Loading (50 kb)...'
(continued)
(3) Balloting shall be preceded by at least two weeks' written notice, given by the county auditor to each member of the city selection committee. A similar notice shall be given to the general public by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the authority.
[1995 c 261 § 2; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 14; 1967 c 238 § 23; 1957 c 232 § 12.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.130
Air pollution control authority — Board of directors — Powers, quorum, officers, compensation.
The board shall exercise all powers of the authority except as otherwise provided. The board shall conduct its first meeting within thirty days after all of its members have been appointed or designated as provided in RCW 70.94.100. The board shall meet at least ten times per year. All meetings shall be publicly announced prior to their occurrence. All meetings shall be open to the public. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and shall be necessary for any action taken by the board. The board shall elect from its members a chair and such other officers as may be necessary. Any member of the board may designate a regular alternate to serve on the board in his or her place with the same authority as the member when he or she is unable to attend. In no event may a regular alternate serve as the permanent chair. Each member of the board, or his or her representative, shall receive from the authority compensation consistent with such authority's rates (but not to exceed one thousand dollars per year) for time spent in the performance of duties under this chapter, plus the actual and necessary expenses incurred by the member in such performance. The board may appoint a control officer, and any other personnel, and shall determine their salaries, and pay same, together with any other proper indebtedness, from authority funds.
[1998 c 342 § 1; 1991 c 199 § 705; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 15; 1967 c 238 § 24; 1957 c 232 § 13.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.141
Air pollution control authority — Powers and duties of activated authority.
The board of any activated authority in addition to any other powers vested in them by law, shall have power to:
(1) Adopt, amend and repeal its own rules and regulations, implementing this chapter and consistent with it, after consideration at a public hearing held in accordance with chapter 42.30 RCW. Rules and regulations shall also be adopted in accordance with the notice and adoption procedures set forth in RCW 34.05.320, those provisions of RCW 34.05.325 that are not in conflict with chapter 42.30 RCW, and with the procedures of RCW 34.05.340, *34.05.355 through 34.05.380, and with chapter 34.08 RCW, except that rules shall not be published in the Washington Administrative Code. Judicial review of rules adopted by an authority shall be in accordance with Part V of chapter 34.05 RCW. An air pollution control authority shall not be deemed to be a state agency.
(2) Hold hearings relating to any aspect of or matter in the administration of this chapter not prohibited by the provisions of chapter 62, Laws of 1970 ex. sess. and in connection therewith issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence, administer oaths and take the testimony of any person under oath.
(3) Issue such orders as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter and enforce the same by all appropriate administrative and judicial proceedings subject to the rights of appeal as provided in chapter 62, Laws of 1970 ex. sess.
(4) Require access to records, books, files and other information specific to the control, recovery or release of air contaminants into the atmosphere.
(5) Secure necessary scientific, technical, administrative and operational services, including laboratory facilities, by contract or otherwise.
(6) Prepare and develop a comprehensive plan or plans for the prevention, abatement and control of air pollution within its jurisdiction.
(7) Encourage voluntary cooperation by persons or affected groups to achieve the purposes of this chapter.
(8) Encourage and conduct studies, investigation and research relating to air pollution and its causes, effects, prevention, abatement and control.
(9) Collect and disseminate information and conduct educational and training programs relating to air pollution.
(10) Advise, consult, cooperate and contract with agencies and departments and the educational institutions of the state, other political subdivisions, industries, other states, interstate or interlocal agencies, and the United States government, and with interested persons or groups.
(11) Consult, upon request, with any person proposing to construct, install, or otherwise acquire an air contaminant source or device or system for the control thereof, concerning the efficacy of such device or system, or the air pollution problems which may be related to the source, device or system. Nothing in any such consultation shall be construed to relieve any person from compliance with this chapter, ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations in force pursuant thereto, or any other provision of law.
(12) Accept, receive, disburse and administer grants or other funds or gifts from any source, including public and private agencies and the United States government for the purpose of carrying out any of the functions of this chapter.
[1991 c 199 § 706; 1970 ex.s. c 62 § 56; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 16; 1967 c 238 § 25.]
Notes: *Reviser's note: RCW 34.05.355 was repealed by 1995 c 403 § 305.
Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
Savings -- Effective date -- Severability -- 1970 ex.s. c 62: See notes following RCW 43.21A.010.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.142
Subpoena powers — Witnesses, expenses and mileage — Rules and regulations.
In connection with the subpoena powers given in RCW 70.94.141(2):
(1) In any hearing held under RCW 70.94.181 and 70.94.221, the board or the department, and their authorized agents:
(a) Shall issue a subpoena upon the request of any party and, to the extent required by rule or regulation, upon a statement or showing of general relevance and reasonable scope of the evidence sought;
(b) May issue a subpoena upon their own motion.
(2) The subpoena powers given in RCW 70.94.141(2) shall be statewide in effect.
(3) Witnesses appearing under the compulsion of a subpoena in a hearing before the board or the department shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are provided for witnesses in the courts of this state. Such fees and mileage, and the cost of duplicating records required to be produced by subpoena issued upon the motion of the board or department, shall be paid by the board or department. Such fees and mileage, and the cost of producing records required to be produced by subpoena issued upon the request of a party, shall be paid by that party.
(4) If an individual fails to obey the subpoena, or obeys the subpoena but refuses to testify when required concerning any matter under examination or investigation or the subject of the hearing, the board or department shall file its written report thereof and proof of service of its subpoena, in any court of competent jurisdiction in the county where the examination, hearing or investigation is being conducted. Thereupon, the court shall forthwith cause the individual to be brought before it and, upon being satisfied that the subpoena is within the jurisdiction of the board or department and otherwise in accordance with law, shall punish him as if the failure or refusal related to a subpoena from or testimony in that court.
(5) The department may make such rules and regulations as to the issuance of its own subpoenas as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter.
[1987 c 109 § 35; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 17; 1967 c 238 § 26.]
Notes: Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.143
Federal aid.
Any authority exercising the powers and duties prescribed in this chapter may make application for, receive, administer, and expend any federal aid, under federal legislation from any agency of the federal government, for the prevention and control of air pollution or the development and administration of programs related to air pollution control and prevention, as permitted by RCW 70.94.141(12): PROVIDED, That any such application shall be submitted to and approved by the department. The department shall adopt rules and regulations establishing standards for such approval and shall approve any such application, if it is consistent with this chapter, and any other applicable requirements of law.
[1987 c 109 § 36; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 18; 1967 c 238 § 27.]
Notes: Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.151
Classification of air contaminant sources — Registration — Fee — Registration program defined.
(1) The board of any activated authority or the department, may classify air contaminant sources, by ordinance, resolution, rule or regulation, which in its judgment may cause or contribute to air pollution, according to levels and types of emissions and other characteristics which cause or contribute to air pollution, and may require registration or reporting or both for any such class or classes. Classifications made pursuant to this section may be for application to the area of jurisdiction of such authority, or the state as a whole or to any designated area within the jurisdiction, and shall be made with special reference to effects on health, economic and social factors, and physical effects on property.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, any person operating or responsible for the operation of air contaminant sources of any class for which the ordinances, resolutions, rules or regulations of the department or board of the authority, require registration and reporting shall register therewith and make reports containing information as may be required by such department or board concerning location, size and height of contaminant outlets, processes employed, nature of the contaminant emission and such other information as is relevant to air pollution and available or reasonably capable of being assembled. The department or board may require that such registration be accompanied by a fee and may determine the amount of such fee for such class or classes: PROVIDED, That the amount of the fee shall only be to compensate for the costs of administering such registration program which shall be defined as initial registration and annual or other periodic reports from the source owner providing information directly related to air pollution registration, on-site inspections necessary to verify compliance with registration requirements, data storage and retrieval systems necessary for support of the registration program, emission inventory reports and emission reduction credits computed from information provided by sources pursuant to registration program requirements, staff review, including engineering analysis for accuracy and currentness, of information provided by sources pursuant to registration program requirements, clerical and other office support provided in direct furtherance of the registration program, and administrative support provided in directly carrying out the registration program: PROVIDED FURTHER, That any such registration made with either the board or the department shall preclude a further registration with any other board or the department.
All registration program fees collected by the department shall be deposited in the air pollution control account. All registration program fees collected by the local air authorities shall be deposited in their respective treasuries.
