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(v) Training and assistance for permit program administration and oversight, including training and assistance regarding technical, administrative, and data management issues;
(vi) Development of generally applicable regulations or guidance regarding the permit program or its implementation or enforcement;
(vii) State codification of federal rules or standards for inclusion in operating permits;
(viii) Preparation of delegation package and other activities associated with submittal of the state permit program to the United States environmental protection agency for approval, including ongoing coordination activities;
(ix) General administration and coordination of the state permit program, related support activities, and other agency indirect costs, including necessary data management and quality assurance;
(x) Required fiscal audits and periodic performance audits of the department, and reporting activities;
(xi) Tracking of time, revenues and expenditures, and accounting activities;
(xii) Public education and outreach related to the operating permit program, including the maintenance of a permit register;
(xiii) The share attributable to permitted sources of compiling and maintaining emissions inventories;
(xiv) The share attributable to permitted sources of ambient air quality monitoring, related technical support, and associated recording activities;
(xv) The share attributable to permitted sources of modeling activities;
(xvi) Provision of assistance to small business as required under section 507 of the federal clean air act as it exists on July 25, 1993, or its later enactment as adopted by reference by the director by rule;
(xvii) Provision of services by the department of revenue and the office of the state attorney general and other state agencies in support of permit program administration;
(xviii) A one-time revision to the state implementation plan to make those administrative changes necessary to ensure coordination of the state implementation plan and the operating permit program; and
(xix) Other activities required by operating permit regulations issued by the United States environmental protection agency under the federal clean air act.
(3) The responsibility for operating permit fee determination, assessment, and collection is to be shared by the department and delegated local air authorities as follows:
(a) Each permitting authority, including the department, acting in its capacity as a permitting authority, shall develop a fee schedule and mechanism for collecting fees from the permit program sources under its jurisdiction; the fees collected by each authority shall be sufficient to cover its costs of permit administration and its share of the department's costs of development and oversight. Each delegated local authority shall remit to the department its share of the department's development and oversight costs.
(b) Only those local air authorities to whom the department has delegated the authority to administer the program pursuant to RCW 70.94.161(2) (b) and (c) and 70.94.860 shall have the authority to administer and collect operating permit fees. The department shall retain the authority to administer and collect such fees with respect to the sources within the jurisdiction of a local air authority until the effective date of program delegation to that air authority.
(c) The department shall allocate its development and oversight costs among all permitting authorities, including the department, in proportion to the number of permit program sources under the jurisdiction of each authority, except that extraordinary costs or other costs readily attributable to a specific permitting authority may be assessed that authority. For purposes of this subsection, all sources covered by a single general permit shall be treated as one source.
(4) The department and each delegated local air authority shall adopt by rule a general permit fee schedule for sources under their respective jurisdictions after such time as the department adopts provisions for general permit issuance. Within ninety days of the time that the department adopts a general permit fee schedule, the department shall report to the relevant standing committees of the legislature regarding the general permit fee schedules adopted by the department and by the delegated local air authorities. The permit administration costs of each general permit shall be allocated equitably among only those sources subject to that general permit. The share of development and oversight costs attributable to each general permit shall be determined pursuant to subsection (3)(c) of this section.
(5) The fee schedule developed by the department shall allocate among the sources for whom the department acts as a permitting authority, other than sources subject to a general permit, those portions of the department's permit administration costs and the department's share of the development and oversight costs which the department does not plan to recover under its general permit fee schedule or schedules as follows:
(a) The department shall allocate its permit administration costs and its share of the development and oversight costs not recovered through general permit fees according to a three-tiered model based upon:
(i) The number of permit program sources under its jurisdiction;
(ii) The complexity of permit program sources under its jurisdiction; and
(iii) The size of permit program sources under its jurisdiction, as measured by the quantity of each regulated pollutant emitted by the source.
(b) Each of the three tiers shall be equally weighted.
(c) The department may, in addition, allocate activities-based costs readily attributable to a specific source to that source under RCW 70.94.152(1) and 70.94.154(7).
