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Washington
Chapter 70.94 RCW Washington clean air act

Chapter 70.94 RCW
Washington clean air act

Notes:
Environmental certification programs -- Fees -- Rules -- Liability: RCW 43.21A.175.
Pollution Disclosure Act of 1971: Chapter 90.52 RCW.

Tax exemptions and credits for air pollution control facilities: Chapter 82.34 RCW.

Washington clean indoor air act: Chapter 70.160 RCW.




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70.94.011
Declaration of public policies and purpose.
It is declared to be the public policy to preserve, protect, and enhance the air quality for current and future generations. Air is an essential resource that must be protected from harmful levels of pollution. Improving air quality is a matter of statewide concern and is in the public interest. It is the intent of this chapter to secure and maintain levels of air quality that protect human health and safety, including the most sensitive members of the population, to comply with the requirements of the federal clean air act, to prevent injury to plant, animal life, and property, to foster the comfort and convenience of Washington's inhabitants, to promote the economic and social development of the state, and to facilitate the enjoyment of the natural attractions of the state.

It is further the intent of this chapter to protect the public welfare, to preserve visibility, to protect scenic, aesthetic, historic, and cultural values, and to prevent air pollution problems that interfere with the enjoyment of life, property, or natural attractions.

Because of the extent of the air pollution problem the legislature finds it necessary to return areas with poor air quality to levels adequate to protect health and the environment as expeditiously as possible but no later than December 31, 1995. Further, it is the intent of this chapter to prevent any areas of the state with acceptable air quality from reaching air contaminant levels that are not protective of human health and the environment.

The legislature recognizes that air pollution control projects may affect other environmental media. In selecting air pollution control strategies state and local agencies shall support those strategies that lessen the negative environmental impact of the project on all environmental media, including air, water, and land.

The legislature further recognizes that energy efficiency and energy conservation can help to reduce air pollution and shall therefore be considered when making decisions on air pollution control strategies and projects.

It is the policy of the state that the costs of protecting the air resource and operating state and local air pollution control programs shall be shared as equitably as possible among all sources whose emissions cause air pollution.

It is also declared as public policy that regional air pollution control programs are to be encouraged and supported to the extent practicable as essential instruments for the securing and maintenance of appropriate levels of air quality.

To these ends it is the purpose of this chapter to safeguard the public interest through an intensive, progressive, and coordinated statewide program of air pollution prevention and control, to provide for an appropriate distribution of responsibilities, and to encourage coordination and cooperation between the state, regional, and local units of government, to improve cooperation between state and federal government, public and private organizations, and the concerned individual, as well as to provide for the use of all known, available, and reasonable methods to reduce, prevent, and control air pollution.

The legislature recognizes that the problems and effects of air pollution cross political boundaries, are frequently regional or interjurisdictional in nature, and are dependent upon the existence of human activity in areas having common topography and weather conditions conducive to the buildup of air contaminants. In addition, the legislature recognizes that air pollution levels are aggravated and compounded by increased population, and its consequences. These changes often result in increasingly serious problems for the public and the environment.

The legislature further recognizes that air emissions from thousands of small individual sources are major contributors to air pollution in many regions of the state. As the population of a region grows, small sources may contribute an increasing proportion of that region's total air emissions. It is declared to be the policy of the state to achieve significant reductions in emissions from those small sources whose aggregate emissions constitute a significant contribution to air pollution in a particular region.

It is the intent of the legislature that air pollution goals be incorporated in the missions and actions of state agencies.


[1991 c 199 § 102; 1973 1st ex.s. c 193 § 1; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 1; 1967 c 238 § 1.]

Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: "The legislature finds that ambient air pollution is the most serious environmental threat in Washington state. Air pollution causes significant harm to human health; damages the environment, including trees, crops, and animals; causes deterioration of equipment and materials; contributes to water pollution; and degrades the quality of life.

Over three million residents of Washington state live where air pollution levels are considered unhealthful. Of all toxic chemicals released into the environment more than half enter our breathing air. Citizens of Washington state spend hundreds of millions of dollars annually to offset health, environmental, and material damage caused by air pollution. The legislature considers such air pollution levels, costs, and damages to be unacceptable.

It is the intent of this act that the implementation of programs and regulations to control air pollution shall be the primary responsibility of the department of ecology and local air pollution control authorities." [1991 c 199 § 101.]