(3) If a registration or report has been filed for a grain warehouse or grain elevator as required under this section, registration, reporting, or a registration program fee shall not, after January 1, 1997, again be required under this section for the warehouse or elevator unless the capacity of the warehouse or elevator as listed as part of the license issued for the facility has been increased since the date the registration or reporting was last made. If the capacity of the warehouse or elevator listed as part of the license is increased, any registration or reporting required for the warehouse or elevator under this section must be made by the date the warehouse or elevator receives grain from the first harvest season that occurs after the increase in its capacity is listed in the license.
This subsection does not apply to a grain warehouse or grain elevator if the warehouse or elevator handles more than ten million bushels of grain annually.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (3) of this section:
(a) A "grain warehouse" or "grain elevator" is an establishment classified in standard industrial classification (SIC) code 5153 for wholesale trade for which a license is required and includes, but is not limited to, such a licensed facility that also conducts cleaning operations for grain;
(b) A "license" is a license issued by the department of agriculture licensing a facility as a grain warehouse or grain elevator under chapter 22.09 RCW or a license issued by the federal government licensing a facility as a grain warehouse or grain elevator for purposes similar to those of licensure for the facility under chapter 22.09 RCW; and
(c) "Grain" means a grain or a pulse.
[2005 c 138 § 1; 1997 c 410 § 1; 1993 c 252 § 3; 1987 c 109 § 37; 1984 c 88 § 2; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 19; 1967 c 238 § 28.]
Notes: Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.152
Notice may be required of construction of proposed new contaminant source — Submission of plans — Approval, disapproval — Emission control — "De minimis new sources" defined.
(1) The department of ecology or board of any authority may require notice of the establishment of any proposed new sources except single family and duplex dwellings or de minimis new sources as defined in rules adopted under subsection (11) of this section. The department of ecology or board may require such notice to be accompanied by a fee and determine the amount of such fee: PROVIDED, That the amount of the fee may not exceed the cost of reviewing the plans, specifications, and other information and administering such notice: PROVIDED FURTHER, That any such notice given or notice of construction application submitted to either the board or to the department of ecology shall preclude a further submittal of a duplicate application to any board or to the department of ecology.
(2) The department shall, after opportunity for public review and comment, adopt rules that establish a workload-driven process for determination and review of the fee covering the direct and indirect costs of processing a notice of construction application and a methodology for tracking revenues and expenditures. All new source fees collected by the delegated local air authorities from sources shall be deposited in the dedicated accounts of their respective treasuries. All new source fees collected by the department from sources shall be deposited in the air pollution control account.
(3) Within thirty days of receipt of a notice of construction application, the department of ecology or board may require, as a condition precedent to the establishment of the new source or sources covered thereby, the submission of plans, specifications, and such other information as it deems necessary to determine whether the proposed new source will be in accord with applicable rules and regulations in force under this chapter. If on the basis of plans, specifications, or other information required under this section the department of ecology or board determines that the proposed new source will not be in accord with this chapter or the applicable ordinances, resolutions, rules, and regulations adopted under this chapter, it shall issue an order denying permission to establish the new source. If on the basis of plans, specifications, or other information required under this section, the department of ecology or board determines that the proposed new source will be in accord with this chapter, and the applicable rules and regulations adopted under this chapter, it shall issue an order of approval for the establishment of the new source or sources, which order may provide such conditions as are reasonably necessary to assure the maintenance of compliance with this chapter and the applicable rules and regulations adopted under this chapter. Every order of approval under this chapter must be reviewed prior to issuance by a professional engineer or staff under the supervision of a professional engineer in the employ of the department of ecology or board.
(4) The determination required under subsection (3) of this section shall include a determination of whether the operation of the new air contaminant source at the location proposed will cause any ambient air quality standard to be exceeded.
(5) New source review of a modification shall be limited to the emission unit or units proposed to be modified and the air contaminants whose emissions would increase as a result of the modification.
(6) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the department of ecology or board to require the use of emission control equipment or other equipment, machinery, or devices of any particular type, from any particular supplier, or produced by any particular manufacturer.
(7) Any features, machines, and devices constituting parts of or called for by plans, specifications, or other information submitted pursuant to subsection (1) or (3) of this section shall be maintained and operate in good working order.
(8) The absence of an ordinance, resolution, rule, or regulation, or the failure to issue an order pursuant to this section shall not relieve any person from his or her obligation to comply with applicable emission control requirements or with any other provision of law.