The quantity of each regulated pollutant emitted by a source shall be determined based on the annual emissions during the most recent calendar year for which data is available.
(6) The department shall, after opportunity for public review and comment, adopt rules that establish a process for development and review of its operating permit program fee schedule, a methodology for tracking program revenues and expenditures and, for both the department and the delegated local air authorities, a system of fiscal audits, reports, and periodic performance audits.
(a) The fee schedule development and review process shall include the following:
(i) The department shall conduct a biennial workload analysis. The department shall provide the opportunity for public review of and comment on the workload analysis. The department shall review and update its workload analysis during each biennial budget cycle, taking into account information gathered by tracking previous revenues, time, and expenditures and other information obtained through fiscal audits and performance audits.
(ii) The department shall prepare a biennial budget based upon the resource requirements identified in the workload analysis for that biennium. In preparing the budget, the department shall take into account the projected operating permit account balance at the start of the biennium. The department shall provide the opportunity for public review of and comment on the proposed budget. The department shall review and update its budget each biennium.
(iii) The department shall develop a fee schedule allocating the department's permit administration costs and its share of the development and oversight costs among the department's permit program sources using the methodology described in subsection (5) of this section. The department shall provide the opportunity for public review of and comment on the allocation methodology and fee schedule. The department shall provide procedures for administrative resolution of disputes regarding the source data on which allocation determinations are based; these procedures shall be designed such that resolution occurs prior to the completion of the allocation process. The department shall review and update its fee schedule annually.
(b) The methodology for tracking revenues and expenditures shall include the following:
(i) The department shall develop a system for tracking revenues and expenditures that provides the maximum practicable information. At a minimum, revenues from fees collected under the operating permit program shall be tracked on a source-specific basis and time and expenditures required to administer the program shall be tracked on the basis of source categories and functional categories. Each general permit will be treated as a separate source category for tracking and accounting purposes.
(ii) The department shall use the information obtained from tracking revenues, time, and expenditures to modify the workload analysis required in subsection (6)(a) of this section.
(iii) The information obtained from tracking revenues, time, and expenditures shall not provide a basis for challenge to the amount of an individual source's fee.
(c) The system of fiscal audits, reports, and periodic performance audits shall include the following:
(i) The department and the delegated local air authorities shall prepare annual reports and shall submit the reports to, respectively, the appropriate standing committees of the legislature and the board of directors of the local air authority.
(ii) The department shall arrange for fiscal audits and routine performance audits and for periodic intensive performance audits of each permitting authority and of the department.
(7) Each local air authority requesting delegation shall, after opportunity for public review and comment, publish regulations which establish a process for development and review of its operating permit program fee schedule, and a methodology for tracking its revenues and expenditures. These regulations shall be submitted to the department for review and approval as part of the local authority's delegation request.
(8) As used in this section and in RCW 70.94.161(14), "regulated pollutant" shall have the same meaning as defined in section 502(b) of the federal clean air act as it exists on July 25, 1993, or its later enactment as adopted by reference by the director by rule.
(9) Fee structures as authorized under this section shall remain in effect until such time as the legislature authorizes an alternative structure following receipt of the report required by this subsection.
[1998 c 245 § 129; 1993 c 252 § 6.]
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70.94.163
Source categories not required to have a permit — Recommendations.
The department shall prepare recommendations to reduce air emissions for source categories not generally required to have a permit under RCW 70.94.161. Such recommendations shall not require any action by the owner or operator of a source and shall be consistent with rules adopted under chapter 70.95C RCW. The recommendations shall include but not be limited to: Process changes, product substitution, equipment modifications, hazardous substance use reduction, recycling, and energy efficiency.
[1991 c 199 § 304.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
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70.94.165
Gasoline recovery devices — Limitation on requiring.
