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The impact of regulation 316(b)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations under Section 316(b) of The Clean Water Act require that cooling water intake structures reflect the best technology available (BTA) to minimize adverse environmental impacts on fish, shellfish and other aquatic organisms. The more sensitive or biologically productive the body of water, the more stringent the requirements proposed by 316(b).

Managing compliance effectively

Managing compliance with 316(b) involves a thorough step-by-step scientific review that includes the establishment of applicability criteria, precise determination of required performance standards and detailed assessment of best technology options to implement a cost-effective plan for compliance.

For each step Kinectrics gives you the advantage of superior, specialized environmental expertise and established research capabilities, complemented by broad-based experience in the utilities industry.

Expert environmental support

Comprehensive, knowledge-based study is critical for success. Kinectrics can help your enterprise achieve full 316(b) compliance. We offer effective, specialized methodologies (including sampling techniques, live-dead entrainment assessment, and data analysis) for studying and/or evaluating entrainment and impingement events at once-through cooling facilities.

Kinectrics conducts and establishes baseline studies of entrainment/impingement and pilot projects involving BTA assessment. Kinectrics offers advanced environmental services, including a sonar activation device that allows specific BTA to operate more effectively, thereby improving both biological and engineering performance.

Internationally recognized scientists and rigorous research

Kinectrics’ unique expertise has been developed through rigorous research by qualified environmental professionals. Kinectrics is established as a world leader in developing and evaluating a variety of fish diversion technologies, with particular emphasis on cost-effective behavioral systems and reliable fish return systems. Kinectrics’ scientists and engineers have published in numerous referred journals and written over 100 reports on entrainment and impingement. Kinectrics holds several patents on fish diversion technology.

A full range of environmental services

Kinectrics is registered to ISO 9001 and offers a wide range of environmental services:

• Establish timelines for unit value baseline and BTA assessment
• Evaluate BTA systems using state-of-the-art sampling equipment and procedures
• Analysis of current biologicals impinged or killed on intake structures
• Impact assessment of station (including adverse environmental impact indicators)
• Review of intake structure design and best technology available
• BTA comparison to protecting wetlands or restoring degraded habitat
• Cost benefit analysis of technology for entrainment/impingement reduction
• Recommendations and solutions of BTA with cost to benefit relationships
• Financial review of alternatives
• Specific recommendations and expected results

Specialized studies for BTA assessment and aquatic studies

Kinectrics provides detailed assessment of BTA technologies for entrainment/impingement for any facility. This includes not only technology-based systems such as angled screens, but also station operation mitigation such as flow reductions.

Kinectrics’ proven environmental capabilities offer a comprehensive response package for 316(b) compliance, which has already achieved demonstrated client approval on numerous successful projects throughout North America.

Kinectrics has conducted environmental analysis and ongoing studies for individual state environmental agencies and industrial clients in the USA. Kinectrics has successfully completed both pre and post-operational aquatic surveys for the major nuclear facilities in Ontario, and related environmental studies in Alberta, Canada.

For more information, contact:

Paul Patrick, 416.207.6000 x6277, paul.patrick@kinectrics.com

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