(9) Within thirty days of receipt of a notice of construction application the department of ecology or board shall either notify the applicant in writing that the application is complete or notify the applicant in writing of all additional information necessary to complete the application. Within sixty days of receipt of a complete application the department or board shall either (a) issue a final decision on the application, or (b) for those projects subject to public notice, initiate notice and comment on a proposed decision, followed as promptly as possible by a final decision. A person seeking approval to construct or modify a source that requires an operating permit may elect to integrate review of the operating permit application or amendment required by RCW 70.94.161 and the notice of construction application required by this section. A notice of construction application designated for integrated review shall be processed in accordance with operating permit program procedures and deadlines.
(10) A notice of construction approval required under subsection (3) of this section shall include a determination that the new source will achieve best available control technology. If more stringent controls are required under federal law, the notice of construction shall include a determination that the new source will achieve the more stringent federal requirements. Nothing in this subsection is intended to diminish other state authorities under this chapter.
(11) No person is required to submit a notice of construction or receive approval for a new source that is deemed by the department of ecology or board to have de minimis impact on air quality. The department of ecology shall adopt and periodically update rules identifying categories of de minimis new sources. The department of ecology may identify de minimis new sources by category, size, or emission thresholds.
(12) For purposes of this section, "de minimis new sources" means new sources with trivial levels of emissions that do not pose a threat to human health or the environment.
[1996 c 67 § 1; 1996 c 29 § 1; 1993 c 252 § 4; 1991 c 199 § 302; 1973 1st ex.s. c 193 § 2; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 20; 1967 c 238 § 29.]
Notes: Reviser's note: This section was amended by 1996 c 29 § 1 and by 1996 c 67 § 1, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
Use of emission credits to be consistent with new source review program: RCW 70.94.850.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.153
Existing stationary source — Replacement or substantial alteration of emission control technology.
Any person proposing to replace or substantially alter the emission control technology installed on an existing stationary source emission unit shall file a notice of construction application with the jurisdictional permitting authority. For projects not otherwise reviewable under RCW 70.94.152, the permitting authority may (1) require that the owner or operator employ reasonably available control technology for the affected emission unit and (2) may prescribe reasonable operation and maintenance conditions for the control equipment. Within thirty days of receipt of an application for notice of construction under this section the permitting authority shall either notify the applicant in writing that the application is complete or notify the applicant in writing of all additional information necessary to complete the application. Within thirty days of receipt of a complete application the permitting authority shall either issue an order of approval or a proposed RACT determination for the proposed project. Construction shall not commence on a project subject to review under this section until the permitting authority issues a final order of approval. However, any notice of construction application filed under this section shall be deemed to be approved without conditions if the permitting authority takes no action within thirty days of receipt of a complete application for a notice of construction.
[1991 c 199 § 303.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.154
RACT requirements.
(1) RACT as defined in RCW 70.94.030 is required for existing sources except as otherwise provided in RCW 70.94.331(9).
(2) RACT for each source category containing three or more sources shall be determined by rule except as provided in subsection (3) of this section.
(3) Source-specific RACT determinations may be performed under any of the following circumstances:
(a) As authorized by RCW 70.94.153;
(b) When required by the federal clean air act;
(c) For sources in source categories containing fewer than three sources;
(d) When an air quality problem, for which the source is a contributor, justifies a source-specific RACT determination prior to development of a categorical RACT rule; or
(e) When a source-specific RACT determination is needed to address either specific air quality problems for which the source is a significant contributor or source-specific economic concerns.
(4) By January 1, 1994, ecology shall develop a list of sources and source categories requiring RACT review and a schedule for conducting that review. Ecology shall review the list and schedule within six months of receiving the initial operating permit applications and at least once every five years thereafter. In developing the list to determine the schedule of RACT review, ecology shall consider emission reductions achievable through the use of new available technologies and the impacts of those incremental reductions on air quality, the remaining useful life of previously installed control equipment, the impact of the source or source category on air quality, the number of years since the last BACT, RACT, or LAER determination for that source and other relevant factors. Prior to finalizing the list and schedule, ecology shall consult with local air authorities, the regulated community, environmental groups, and other interested individuals and organizations. The department and local authorities shall revise RACT requirements, as needed, based on the review conducted under this subsection.