Alternative fuel and solar powered vehicles -- 1991 c 199: "The department of ecology shall contract with Western Washington University for the biennium ending June 30, 1993, for research and development of alternative fuel and solar powered vehicles. A report on the progress of such research shall be presented to the standing environmental committees and the department by January 1, 1994." [1991 c 199 § 230.]







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70.94.015
Air pollution control account — Air operating permit account.
(1) The air pollution control account is established in the state treasury. All receipts collected by or on behalf of the department from RCW 70.94.151(2), and receipts from nonpermit program sources under RCW 70.94.152(1) and 70.94.154(7), and all receipts from RCW 70.94.650, 70.94.660, *82.44.020(2), and *82.50.405 shall be deposited into the account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only to develop and implement the provisions of chapters 70.94 and 70.120 RCW.

(2) The amounts collected and allocated in accordance with this section shall be expended upon appropriation except as otherwise provided in this section and in accordance with the following limitations:

Portions of moneys received by the department of ecology from the air pollution control account shall be distributed by the department to local authorities based on:

(a) The level and extent of air quality problems within such authority's jurisdiction;

(b) The costs associated with implementing air pollution regulatory programs by such authority; and

(c) The amount of funding available to such authority from other sources, whether state, federal, or local, that could be used to implement such programs.

(3) The air operating permit account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All receipts collected by or on behalf of the department from permit program sources under RCW 70.94.152(1), 70.94.161, 70.94.162, and 70.94.154(7) shall be deposited into the account. Expenditures from the account may be used only for the activities described in RCW 70.94.152(1), 70.94.161, 70.94.162, and 70.94.154(7). Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation.


[1998 c 321 § 33 (Referendum Bill No. 49, approved November 3, 1998); 1993 c 252 § 1; 1991 c 199 § 228.]

Notes: *Reviser's note: RCW 82.44.020 and 82.50.405 were repealed by 2000 1st sp.s. c 1 § 2.

Purpose -- Severability -- 1998 c 321: See notes following RCW 82.14.045.


Contingent effective dates -- 1998 c 321 §§ 23-42: See note following RCW 35.58.410.


Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.







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70.94.017
Air pollution control account — Subaccount distribution. (Expires July 1, 2020.)
(1) Money deposited in the segregated subaccount of the air pollution control account under RCW 46.68.020(2) shall be distributed as follows:

(a) Eighty-five percent shall be distributed to air pollution control authorities created under this chapter. The money must be distributed in direct proportion with the amount of fees imposed under RCW 46.12.080, 46.12.170, and 46.12.181 that are collected within the boundaries of each authority. However, an amount in direct proportion with those fees collected in counties for which no air pollution control authority exists must be distributed to the department.

(b) The remaining fifteen percent shall be distributed to the department.

(2) Money distributed to air pollution control authorities and the department under subsection (1) of this section must be used as follows:

(a) Eighty-five percent of the money received by an air pollution control authority or the department is available on a priority basis to retrofit school buses with exhaust emission control devices or to provide funding for fueling infrastructure necessary to allow school bus fleets to use alternative, cleaner fuels. In addition, the director of ecology or the air pollution control officer may direct funding under this section for other publicly owned diesel equipment if the director of ecology or the air pollution control officer finds that funding for other publicly owned diesel equipment will provide public health benefits and further the purposes of this chapter.

(b) The remaining fifteen percent may be used by the air pollution control authority or department to reduce transportation-related air contaminant emissions and clean up air pollution, or reduce and monitor toxic air contaminants.

(3) Money in the air pollution control account may be spent by the department only after appropriation.

(4) This section expires July 1, 2020.


[2005 c 295 § 5; 2003 c 264 § 1.]

Notes: Effective date -- 2005 c 295 §§ 5, 6, and 10: "Sections 5, 6, and 10 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect July 1, 2005." [2005 c 295 § 14.]

Findings -- 2005 c 295: See note following RCW 70.120A.010.







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70.94.025
Pollution control hearings board of the state of Washington as affecting chapter 70.94 RCW.
See chapter 43.21B RCW.






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70.94.030
Definitions.
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Air contaminant" means dust, fumes, mist, smoke, other particulate matter, vapor, gas, odorous substance, or any combination thereof.

(2) "Air pollution" is presence in the outdoor atmosphere of one or more air contaminants in sufficient quantities and of such characteristics and duration as is, or is likely to be, injurious to human health, plant or animal life, or property, or which unreasonably interfere with enjoyment of life and property. For the purpose of this chapter, air pollution shall not include air contaminants emitted in compliance with chapter 17.21 RCW.

