# Dead Fish: How Cooling Systems Hurt Aquatic Life

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/dead-fish-how-cooling-systems-hurt-aquatic-life/
- Published: 2011-04-30T02:13:20-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Dead Fish : EPA Misses Chance to Protect Rivers

Environmental advocates say the EPA missed a critical chance to stop dead fish occurring
due to power plants. Moreover, the agency failed to enforce stronger rules to protect
rivers and aquatic life. Power plant cooling systems kill billions of fish and other
organisms every year. Additionally, [Riverkeeper](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/04/gulf-of-mexico-program-new-director-announcement/)
and other groups argue these impacts damage entire ecosystems.

### How Power Plants Harm Aquatic Life

Power plants draw massive amounts of water. Moreover, they suck in fish, eggs, and
larvae, destroying local species. The heated water they discharge also damages habitats.
Additionally, this warm water lowers oxygen levels, making survival harder for many
creatures. Therefore, these systems threaten the balance of river ecosystems.

### Weak Standards Allow More Damage

EPA proposed weaker standards. Moreover, these rules let plants choose between closed-
cycle cooling or less effective protection methods. Riverkeeper wanted mandatory
closed-cycle cooling. Additionally, they argue it uses much less water and sharply
reduces harm to aquatic life. Many facilities already use this method successfully.

![Dead fish being protected by riverkeeper Power plant on a riverbank with intake
structures and steam stacks](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2011/04/EFD86161-B57E-425A-B84A-2B30790F29AF.png?resize=400%2C267&quality=50&ssl
=1 "EFD86161-B57E-425A-B84A-2B30790F29AF - The Green Living Guy")

Power plants withdraw large volumes of river water harming fish and aquatic habitats

### Riverkeeper Responds to the Dead Fish

“EPA had the chance to fix decades of damage,” said Phillip Musegaas, Riverkeeper’s
[Hudson River](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/riverkeepers-top-ten-reasons-to-close-indian-point/)
Program Director. Moreover, he says they chose the status quo. They left fish and
rivers at risk. Additionally, Riverkeeper claims the Hudson River alone loses over
a billion fish each year to power plant cooling.

### Pushing for Tougher Rules

Riverkeeper argues stronger rules would protect wildlife. Moreover, they would safeguard
the communities relying on healthy rivers. They plan to keep fighting for tougher
standards. Additionally, they want to hold polluters accountable. Therefore, they
urge the EPA to act boldly and protect vital waterways.

### Dead Fish : The Call for Change

Environmental groups urge immediate reform. Moreover, they want stricter enforcement
of existing laws. They argue the technology exists to cut water use and save aquatic
life. Additionally, they say industry resistance should not outweigh environmental
protection.

Communities rely on healthy rivers for drinking water, fishing, and recreation. 
Moreover, damaged ecosystems hurt local economies and wildlife. Therefore, advocates
demand the EPA adopt strong, clear rules. Additionally, they want consistent standards
across all states to ensure real change.

### Learn More:

 1. [EPA: Cooling Water Intakes – Regulations and Standards](https://www.epa.gov/cooling-water-intakes)
 2. Riverkeeper: Power Plant Cooling Water Impact
 3. [NRDC: How Power Plants Harm Aquatic Life](https://www.nrdc.org/resources/once-through-cooling-power-plant-water-pollution)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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