Combustion Residual Leachate

May 19, 2026

Our most recent Technical Bulletin summarizes guidance EPA is proposing to adopt a flexible, site-specific approach for the steam electric power generating point source category, specifically addressing unmanaged combustion residual leachate (CRL) at existing sources. The EPA believes it will balance environmental protection with economic and technological feasibility. The steam electric power generating industry includes 858 plants, with 63 to 111 potentially discharging unmanaged CRL from unlined or not clean-closed waste management units.

The proposed rule, if finalized, would revise the ELGs for unmanaged combustion residual leachate, or water that leaks from landfills or surface impoundments containing coal combustion residuals. The proposed rule offers a range of regulatory options based on different known technologies and identifies the EPA’s preferred option.

The EPA is accepting written comments on the proposed rule from the public through June 17, 2026. Please see the Federal Register Notice for information on how to submit comments. You may submit comments online at regulations.gov. The Docket Number is EPA-HQ-OW-2009-0819.

Please feel free to read and share the SCS Technical Bulletin, which summarizes the key points and outlines the industry and environmental impacts. The Bulletin is downloadable, or you may prefer to share the link to this page with others using your email or social media. Your privacy is protected; SCS does not share or sell information but publishes it for educational purposes.

SCS Technical Bulletin 2026: Steam Electric Power Generating Effluent Guidelines – Unmanaged Combustion Residual Leachate

 

Additional Resources:

 

Posted by Diane Samuels at 6:00 am
SCS Address

Corporate Headquarters

SCS Engineers
3900 Kilroy Airport Way Suite 300
Long Beach, CA 90806
FAX: 1 (562) 427-0805

Contact Us

Required Posting
Send us a message
×