(1) A gasoline vapor recovery device that captures vapors during vehicle fueling may only be required at a service station, or any other gasoline dispensing facility supplying fuel to the general public, in any of the following circumstances:
(a) The facility sells in excess of six hundred thousand gallons of gasoline per year and is located in a county, any part of which is designated as nonattainment for ozone under the federal clean air act, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 7407; or
(b) The facility sells in excess of six hundred thousand gallons of gasoline per year and is located in a county where a maintenance plan has been adopted by a local air pollution control authority or the department of ecology that includes gasoline vapor recovery devices as a control strategy; or
(c) From March 30, 1996, until December 31, 1998, in any facility that sells in excess of one million two hundred thousand gallons of gasoline per year and is located in an ozone-contributing county. For purposes of this section, an ozone-contributing county means a county in which the emissions have contributed to the formation of ozone in any county where violations of federal ozone standards have been measured, and includes: Cowlitz, Island, Kitsap, Lewis, Skagit, Thurston, Wahkiakum, and Whatcom counties; or
(d) After December 31, 1998, in any facility that sells in excess of eight hundred forty thousand gallons of gasoline per year and is located in any county, no part of which is designated as nonattainment for ozone under the federal clean air act, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 7407, provided that the department of ecology determines by December 31, 1997, that the use of gasoline vapor control devices in the county is important to achieving or maintaining attainment status in any other county.
(2) This section does not preclude the department of ecology or any local air pollution authority from requiring a gasoline vapor recovery device that captures vapors during vehicle refueling as part of the regulation of sources as provided in RCW 70.94.152, 70.94.331, or 70.94.141 or where required under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 7412.
[1996 c 294 § 1.]
Notes: Effective date -- 1996 c 294: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [March 30, 1996]." [1996 c 294 § 2.]
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70.94.170
Air pollution control authority control officer.
Any activated authority which has adopted an ordinance, resolution, or valid rules and regulations as provided herein for the control and prevention of air pollution shall appoint a full time control officer, whose sole responsibility shall be to observe and enforce the provisions of this chapter and all orders, ordinances, resolutions, or rules and regulations of such activated authority pertaining to the control and prevention of air pollution.
[1991 c 199 § 707; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 21; 1967 c 238 § 30; 1957 c 232 § 17.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
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70.94.181
Variances — Application for — Considerations — Limitations — Renewals — Review.
(1) Any person who owns or is in control of any plant, building, structure, establishment, process or equipment may apply to the department of ecology or appropriate local authority board for a variance from rules or regulations governing the quality, nature, duration or extent of discharges of air contaminants. The application shall be accompanied by such information and data as the department of ecology or board may require. The department of ecology or board may grant such variance, provided that variances to state rules shall require the department's approval prior to being issued by a local authority board. The total time period for a variance and renewal of such variance shall not exceed one year. Variances may be issued by either the department or a local board but only after public hearing or due notice, if the department or board finds that:
(a) The emissions occurring or proposed to occur do not endanger public health or safety or the environment; and
(b) Compliance with the rules or regulations from which variance is sought would produce serious hardship without equal or greater benefits to the public.
(2) No variance shall be granted pursuant to this section until the department of ecology or board has considered the relative interests of the applicant, other owners of property likely to be affected by the discharges, and the general public.
(3) Any variance or renewal thereof shall be granted within the requirements of subsection (1) of this section and under conditions consistent with the reasons therefor, and within the following limitations:
(a) If the variance is granted on the ground that there is no practicable means known or available for the adequate prevention, abatement or control of the pollution involved, it shall be only until the necessary means for prevention, abatement or control become known and available, and subject to the taking of any substitute or alternate measures that the department of ecology or board may prescribe.
(b) If the variance is granted on the ground that compliance with the particular requirement or requirements from which variance is sought will require the taking of measures which, because of their extent or cost, must be spread over a considerable period of time, it shall be for a period not to exceed such reasonable time as, in the view of the department of ecology or board is requisite for the taking of the necessary measures. A variance granted on the ground specified herein shall contain a timetable for the taking of action in an expeditious manner and shall be conditioned on adherence to such timetable.