(5) In determining RACT, ecology and local authorities shall utilize the factors set forth in RCW 70.94.030 and shall consider RACT determinations and guidance made by the federal environmental protection agency, other states and local authorities for similar sources, and other relevant factors. In establishing or revising RACT requirements, ecology and local authorities shall address, where practicable, all air contaminants deemed to be of concern for that source or source category.
(6) Emission standards and other requirements contained in rules or regulatory orders in effect at the time of operating permit issuance or renewal shall be considered RACT for purposes of permit issuance or renewal. RACT determinations under subsections (2) and (3) of this section shall be incorporated into operating permits as provided in RCW 70.94.161 and rules implementing that section.
(7) The department and local air authorities are authorized to assess and collect a fee to cover the costs of developing, establishing, or reviewing categorical or case-by-case RACT requirements. The fee shall apply to determinations of RACT requirements as defined under this section and RCW 70.94.331(9). The amount of the fee may not exceed the direct and indirect costs of establishing the requirement for the particular source or the pro rata portion of the direct and indirect costs of establishing the requirement for the relevant source category. The department shall, after opportunity for public review and comment, adopt rules that establish a workload-driven process for determination and review of the fee covering the direct and indirect costs of its RACT determinations and a methodology for tracking revenues and expenditures. All such RACT determination fees collected by the delegated local air authorities from sources shall be deposited in the dedicated accounts of their respective treasuries. All such RACT fees collected by the department from sources shall be deposited in the air pollution control account.
[1996 c 29 § 2; 1993 c 252 § 8.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.155
Control of emissions — Bubble concept — Schedules of compliance.
(1) As used in subsection (3) of this section, the term "bubble" means an air pollution control system which permits aggregate measurements of allowable emissions, for a single category of pollutant, for emissions points from a specified emissions-generating facility or facilities. Individual point source emissions levels from such specified facility or facilities may be modified provided that the aggregate limit for the specified sources is not exceeded.
(2) Whenever any regulation relating to emission standards or other requirements for the control of emissions is adopted which provides for compliance with such standards or requirements no later than a specified time after the date of adoption of the regulation, the appropriate activated air pollution control authority or, if there be none, the department of ecology shall, by permit or regulatory order, issue to air contaminant sources subject to the standards or requirements, schedules of compliance setting forth timetables for the achievement of compliance as expeditiously as practicable, but in no case later than the time specified in the regulation. Interim dates in such schedules for the completion of steps of progress toward compliance shall be as enforceable as the final date for full compliance therein.
(3) Wherever requirements necessary for the attainment of air quality standards or, where such standards are not exceeded, for the maintenance of air quality can be achieved through the use of a control program involving the bubble concept, such program may be authorized by a regulatory order or orders or permit issued to the air contaminant source or sources involved. Such order or permit shall only be authorized after the control program involving the bubble concept is accepted by [the] United States environmental protection agency as part of an approved state implementation plan. Any such order or permit provision shall restrict total emissions within the bubble to no more than would otherwise be allowed in the aggregate for all emitting processes covered. The orders or permits provided for by this subsection shall be issued by the department or the authority with jurisdiction. If the bubble involves interjurisdictional approval, concurrence in the total program must be secured from each regulatory entity concerned.
[1991 c 199 § 305; 1981 c 224 § 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 193 § 3.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
Use of emission credits to be consistent with bubble program: RCW 70.94.850.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.157
Preemption of uniform building and fire codes.
The department and local air pollution control authorities shall preempt the application of chapter 9 of the uniform building code and article 80 of the uniform fire code by other state agencies and local governments for the purposes of controlling outdoor air pollution from industrial and commercial sources, except where authorized by chapter 199, Laws of 1991. Actions by other state agencies and local governments under article 80 of the uniform fire code to take immediate action in response to an emission that presents a physical hazard or imminent health hazard are not preempted.
[1991 c 199 § 315.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.161
Operating permits for air contaminant sources — Generally — Fees, report to legislature.
The department of ecology, or board of an authority, shall require renewable permits for the operation of air contaminant sources subject to the following conditions and limitations:
(1) Permits shall be issued for a term of five years. A permit may be modified or amended during its term at the request of the permittee, or for any reason allowed by the federal clean air act. The rules adopted pursuant to subsection (2) of this section shall include rules for permit amendments and modifications. The terms and conditions of a permit shall remain in effect after the permit itself expires if the permittee submits a timely and complete application for permit renewal.