(3) "Air quality standard" means an established concentration, exposure time, and frequency of occurrence of an air contaminant or multiple contaminants in the ambient air which shall not be exceeded.

(4) "Ambient air" means the surrounding outside air.

(5) "Authority" means any air pollution control agency whose jurisdictional boundaries are coextensive with the boundaries of one or more counties.

(6) "Best available control technology" (BACT) means an emission limitation based on the maximum degree of reduction for each air pollutant subject to regulation under this chapter emitted from or that results from any new or modified stationary source, that the permitting authority, on a case-by-case basis, taking into account energy, environmental, and economic impacts and other costs, determines is achievable for such a source or modification through application of production processes and available methods, systems, and techniques, including fuel cleaning, clean fuels, or treatment or innovative fuel combustion techniques for control of each such a pollutant. In no event shall application of "best available control technology" result in emissions of any pollutants that will exceed the emissions allowed by any applicable standard under 40 C.F.R. Part 60 and Part 61, as they exist on July 25, 1993, or their later enactments as adopted by reference by the director by rule. Emissions from any source utilizing clean fuels, or any other means, to comply with this subsection shall not be allowed to increase above levels that would have been required under the definition of BACT as it existed prior to enactment of the federal clean air act amendments of 1990.

(7) "Best available retrofit technology" (BART) means an emission limitation based on the degree of reduction achievable through the application of the best system of continuous emission reduction for each pollutant that is emitted by an existing stationary facility. The emission limitation must be established, on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the technology available, the costs of compliance, the energy and nonair quality environmental impacts of compliance, any pollution control equipment in use or in existence at the source, the remaining useful life of the source, and the degree of improvement in visibility that might reasonably be anticipated to result from the use of the technology.

(8) "Board" means the board of directors of an authority.

(9) "Control officer" means the air pollution control officer of any authority.

(10) "Department" or "ecology" means the department of ecology.

(11) "Emission" means a release of air contaminants into the ambient air.

(12) "Emission standard" and "emission limitation" mean a requirement established under the federal clean air act or this chapter that limits the quantity, rate, or concentration of emissions of air contaminants on a continuous basis, including any requirement relating to the operation or maintenance of a source to assure continuous emission reduction, and any design, equipment, work practice, or operational standard adopted under the federal clean air act or this chapter.

(13) "Fine particulate" means particulates with a diameter of two and one-half microns and smaller.

(14) "Lowest achievable emission rate" (LAER) means for any source that rate of emissions that reflects:

(a) The most stringent emission limitation that is contained in the implementation plan of any state for such class or category of source, unless the owner or operator of the proposed source demonstrates that such limitations are not achievable; or

(b) The most stringent emission limitation that is achieved in practice by such class or category of source, whichever is more stringent.

In no event shall the application of this term permit a proposed new or modified source to emit any pollutant in excess of the amount allowable under applicable new source performance standards.

(15) "Modification" means any physical change in, or change in the method of operation of, a stationary source that increases the amount of any air contaminant emitted by such source or that results in the emission of any air contaminant not previously emitted. The term modification shall be construed consistent with the definition of modification in Section 7411, Title 42, United States Code, and with rules implementing that section.

(16) "Multicounty authority" means an authority which consists of two or more counties.

(17) "New source" means (a) the construction or modification of a stationary source that increases the amount of any air contaminant emitted by such source or that results in the emission of any air contaminant not previously emitted, and (b) any other project that constitutes a new source under the federal clean air act.

(18) "Permit program source" means a source required to apply for or to maintain an operating permit under RCW 70.94.161.

(19) "Person" means an individual, firm, public or private corporation, association, partnership, political subdivision of the state, municipality, or governmental agency.

(20) "Reasonably available control technology" (RACT) means the lowest emission limit that a particular source or source category is capable of meeting by the application of control technology that is reasonably available considering technological and economic feasibility. RACT is determined on a case-by-case basis for an individual source or source category taking into account the impact of the source upon air quality, the availability of additional controls, the emission reduction to be achieved by additional controls, the impact of additional controls on air quality, and the capital and operating costs of the additional controls. RACT requirements for a source or source category shall be adopted only after notice and opportunity for comment are afforded.

(21) "Silvicultural burning" means burning of wood fiber on forest land consistent with the provisions of RCW 70.94.660.

