Ohio EPA Drops Proposed Streamlined Wastewater Permitting Rules for Data Centers
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has formally withdrawn a proposal to streamline wastewater discharge permits for emerging data center developments. The decision follows substantial opposition from municipal water authorities and environmental advocates over cooling water discharge impacts.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) has officially withdrawn its regulatory proposal to establish a streamlined, general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) wastewater permit for commercial data center facilities. The decision comes after extensive public scrutiny and comments submitted by conservation groups, municipal utilities, and concerned communities surrounding Columbus and central Ohio.
Critics argued that rapid data center expansion requires stringent individual reviews rather than general categorical approvals. Opponents highlighted specific risks concerning large volumes of blowdown wastewater, thermal pollution, chemical biocides, and corrosion inhibitors frequently discharged from high-capacity cooling towers into public sewer systems and regional watersheds.
In response to public feedback, the regulatory agency confirmed it will continue to evaluate wastewater discharge applications from high-density data facilities on a comprehensive, individual case-by-case basis. Regulators emphasized that maintaining individualized assessments will safeguard local water resource recovery facilities from hydraulic shock loads and protect receiving aquatic ecosystems.
Hawaii Wastewater Branch Updates Intended Use Plan for 2027
The Hawaii Department of Health's Wastewater Branch has released its Intended Use Plan for the 2027 State Fiscal Year. The plan outlines the allocation of Clean Water State Revolving Fund resources for upcoming wastewater infrastructure projects.
Source: Hawaii Department of Health
EPA Rescinds 2022 PFAS Guidance for Permitting
In August 2026, the U.S. EPA rescinded a 2022 nonbinding guidance document that had provided state permitting authorities with standard language for addressing PFAS in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. This action was described as part of a broader, systematic review of agency guidance documents.
Source: Waste Dive
EPA Proposes Regulatory Clarifications for Clean Water Act Compliance Covering Offshore Processors
The EPA has issued a proposed rule clarifying Clean Water Act regulatory standards for offshore seafood processing facilities. The agency estimates that the clearer effluent discharge requirements will yield $1.8 million in yearly compliance savings.
Source: SBA Office of Advocacy
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