(2)(a) Rules establishing the elements for a statewide operating permit program and the process for permit application and renewal consistent with federal requirements shall be established by the department by January 1, 1993. The rules shall provide that every proposed permit must be reviewed prior to issuance by a professional engineer or staff under the direct supervision of a professional engineer in the employ of the permitting authority. The permit program established by these rules shall be administered by the department and delegated local air authorities. Rules developed under this subsection shall not preclude a delegated local air authority from including in a permit its own more stringent emission standards and operating restrictions.
(b) The board of any local air pollution control authority may apply to the department of ecology for a delegation order authorizing the local authority to administer the operating permit program for sources under that authority's jurisdiction. The department shall, by order, approve such delegation, if the department finds that the local authority has the technical and financial resources, to discharge the responsibilities of a permitting authority under the federal clean air act. A delegation request shall include adequate information about the local authority's resources to enable the department to make the findings required by this subsection; provided, any delegation order issued under this subsection shall take effect ninety days after the environmental protection agency authorizes the local authority to issue operating permits under the federal clean air act.
(c) Except for the authority granted the energy facility site evaluation council to issue permits for the new construction, reconstruction, or enlargement or operation of new energy facilities under chapter 80.50 RCW, the department may exercise the authority, as delegated by the environmental protection agency, to administer Title IV of the federal clean air act as amended and to delegate such administration to local authorities as applicable pursuant to (b) of this subsection.
(3) In establishing technical standards, defined in RCW 70.94.030, the permitting authority shall consider and, if found to be appropriate, give credit for waste reduction within the process.
(4) Operating permits shall apply to all sources (a) where required by the federal clean air act, and (b) for any source that may cause or contribute to air pollution in such quantity as to create a threat to the public health or welfare. Subsection (b) of this subsection is not intended to apply to small businesses except when both of the following limitations are satisfied: (i) The source is in an area exceeding or threatening to exceed federal or state air quality standards; and (ii) the department provides a reasonable justification that requiring a source to have a permit is necessary to meet a federal or state air quality standard, or to prevent exceeding a standard in an area threatening to exceed the standard. For purposes of this subsection "areas threatening to exceed air quality standards" shall mean areas projected by the department to exceed such standards within five years. Prior to identifying threatened areas the department shall hold a public hearing or hearings within the proposed areas.
(5) Sources operated by government agencies are not exempt under this section.
(6) Within one hundred eighty days after the United States environmental protection agency approves the state operating permit program, a person required to have a permit shall submit to the permitting authority a compliance plan and permit application, signed by a responsible official, certifying the accuracy of the information submitted. Until permits are issued, existing sources shall be allowed to operate under presently applicable standards and conditions provided that such sources submit complete and timely permit applications.
(7) All draft permits shall be subject to public notice and comment. The rules adopted pursuant to subsection (2) of this section shall specify procedures for public notice and comment. Such procedures shall provide the permitting agency with an opportunity to respond to comments received from interested parties prior to the time that the proposed permit is submitted to the environmental protection agency for review pursuant to section 505(a) of the federal clean air act. In the event that the environmental protection agency objects to a proposed permit pursuant to section 505(b) of the federal clean air act, the permitting authority shall not issue the permit, unless the permittee consents to the changes required by the environmental protection agency.
(8) The procedures contained in chapter 43.21B RCW shall apply to permit appeals. The pollution control hearings board may stay the effectiveness of any permit issued under this section during the pendency of an appeal filed by the permittee, if the permittee demonstrates that compliance with the permit during the pendency of the appeal would require significant expenditures that would not be necessary in the event that the permittee prevailed on the merits of the appeal.
(9) After the effective date of any permit program promulgated under this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to: (a) Operate a permitted source in violation of any requirement of a permit issued under this section; or (b) fail to submit a permit application at the time required by rules adopted under subsection (2) of this section.
(10) Each air operating permit shall state the origin of and specific legal authority for each requirement included therein. Every requirement in an operating permit shall be based upon the most stringent of the following requirements:
(a) The federal clean air act and rules implementing that act, including provision of the approved state implementation plan;
(b) This chapter and rules adopted thereunder;
(c) In permits issued by a local air pollution control authority, the requirements of any order or regulation adopted by that authority;
(d) Chapter 70.98 RCW and rules adopted thereunder; and
(e) Chapter 80.50 RCW and rules adopted thereunder.