(22) "Source" means all of the emissions units including quantifiable fugitive emissions, that are located on one or more contiguous or adjacent properties, and are under the control of the same person, or persons under common control, whose activities are ancillary to the production of a single product or functionally related group of products.

(23) "Stationary source" means any building, structure, facility, or installation that emits or may emit any air contaminant.

(24) "Trigger level" means the ambient level of fine particulates, measured in micrograms per cubic meter, that must be detected prior to initiating a first or second stage of impaired air quality under RCW 70.94.473.


[2005 c 197 § 2; 1993 c 252 § 2; 1991 c 199 § 103; 1987 c 109 § 33; 1979 c 141 § 119; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 2; 1967 ex.s. c 61 § 1; 1967 c 238 § 2; 1957 c 232 § 3.]

Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.

Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.







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70.94.033
Environmental excellence program agreements — Effect on chapter.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any legal requirement under this chapter, including any standard, limitation, rule, or order is superseded and replaced in accordance with the terms and provisions of an environmental excellence program agreement, entered into under chapter 43.21K RCW.


[1997 c 381 § 21.]

Notes: Purpose -- 1997 c 381: See RCW 43.21K.005.






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70.94.035
Technical assistance program for regulated community.
The department shall establish a technical assistance unit within its air quality program, consistent with the federal clean air act, to provide the regulated community, especially small businesses with:

(1) Information on air pollution laws, rules, compliance methods, and technologies;

(2) Information on air pollution prevention methods and technologies, and prevention of accidental releases;

(3) Assistance in obtaining permits and developing emission reduction plans;

(4) Information on the health and environmental effects of air pollution.

No representatives of the department designated as part of the technical assistance unit created in this section may have any enforcement authority. Staff of the technical assistance unit who provide on-site consultation at an industrial or commercial facility and who observe violations of air quality rules shall immediately inform the owner or operator of the facility of such violations. On-site consultation visits shall not be regarded as an inspection or investigation and no notices or citations may be issued or civil penalties assessed during such a visit. However, violations shall be reported to the appropriate enforcement agency and the facility owner or operator shall be notified that the violations will be reported. No enforcement action shall be taken by the enforcement agency for violations reported by technical assistance unit staff unless and until the facility owner or operator has been provided reasonable time to correct the violation. Violations that place any person in imminent danger of death or substantial bodily harm or cause physical damage to the property of another in an amount exceeding one thousand dollars may result in immediate enforcement action by the appropriate enforcement agency.


[1991 c 199 § 308.]

Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.






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70.94.037
Transportation activities — "Conformity" determination requirements.
In areas subject to a state implementation plan, no state agency, metropolitan planning organization, or local government shall approve or fund a transportation plan, program, or project within or that affects a nonattainment area unless a determination has been made that the plan, program, or project conforms with the state implementation plan for air quality as required by the federal clean air act.

Conformity determination shall be made by the state or local government or metropolitan planning organization administering or developing the plan, program, or project.

No later than eighteen months after May 15, 1991, the director of the department of ecology and the secretary of transportation, in consultation with other state, regional, and local agencies as appropriate, shall adopt by rule criteria and guidance for demonstrating and assuring conformity of plans, programs, and projects that are wholly or partially federally funded.

A project with a scope that is limited to preservation or maintenance, or both, shall be exempted from a conformity determination requirement.


[1991 c 199 § 219.]

Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.






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70.94.040
Causing or permitting air pollution unlawful — Exception.
Except where specified in a variance permit, as provided in RCW 70.94.181, it shall be unlawful for any person to cause air pollution or permit it to be caused in violation of this chapter, or of any ordinance, resolution, rule or regulation validly promulgated hereunder.


[1980 c 175 § 2; 1967 c 238 § 3; 1957 c 232 § 4.]




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70.94.041
Exception — Burning wood at historic structure.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, any building or structure listed on the national register of historic sites, structures, or buildings established pursuant to 80 Stat. 915, 16 U.S.C. Sec. 470a, or on the state register established pursuant to RCW 27.34.220, shall be permitted to burn wood as it would have when it was a functioning facility as an authorized exception to the provisions of this chapter. Such burning of wood shall not be exempted from the provisions of RCW 70.94.710 through 70.94.730.


[1991 c 199 § 506; 1983 c 3 § 175; 1977 ex.s. c 38 § 1.]

Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.