(c) If the variance is granted on the ground that it is justified to relieve or prevent hardship of a kind other than that provided for in (a) and (b) of this subsection, it shall be for not more than one year.
(4) Any variance granted pursuant to this section may be renewed on terms and conditions and for periods which would be appropriate on initial granting of a variance. If complaint is made to the department of ecology or board on account of the variance, no renewal thereof shall be granted unless following a public hearing on the complaint on due notice the department or board finds that renewal is justified. No renewal shall be granted except on application therefor. Any such application shall be made at least sixty days prior to the expiration of the variance. Immediately upon receipt of an application for renewal, the department of ecology or board shall give public notice of such application in accordance with rules of the department of ecology or board.
(5) A variance or renewal shall not be a right of the applicant or holder thereof but shall be granted at the discretion of the department of ecology or board. However, any applicant adversely affected by the denial or the terms and conditions of the granting of an application for a variance or renewal of a variance by the department of ecology or board may obtain judicial review thereof under the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW as now or hereafter amended.
(6) Nothing in this section and no variance or renewal granted pursuant hereto shall be construed to prevent or limit the application of the emergency provisions and procedures of RCW 70.94.710 through 70.94.730 to any person or his or her property.
(7) An application for a variance, or for the renewal thereof, submitted to the department of ecology or board pursuant to this section shall be approved or disapproved by the department or board within sixty-five days of receipt unless the applicant and the department of ecology or board agree to a continuance.
(8) Variances approved under this section shall not be included in orders or permits provided for in RCW 70.94.161 or 70.94.152 until such time as the variance has been accepted by the United States environmental protection agency as part of an approved state implementation plan.
[1991 c 199 § 306; 1983 c 3 § 176; 1974 ex.s. c 59 § 1; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 22; 1967 c 238 § 31.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
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70.94.200
Investigation of conditions by control officer or department — Entering private, public property.
For the purpose of investigating conditions specific to the control, recovery or release of air contaminants into the atmosphere, a control officer, the department, or their duly authorized representatives, shall have the power to enter at reasonable times upon any private or public property, excepting nonmultiple unit private dwellings housing two families or less. No person shall refuse entry or access to any control officer, the department, or their duly authorized representatives, who requests entry for the purpose of inspection, and who presents appropriate credentials; nor shall any person obstruct, hamper or interfere with any such inspection.
[1987 c 109 § 38; 1979 c 141 § 121; 1967 c 238 § 32; 1957 c 232 § 20.]
Notes: Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.
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70.94.205
Confidentiality of records and information.
Whenever any records or other information, other than ambient air quality data or emission data, furnished to or obtained by the department of ecology or the board of any authority under this chapter, relate to processes or production unique to the owner or operator, or is likely to affect adversely the competitive position of such owner or operator if released to the public or to a competitor, and the owner or operator of such processes or production so certifies, such records or information shall be only for the confidential use of the department of ecology or board. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the use of records or information by the department of ecology or board in compiling or publishing analyses or summaries relating to the general condition of the outdoor atmosphere: PROVIDED, That such analyses or summaries do not reveal any information otherwise confidential under the provisions of this section: PROVIDED FURTHER, That emission data furnished to or obtained by the department of ecology or board shall be correlated with applicable emission limitations and other control measures and shall be available for public inspection during normal business hours at offices of the department of ecology or board.
[1991 c 199 § 307; 1973 1st ex.s. c 193 § 4; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 23; 1967 c 238 § 33.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
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70.94.211
Enforcement actions by air authority — Notice to violators.
At least thirty days prior to the commencement of any formal enforcement action under RCW 70.94.430 or 70.94.431 a local air authority shall cause written notice to be served upon the alleged violator or violators. The notice shall specify the provision of this chapter or the rule or regulation alleged to be violated, and the facts alleged to constitute a violation thereof, and may include an order directing that necessary corrective action be taken within a reasonable time. In lieu of an order, the board or the control officer may require that the alleged violator or violators appear before the board for a hearing. Every notice of violation shall offer to the alleged violator an opportunity to meet with the local air authority prior to the commencement of enforcement action.