(11) Consistent with the provisions of the federal clean air act, the permitting authority may issue general permits covering categories of permitted sources, and temporary permits authorizing emissions from similar operations at multiple temporary locations.
(12) Permit program sources within the territorial jurisdiction of an authority delegated the operating permit program shall file their permit applications with that authority, except that permit applications for sources regulated on a statewide basis pursuant to RCW 70.94.395 shall be filed with the department. Permit program sources outside the territorial jurisdiction of a delegated authority shall file their applications with the department. Permit program sources subject to chapter 80.50 RCW shall, irrespective of their location, file their applications with the energy facility site evaluation council.
(13) When issuing operating permits to coal fired electric generating plants, the permitting authority shall establish requirements consistent with Title IV of the federal clean air act.
(14)(a) The department and the local air authorities are authorized to assess and to collect, and each source emitting one hundred tons or more per year of a regulated pollutant shall pay an interim assessment to fund the development of the operating permit program during fiscal year 1994.
(b) The department shall conduct a workload analysis and prepare an operating permit program development budget for fiscal year 1994. The department shall allocate among all sources emitting one hundred tons or more per year of a regulated pollutant during calendar year 1992 the costs identified in its program development budget according to a three-tiered model, with each of the three tiers being equally weighted, based upon:
(i) The number of sources;
(ii) The complexity of sources; and
(iii) The size of sources, as measured by the quantity of each regulated pollutant emitted by the source.
(c) Each local authority and the department shall collect from sources under their respective jurisdictions the interim fee determined by the department and shall remit the fee to the department.
(d) Each local authority may, in addition, allocate its fiscal year 1994 operating permit program development costs among the sources under its jurisdiction emitting one hundred tons or more per year of a regulated pollutant during calendar year 1992 and may collect an interim fee from these sources. A fee assessed pursuant to this subsection (14)(d) shall be collected at the same time as the fee assessed pursuant to (c) of this subsection.
(e) The fees assessed to a source under this subsection shall be limited to the first seven thousand five hundred tons for each regulated pollutant per year.
(15) The department shall determine the persons liable for the fee imposed by subsection (14) of this section, compute the fee, and provide by November 1 of 1993 the identity of the fee payer with the computation of the fee to each local authority and to the department of revenue for collection. The department of revenue shall collect the fee computed by the department from the fee payers under the jurisdiction of the department. The administrative, collection, and penalty provisions of chapter 82.32 RCW shall apply to the collection of the fee by the department of revenue. The department shall provide technical assistance to the department of revenue for decisions made by the department of revenue pursuant to RCW 82.32.160 and 82.32.170. All interim fees collected by the department of revenue on behalf of the department and all interim fees collected by local authorities on behalf of the department shall be deposited in the air operating permit account. The interim fees collected by the local air authorities to cover their permit program development costs under subsection (14)(d) of this section shall be deposited in the dedicated accounts of their respective treasuries.
All fees identified in this section shall be due and payable on March 1 of 1994, except that the local air pollution control authorities may adopt by rule an earlier date on which fees are to be due and payable. The section 5, chapter 252, Laws of 1993 amendments to RCW 70.94.161 do not have the effect of terminating, or in any way modifying, any liability, civil or criminal, incurred pursuant to the provisions of RCW 70.94.161 (15) and (17) as they existed prior to July 25, 1993.
(16) For sources or source categories not required to obtain permits under subsection (4) of this section, the department or local authority may establish by rule control technology requirements. If control technology rule revisions are made by the department or local authority under this subsection, the department or local authority shall consider the remaining useful life of control equipment previously installed on existing sources before requiring technology changes. The department or any local air authority may issue a general permit, as authorized under the federal clean air act, for such sources.
(17) RCW 70.94.151 shall not apply to any permit program source after the effective date of United States environmental protection agency approval of the state operating permit program.
[1993 c 252 § 5; 1991 c 199 § 301.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
Air operating permit account: RCW 70.94.015.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.162
Annual fees from operating permit program source to cover cost of program.