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70.94.053
Air pollution control authorities created — Activated authorities, composition, meetings — Delineation of air pollution regions, considerations.
(1) In each county of the state there is hereby created an air pollution control authority, which shall bear the name of the county within which it is located. The boundaries of each authority shall be coextensive with the boundaries of the county within which it is located. An authority shall include all incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county within which it is located.

(2) Except as provided in RCW 70.94.262, all authorities which are presently activated authorities shall carry out the duties and exercise the powers provided in this chapter. Those activated authorities which encompass contiguous counties are declared to be and directed to function as a multicounty authority.

(3) All other air pollution control authorities are hereby designated as inactive authorities.

(4) The boards of those authorities designated as activated authorities by this chapter shall be comprised of such individuals as is provided in RCW 70.94.100.


[1995 c 135 § 5. Prior: 1991 c 363 § 143; 1991 c 199 § 701; 1991 c 125 § 1; prior: 1987 c 505 § 60; 1987 c 109 § 34; 1979 c 141 § 120; 1967 c 238 § 4.]

Notes: Intent -- 1995 c 135: See note following RCW 29A.08.760.

Purpose -- Captions not law -- 1991 c 363: See notes following RCW 2.32.180.


Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.


Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.







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70.94.055
Air pollution control authority may be activated by counties, when.
The legislative authority of any county may activate an air pollution control authority following a public hearing on its own motion, or upon a filing of a petition signed by one hundred property owners within the county. If the county legislative authority determines as a result of the public hearing that:

(1) Air pollution exists or is likely to occur; and

(2) The city or town ordinances, or county resolutions, or their enforcement, are inadequate to prevent or control air pollution,

it may by resolution activate an air pollution control authority or combine with a contiguous county or counties to form a multicounty air pollution control authority.


[1995 c 135 § 6. Prior: 1991 c 363 § 144; 1991 c 199 § 702; 1967 c 238 § 5.]

Notes: Intent -- 1995 c 135: See note following RCW 29A.08.760.

Purpose -- Captions not law -- 1991 c 363: See notes following RCW 2.32.180.


Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.







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70.94.057
Multicounty authority may be formed by contiguous counties — Name.
The boards of county commissioners of two or more contiguous counties may, by joint resolution, combine to form a multicounty air pollution control authority. Boundaries of such authority shall be coextensive with the boundaries of the counties forming the authority.

The name of the multicounty authority shall bear the names of the counties making up such multicounty authority or a name adopted by the board of such multicounty authority.


[1967 c 238 § 6.]




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70.94.068
Merger of active and inactive authorities to form multicounty or regional authority — Procedure.
The respective boards of county commissioners of two or more contiguous counties may merge any combination of their several inactive or activated authorities to form one activated multicounty authority. Upon a determination that the purposes of this chapter will be served by such merger, each board of county commissioners may adopt the resolution providing for such merger. Such resolution shall become effective only when a similar resolution is adopted by the other contiguous county or counties comprising the proposed authority. The boundaries of such authority shall be coextensive with the boundaries of the counties within which it is located.


[1969 ex.s. c 168 § 3; 1967 c 238 § 11.]




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70.94.069
Merger of active and inactive authorities to form multicounty or regional authority — Reorganization of board of directors — Rules and regulations.
Whenever there occurs a merger of an inactive authority with an activated authority or authorities, or of two activated authorities to form a multicounty authority, the board of directors shall be reorganized as provided in RCW 70.94.100, 70.94.110, and 70.94.120.

In the case of the merger of two or more activated authorities the rules and regulations of each authority shall continue in effect and shall be enforced within the jurisdiction of each until such time as the board of directors adopts rules and regulations applicable to the newly formed multicounty authority.

In the case of the merger of an inactive authority with an activated authority or authorities, upon approval of such merger by the board or boards of county commissioners of the county or counties comprising the existing activated authority or authorities, the rules and regulations of the activated authority or authorities shall remain in effect until superseded by the rules and regulations of the multicounty authority as provided in RCW 70.94.230.


[1969 ex.s. c 168 § 4; 1967 c 238 § 12.]




