February 26, 2010 

Memorandum to Steam Electric Record

From: Ron Jordan 

 Engineering and Analysis Division 

Subject: Discussions with Utility Water Act Group (UWAG) Regarding the Proposed 

Steam Electric ICR 

In addition to holding two rounds of outreach teleconferences with stakeholders to review EPA’s 

proposed Information Collection Request (ICR) for the Steam Electric Power Generating 

Effluent Guidelines, EPA also engaged in several discussions with the Utility Water Act Group 

(UWAG) to exchange views on the ICR process and the substance of the draft questionnaire. 

This memorandum summarizes the topics discussed with UWAG.1

 January 19, 2010

• Burden estimates for proposed ICR. Industry concern about the level of effort required to 

complete the questionnaire and the amount of time that will be provided for submitting 

the completed questionnaires. 

• Statistical methodology that will be used to select plants that will receive questionnaires. 

• Intended recipients for the questionnaire – corporate contacts vs. plant manager. 

January 21, 2010

The agenda and FGD diagram prepared for the call are attached. Topics discussed include: 

• Leachate sampling – sample collection frequency; where samples would be collected; 

number of potential sample points at any individual plant 

• Ash handling – ash storage systems that combine both fly ash and bottom ash; 

reorganization of the ash section to collect information on a “system” approach rather 

than a “generating unit” approach. 

• FGD terminology – potential revisions to the FGD diagram included in the questionnaire; 

terminology used for FGD process and streams. 

• EIA/FERC data – efforts to reduce redundant data collection in the steam electric ICR 

where EIA or FERC data can be used. 

• Questionnaire format – preference for MS Excel format 

• CBI justification – plans to eliminate requirement to justify CBI claims at the time 

questionnaires are submitted. 

• Amount of time that will be provided for completing questionnaires. 

• Need for time constraints when asking for information on planned systems, or when 

obtaining cost data for systems built long ago. 

 

1

 The outreach teleconferences are summarized in a separate memorandum. See the memorandum titled “Outreach 

Calls for the Proposed Steam Electric ICR,” Eastern Research Group, Inc. February 25, 2010. 
2

 January 26, 2010

• Draft mailing list for power plants within the statistical sample frame for the ICR. 

• Flexibility for analytical methods to be used for leachate samples. 

 February 16, 2010

• Draft glossary 

• Mailing list 

• Ash handling system component list 
AGENDA 

ICR for the Steam Electric Power Generating Effluent Guidelines 

EPA – UWAG Conference Call 

January 21, 2010 

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (EST) 

Topics for Discussion 

• Leachate Sampling 

• Ash Handling – combined fly ash and bottom ash storage systems 

• FGD Terminology (Diagram is included in document entitled FGD Example 

Diagram_1_20_10.pdf) 

• EIA/FERC Data 

• Questionnaire Format 

• CBI Justification 

Other Discussion and Wrap-up 

Additional Instructions: 

The teleconference call in number is 1-866-299-3188 and the access code is 2025661003 followed by 

the # sign.