Saving Fish from Water System Deaths

Did you know that each year, more than 615 million fish and shellfish are sucked into power plant cooling-water systems? The problem, which affects more than 1,200 utility facilities, is estimated to cost the industry $384 million annually.

To remedy the issue, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has asked state environmental agencies to determine site-specific fixes for this problem. Some environmentalists are criticizing the move, saying that state agencies often lack the resources to stand up to pressure from the industry.

Regardless, the proposed mandate asks that existing power plants and factories that pull water from lakes and rivers to cool machines figure out a way to meet the new requirements. New facilities will rely on closed-cycle cooling, which uses less water and traps fewer fish.

The EPA's proposal was published in the Federal Register on Monday, March 28^th. They will take public comments regarding the issue for 90 days, and ultimately plans to take final action by July 27, 2011.

Source: Bloomberg