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70.94.070
Resolutions activating authorities — Contents — Filings — Effective date of operation.
The resolution or resolutions activating an air pollution authority shall specify the name of the authority and participating political bodies; the authority's principal place of business; the territory included within it; and the effective date upon which such authority shall begin to transact business and exercise its powers. In addition, such resolution or resolutions may specify the amount of money to be contributed annually by each political subdivision, or a method of dividing expenses of the air pollution control program. Upon the adoption of a resolution or resolutions calling for the activation of an authority or the merger of an inactive or activated authority or several activated authorities to form a multicounty authority, the governing body of each shall cause a certified copy of each such ordinance or resolution to be filed in the office of the secretary of state of the state of Washington. From and after the date of filing with the secretary of state a certified copy of each such resolution, or resolutions, or the date specified in such resolution or resolutions, whichever is later, the authority may begin to function and may exercise its powers.

Any authority activated by the provisions of this chapter shall cause a certified copy of all information required by this section to be filed in the office of the secretary of state of the state of Washington.


[1969 ex.s. c 168 § 5; 1967 c 238 § 13; 1957 c 232 § 7.]




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70.94.081
Powers and duties of authorities.
An activated authority shall be deemed a municipal corporation; have right to perpetual succession; adopt and use a seal; may sue and be sued in the name of the authority in all courts and in all proceedings; and, may receive, account for, and disburse funds, employ personnel, and acquire or dispose of any interest in real or personal property within or without the authority in the furtherance of its purposes.


[1969 ex.s. c 168 § 6; 1967 c 238 § 14.]




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70.94.085
Cost-reimbursement agreements.
(1) An authority may enter into a written cost-reimbursement agreement with a permit applicant to recover from the applicant the reasonable costs incurred by the authority in carrying out the requirements of this chapter, as well as the requirements of other relevant laws, as they relate to permit coordination, environmental review, application review, technical studies, and permit processing. The cost-reimbursement agreement shall identify the specific tasks, costs, and schedule for work to be conducted under the agreement.

(2) The written cost-reimbursement agreement shall be negotiated with the permit applicant. Under the provisions of a cost-reimbursement agreement, funds from the applicant shall be used by the air pollution control authority to contract with an independent consultant to carry out the work covered by the cost-reimbursement agreement. The air pollution control authority may also use funds provided under a cost-reimbursement agreement to assign current staff to review the work of the consultant, to provide necessary technical assistance when an independent consultant with comparable technical skills is unavailable, and to recover reasonable and necessary direct and indirect costs that arise from processing the permit. The air pollution control authority shall, in developing the agreement, ensure that final decisions that involve policy matters are made by the agency and not by the consultant. The air pollution control authority shall make an estimate of the number of permanent staff hours to process the permits, and shall contract with consultants to replace the time and functions committed by these permanent staff to the project. The billing process shall provide for accurate time and cost accounting and may include a billing cycle that provides for progress payments. Use of cost-reimbursement agreements shall not reduce the current level of staff available to work on permits not covered by cost-reimbursement agreements. The air pollution control authority may not use any funds under a cost-reimbursement agreement to replace or supplant existing funding. The provisions of chapter 42.52 RCW apply to any cost-reimbursement agreement, and to any person hired as a result of a cost-reimbursement agreement. Members of the air pollution control authority's board of directors shall be considered as state officers, and employees of the air pollution control authority shall be considered as state employees, for the sole purpose of applying the restrictions of chapter 42.52 RCW to this section.

(3) An air pollution control authority may not enter into any new cost-reimbursement agreements on or after July 1, 2007. The authority may continue to administer any cost-reimbursement agreement that was entered into before July 1, 2007, until the project is completed.


[2003 c 70 § 5; 2000 c 251 § 6.]

Notes: Intent -- Captions not law -- Effective date -- 2000 c 251: See notes following RCW 43.21A.690.






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70.94.091
Excess tax levy authorized — Election, procedure, expense.
An activated authority shall have the power to levy additional taxes in excess of the constitutional and/or statutory tax limitations for any of the authorized purposes of such activated authority, not in excess of twenty-five cents per thousand dollars of assessed value a year when authorized so to do by the electors of such authority by a three-fifths majority of those voting on the proposition at a special election, to be held in the year in which the levy is made, in the manner set forth in Article VII, section 2 (a) of the Constitution of this state, as amended by Amendment 59 and as thereafter amended. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent holding the foregoing special election at the same time as that fixed for a general election. The expense of all special elections held pursuant to this section shall be paid by the authority.


[1973 1st ex.s. c 195 § 84; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 7; 1967 c 238 § 15.]

Notes: Severability -- Effective dates and termination dates -- Construction -- 1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.






