Ohio EPA Withdraws Streamlined Wastewater Permitting Rules for Data Centers After Public Pushback
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has rescinded a regulatory proposal that would have created streamlined wastewater discharge permits for data centers. The agency will now evaluate discharge applications individually following public environmental concerns.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency announced the withdrawal of a proposed regulatory pathway aimed at streamlining wastewater discharge permitting for large-scale data center facilities. The decision followed substantial public comment from environmental organizations and local communities regarding the rapid expansion of water-intensive tech facilities in the state.
State regulators had originally evaluated a general permitting framework to handle cooling water discharges and effluent disposal from rapid data center construction projects. Critics raised concerns regarding the thermal impacts, biocides, and nutrient loads that unmonitored or expedited permits might introduce into local watersheds and publicly owned treatment works (POTWs).
Moving forward, Ohio EPA will continue conducting comprehensive individual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) reviews for all proposed facilities. State environmental regulators noted that individual reviews will better evaluate site-specific treatment requirements and protect receiving waters.
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In August 2026, the U.S. EPA rescinded a 2022 nonbinding guidance document that had provided state permitting authorities with standard language for addressing PFAS in National Pollutant Discharge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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