standards (ELGs) for the steam electricpower generating industry. In combination with the technical data, the financialdata collected will aid EPA in developing appropriate technology based guidelinesfor the steam electric industry.What are effluent limitation guidelines and standards? Effluent limitation guidelines and standards are discharge limits for categories ofdischargers of wastewater. Depending on the industrial category, the dischargelimits may cover process wastewater, stormwater and/or cooling water. The limitsare incorporated into NPDES permits.If you wish to protect any information submitted from public disclosure, you mayassert a claim of business confidentiality covering all or part of the information yousubmit. This claim should be made at the time of questionnaire submittal.Regulations regarding data confidentiality and directions for claiming dataconfidentiality are discussed in the questionnaire instructions on page (vi). Checkthe “CBI” box if you wish to designate the response to that question as CBI.Regulations governing the confidentiality of business information are contained in40 CFR Part 2, Subpart B.What assurances do I have that CBI will be protected? Regulations governing the handling of confidential business information arecontained in 40 CFR Part 2, Subpart B. Please refer to the questionnaireIntroduction 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 of the questionnaire toEPA. Do NOT return the questionnaire in PDF format.What about submitting confidential business information (CBI)?Version 1July 14, 2010Frequently Asked Questions - GeneralP. 9 of 9Question ResponseMay I submit the files to EPA for more than one plant on one CD orDVD?Yes, you may submit the files for multiple plants on the same CD or DVD. Pleaseuse the following naming convention for files submitted in this way:PlantID_PartX.xls. For example, name the Part A response for Plant ID 00001 as"00001_PartA.xls."