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70.94.092
Air pollution control authority — Fiscal year — Adoption of budget — Contents.
Notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 1.16.030, the budget year of each activated authority shall be the fiscal year beginning July 1st and ending on the following June 30th. On or before the fourth Monday in June of each year, each activated authority shall adopt a budget for the following fiscal year. The activated authority budget shall contain adequate funding and provide for staff sufficient to carry out the provisions of all applicable ordinances, resolutions, and local regulations related to the reduction, prevention, and control of air pollution. The legislature acknowledges the need for the state to provide reasonable funding to local authorities to carry out the requirements of this chapter. The budget shall contain an estimate of all revenues to be collected during the following budget year, including any surplus funds remaining unexpended from the preceding year. The remaining funds required to meet budget expenditures, if any, shall be designated as "supplemental income" and shall be obtained from the component cities, towns, and counties in the manner provided in this chapter. The affirmative vote of three-fourths of all members of the board shall be required to authorize emergency expenditures.


[1991 c 199 § 703; 1975 1st ex.s. c 106 § 1; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 8; 1967 c 238 § 16.]

Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.






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70.94.093
Methods for determining proportion of supplemental income to be paid by component cities, towns and counties — Payment.
(1) Each component city or town shall pay such proportion of the supplemental income to the authority as determined by either one of the following prescribed methods or by a combination of fifty percent of one and fifty percent of the other as provided in subsection (1)(c) of this section:

(a) Each component city or town shall pay such proportion of the supplemental income as the assessed valuation of property within its limits bears to the total assessed valuation of taxable property within the activated authority.

(b) Each component city or town shall pay such proportion of the supplemental income as the total population of such city or town bears to the total population of the activated authority. The population of the city or town shall be determined by the most recent census, estimate or survey by the federal bureau of census or any state board or commission authorized to make such a census, estimate or survey.

(c) A combination of the methods prescribed in (a) and (b) of this subsection: PROVIDED, That such combination shall be of fifty percent of the method prescribed in (a) of this subsection and fifty percent of the method prescribed in (b) of this subsection.

(2) Each component county shall pay such proportion of such supplemental income to the authority as determined by either one of the following prescribed methods or by a combination of fifty percent of one and fifty percent of the other as prescribed in subsection (2)(c) of this section:

(a) Each component county shall pay such proportion of such supplemental income as the assessed valuation of the property within the unincorporated area of such county lying within the activated authority bears to the total assessed valuation of taxable property within the activated authority.

(b) Each component county shall pay such proportion of the supplemental income as the total population of the unincorporated area of such county bears to the total population of the activated authority. The population of the county shall be determined by the most recent census, estimate or survey by the federal bureau of census or any state board or commission authorized to make such a census, estimate or survey.

(c) A combination of the methods prescribed in (a) and (b) of this subsection: PROVIDED, That such combination shall be of fifty percent of the method prescribed in (a) of this subsection and fifty percent of the method prescribed in (b) of this subsection.

(3) In making such determination of the assessed valuation of property in the component cities, towns and counties, the board shall use the last available assessed valuations. The board shall certify to each component city, town and county, prior to the fourth Monday in June of each year, the share of the supplemental income to be paid by such component city, town or county for the next calendar year. The latter shall then include such amount in its budget for the ensuing calendar year, and during such year shall pay to the activated authority, in equal quarterly installments, the amount of its supplemental share.


[1969 ex.s. c 168 § 9; 1967 c 238 § 17.]




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70.94.094
Designation of authority treasurer and auditor — Duties.
The treasurer of each component city, town or county shall create a separate fund into which shall be paid all money collected from taxes or from any other available sources, levied by or obtained for the activated authority on property or on any other available sources in such city, town or county and such money shall be forwarded quarterly by the treasurer of each such city, town or county to the treasurer of the county designated by the board as the authority treasurer. The treasurer of the county so designated to serve as treasurer of the authority shall establish and maintain such funds as may be authorized by the board. Money shall be disbursed from such funds upon warrants drawn by the auditor of the county designated by the board as the authority auditor as authorized by the board. The respective county shall be reimbursed by the board for services rendered by the treasurer and auditor of the respective county in connection with the receipt and disbursement of such funds.


[1969 ex.s. c 168 § 10; 1967 c 238 § 18.]




