316(b)
Compliance ◊ Operational Efficiency ◊ Savings
Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act presents the power generation industry with significant challenges. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “316(b) requires that the location, design, construction and capacity of cooling water intake structures reflect the best technology available for minimizing adverse environmental impact.” Section 316(b) applies to power plants (and manufacturing facilities) with the capacity to withdraw 2 million gallons of water per day from an adjacent body of water and use at least 25 percent of that water exclusively for cooling.
These facilities must use “best technology available” (BTA) to meet minimum standards of reducing rates of Impingement Mortality – fish and shellfish killed by entrapment on intake racks and screens – and Entrainment – fish eggs or larvae drawn into the cooling system. Which technologies meet BTA standards for the most part is left to state regulatory agencies.
Compliance with 316(b) carries significant impact on a power plant, with cost and plant efficiency being paramount. Solutions for 316(b) compliance vary widely in both cost and impact on plant operation. Plants operating under a NPDES or state PDES may implement and test 316(b) compliance technologies to determine their effectiveness and fit for their budget and operational parameters.
Smart Screens™
Our team has developed a unique solution to the challenges of 316(b) compliance through our proprietary Smart Screen™ traveling screen technology. This technology offers much lower costs, significantly shorter downtime for installation and greater plant efficiency than other 316(b) compliance options.
In addition, through our partnership with Atlas Manufacturing Company our approach offers clients a one-source solution, as we design, manufacture, install and maintain our Smart Screens™, providing clients with additional cost savings. MVN Associates can become a trusted partner in implementation of an innovative and reliable solution to the challenges of 316(b).
Our Smart Screen™ technology is achieving an impressive success rate at our Arthur Kill site (see our success and photos at a New York City major power producer facility). Contact us for more information.
A partnership with