(1) The department and delegated local air authorities are authorized to determine, assess, and collect, and each permit program source shall pay, annual fees sufficient to cover the direct and indirect costs of implementing a state operating permit program approved by the United States environmental protection agency under the federal clean air act. However, a source that receives its operating permit from the United States environmental protection agency shall not be considered a permit program source so long as the environmental protection agency continues to act as the permitting authority for that source. Each permitting authority shall develop by rule a fee schedule allocating among its permit program sources the costs of the operating permit program, and may, by rule, establish a payment schedule whereby periodic installments of the annual fee are due and payable more frequently. All operating permit program fees collected by the department shall be deposited in the air operating permit account. All operating permit program fees collected by the delegated local air authorities shall be deposited in their respective air operating permit accounts or other accounts dedicated exclusively to support of the operating permit program. The fees assessed under this subsection shall first be due not less than forty-five days after the United States environmental protection agency delegates to the department the authority to administer the operating permit program and then annually thereafter.
The department shall establish, by rule, procedures for administrative appeals to the department regarding the fee assessed pursuant to this subsection.
(2) The fee schedule developed by each permitting authority shall fully cover and not exceed both its permit administration costs and the permitting authority's share of statewide program development and oversight costs.
(a) Permit administration costs are those incurred by each permitting authority, including the department, in administering and enforcing the operating permit program with respect to sources under its jurisdiction. Costs associated with the following activities are fee eligible as these activities relate to the operating permit program and to the sources permitted by a permitting authority, including, where applicable, sources subject to a general permit:
(i) Preapplication assistance and review of an application and proposed compliance plan for a permit, permit revision, or renewal;
(ii) Source inspections, testing, and other data-gathering activities necessary for the development of a permit, permit revision, or renewal;
(iii) Acting on an application for a permit, permit revision, or renewal, including the costs of developing an applicable requirement as part of the processing of a permit, permit revision, or renewal, preparing a draft permit and fact sheet, and preparing a final permit, but excluding the costs of developing BACT, LAER, BART, or RACT requirements for criteria and toxic air pollutants;
(iv) Notifying and soliciting, reviewing and responding to comment from the public and contiguous states and tribes, conducting public hearings regarding the issuance of a draft permit and other costs of providing information to the public regarding operating permits and the permit issuance process;
(v) Modeling necessary to establish permit limits or to determine compliance with permit limits;
(vi) Reviewing compliance certifications and emissions reports and conducting related compilation and reporting activities;
(vii) Conducting compliance inspections, complaint investigations, and other activities necessary to ensure that a source is complying with permit conditions;
(viii) Administrative enforcement activities and penalty assessment, excluding the costs of proceedings before the pollution control hearings board and all costs of judicial enforcement;
(ix) The share attributable to permitted sources of the development and maintenance of emissions inventories;
(x) The share attributable to permitted sources of ambient air quality monitoring and associated recording and reporting activities;
(xi) Training for permit administration and enforcement;
(xii) Fee determination, assessment, and collection, including the costs of necessary administrative dispute resolution and penalty collection;
(xiii) Required fiscal audits, periodic performance audits, and reporting activities;
(xiv) Tracking of time, revenues and expenditures, and accounting activities;
(xv) Administering the permit program including the costs of clerical support, supervision, and management;
(xvi) Provision of assistance to small businesses under the jurisdiction of the permitting authority as required under section 507 of the federal clean air act; and
(xvii) Other activities required by operating permit regulations issued by the United States environmental protection agency under the federal clean air act.
(b) Development and oversight costs are those incurred by the department in developing and administering the state operating permit program, and in overseeing the administration of the program by the delegated local permitting authorities. Costs associated with the following activities are fee eligible as these activities relate to the operating permit program:
(i) Review and determinations necessary for delegation of authority to administer and enforce a permit program to a local air authority under RCW 70.94.161(2) and 70.94.860;
(ii) Conducting fiscal audits and periodic performance audits of delegated local authorities, and other oversight functions required by the operating permit program;
(iii) Administrative enforcement actions taken by the department on behalf of a permitting authority, including those actions taken by the department under RCW 70.94.785, but excluding the costs of proceedings before the pollution control hearings board and all costs of judicial enforcement;
(iv) Determination and assessment with respect to each permitting authority of the fees covering its share of the costs of development and oversight; (continued)