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70.94.095
Assessed valuation of taxable property, certification by county assessors.
It shall be the duty of the assessor of each component county to certify annually to the board the aggregate assessed valuation of all taxable property in all incorporated and unincorporated areas situated in any activated authority as the same appears from the last assessment roll of his county.


[1969 ex.s. c 168 § 11; 1967 c 238 § 19.]




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70.94.096
Authorization to borrow money.
An activated authority shall have the power when authorized by a majority of all members of the board to borrow money from any component city, town or county and such cities, towns and counties are hereby authorized to make such loans or advances on such terms as may be mutually agreed upon by the board and the legislative bodies of any such component city, town or county to provide funds to carry out the purposes of the activated authority.


[1969 ex.s. c 168 § 12; 1967 c 238 § 20.]




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70.94.097
Special air pollution studies — Contracts for conduct of.
In addition to paying its share of the supplemental income of the activated authority, each component city, town, or county shall have the power to contract with such authority and expend funds for the conduct of special studies, investigations, plans, research, advice, or consultation relating to air pollution and its causes, effects, prevention, abatement, and control as such may affect any area within the boundaries of the component city, town, or county, and which could not be performed by the authority with funds otherwise available to it. Any component city, town or county which contracts for the conduct of such special air pollution studies, investigations, plans, research, advice or consultation with any entity other than the activated authority shall require that such an entity consult with the activated authority.


[1975 1st ex.s. c 106 § 2.]




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70.94.100
Air pollution control authority — Board of directors — Composition — Term.
(1) The governing body of each authority shall be known as the board of directors.

(2) In the case of an authority comprised of one county the board shall be comprised of two appointees of the city selection committee, at least one of whom shall represent the city having the most population in the county, and two representatives to be designated by the board of county commissioners. In the case of an authority comprised of two, three, four, or five counties, the board shall be comprised of one appointee from each county, who shall represent the city having the most population in such county, to be designated by the mayor and city council of such city, and one representative from each county to be designated by the board of county commissioners of each county making up the authority. In the case of an authority comprised of six or more counties, the board shall be comprised of one representative from each county to be designated by the board of county commissioners of each county making up the authority, and three appointees, one each from the three largest cities within the local authority's jurisdiction to be appointed by the mayor and city council of such city.

(3) If the board of an authority otherwise would consist of an even number, the members selected as above provided shall agree upon and elect an additional member who shall be either a member of the governing body of one of the towns, cities or counties comprising the authority, or a private citizen residing in the authority.

(4) The terms of office of board members shall be four years.

(5) Wherever a member of a board has a potential conflict of interest in an action before the board, the member shall declare to the board the nature of the potential conflict prior to participating in the action review. The board shall, if the potential conflict of interest, in the judgment of a majority of the board, may prevent the member from a fair and objective review of the case, remove the member from participation in the action.


[1991 c 199 § 704; 1989 c 150 § 1; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 13; 1967 c 238 § 21; 1957 c 232 § 10.]

Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.






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70.94.110
City selection committees.
There shall be a separate and distinct city selection committee for each county making up an authority. The membership of such committee shall consist of the mayor of each incorporated city and town within such county. A majority of the members of each city selection committee shall constitute a quorum.


[1967 c 238 § 22; 1963 c 27 § 1; 1957 c 232 § 11.]




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70.94.120
City selection committees — Meetings, notice, recording officer — Alternative mail balloting — Notice.
(1) The city selection committee of each county which is included within an authority shall meet within one month after the activation of such authority for the purpose of making its initial appointments to the board of such authority and thereafter whenever necessary for the purpose of making succeeding appointments. All meetings shall be held upon at least two weeks written notice given by the county auditor to each member of the city selection committee of each county and he shall give such notice upon request of any member of such committee. A similar notice shall be given to the general public by a publication of such notice in a newspaper of general circulation in such authority. The county auditor shall act as recording officer, maintain its records and give appropriate notice of its proceedings and actions.

(2) As an alternative to meeting in accordance with subsection (1) of this section, the county auditor may mail ballots by certified mail to the members of the city selection committee, specifying a date by which to complete the ballot, and a date by which to return the completed ballot. Each mayor who chooses to participate in the balloting shall write in the choice for appointment, sign the ballot, and return the ballot to the county auditor. Each completed ballot shall be date-stamped upon receipt by the mayor or staff of the mayor of the city or town. The timely return of completed ballots by a majority of the members of each city selection committee constitutes a quorum and the common choice by a majority of the quorum constitutes a valid appointment. (continued)