Opinion ID: 2296314
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Circulating Water Intake Tunnel

Text: The Town argues that DES erred in ruling that the circulating water intake tunnel is entitled to a 57% exemption. The intake tunnel is used primarily to draw cooling water from the ocean. However, it is periodically used as a discharge tunnel for purposes of biofouling control. NextEra claimed that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required the tunnel to be 7,000 feet long because of environmental concerns associated with the periodic use of the tunnel for discharge. DES agreed, finding that if not for this period[ic] use, the tunnel could extend 3,000 feet into the ocean; due to U.S. EPA concern over thermal pollution when water is discharged, the tunnel must extend 7,000 feet. Thus, DES ruled that the extended portion of the tunnel is entitled to the exemptionthat is, the 4,000 feet that was added to address environmental concerns, or 57% of the total tunnel (4,000/7,000). The Town argues that we should overturn this decision because DES did not have before it any documents from the EPA addressing the extension of the intake tunnel. However, DES did have before it ample other evidence to support the exemption. NextEra specifically explained that the pollution control function of the circulating water intake tunnel is to control and reduce the effects of the thermal discharge by transporting the heated steam condenser cooling water beyond the estuarine system to the offshore point of discharge. NextEra also cited supporting documents available at the plant. Furthermore, the outcome here is consistent with our ruling concerning the circulating water discharge tunnel; when the intake tunnel discharges, it is exactly like the discharge tunnel and thus its length likewise minimizes thermal pollution. There is no reason to treat the systems differently when they operate in an identical manner. Accordingly, we uphold DES's decision to grant a 57% exemption to the circulating water intake tunnel.