[1991 c 199 § 309; 1974 ex.s. c 69 § 4; 1970 ex.s. c 62 § 57; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 24; 1967 c 238 § 34.]
Notes: 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.
Appeal of orders under RCW 70.94.211: RCW 43.21B.310.
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70.94.221
Order final unless appealed to pollution control hearings board.
Any order issued by the board or by the control officer, shall become final unless such order is appealed to the hearings board as provided in chapter 43.21B RCW.
[1970 ex.s. c 62 § 58; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 25; 1967 c 238 § 35.]
Notes: Savings -- Effective date -- Severability -- 1970 ex.s. c 62: See notes following RCW 43.21A.010.
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70.94.230
Rules of authority supersede local rules, regulations, etc. — Exceptions.
The rules and regulations hereafter adopted by an authority under the provisions of this chapter shall supersede the existing rules, regulations, resolutions and ordinances of any of the component bodies included within said authority in all matters relating to the control and enforcement of air pollution as contemplated by this chapter: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That existing rules, regulations, resolutions and ordinances shall remain in effect until such rules, regulations, resolutions and ordinances are superseded as provided in this section: PROVIDED FURTHER, That nothing herein shall be construed to supersede any local county, or city ordinance or resolution, or any provision of the statutory or common law pertaining to nuisance; nor to affect any aspect of employer-employee relationship relating to conditions in a place of work, including without limitation, statutes, rules or regulations governing industrial health and safety standards or performance standards incorporated in zoning ordinances or resolutions of the component bodies where such standards relating to air pollution control or air quality containing requirements not less stringent than those of the authority.
[1969 ex.s. c 168 § 28; 1967 c 238 § 38; 1957 c 232 § 23.]
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70.94.231
Air pollution control authority — Dissolution of prior districts — Continuation of rules and regulations until superseded.
Upon the date that an authority begins to exercise its powers and functions, all rules and regulations in force on such date shall remain in effect until superseded by the rules and regulations of the authority as provided in RCW 70.94.230.
[1991 c 199 § 708; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 29; 1967 c 238 § 39.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
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70.94.240
Air pollution control advisory council.
The board of any authority may appoint an air pollution control advisory council to advise and consult with such board, and the control officer in effectuating the purposes of this chapter. The council shall consist of at least five appointed members who are residents of the authority and who are preferably skilled and experienced in the field of air pollution control, chemistry, meteorology, public health, or a related field, at least one of whom shall serve as a representative of industry and one of whom shall serve as a representative of the environmental community. The chair of the board of any such authority shall serve as ex officio member of the council and be its chair. Each member of the council shall receive from the authority per diem and travel expenses in an amount not to exceed that provided for the state board in this chapter (but not to exceed one thousand dollars per year) for each full day spent in the performance of his or her duties under this chapter.
[1991 c 199 § 709; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 30; 1967 c 238 § 41; 1957 c 232 § 24.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
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70.94.260
Dissolution of authority — Deactivation of authority.
An air pollution control authority may be deactivated prior to the term provided in the original or subsequent agreement by the county or counties comprising such authority upon the adoption by the board, following a hearing held upon ten days notice, to said counties, of a resolution for dissolution or deactivation and upon the approval by the legislative authority of each county comprising the authority. In such event, the board shall proceed to wind up the affairs of the authority and pay all indebtedness thereof. Any surplus of funds shall be paid over to the counties comprising the authority in proportion to their last contribution. Upon the completion of the process of closing the affairs of the authority, the board shall by resolution entered in its minutes declare the authority deactivated and a certified copy of such resolution shall be filed with the secretary of state and the authority shall be deemed inactive.
[1979 ex.s. c 30 § 12; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 31; 1967 c 238 § 43; 1957 c 232 § 26.]
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70.94.262
Withdrawal from multicounty authority.
(1) Any county that is part of a multicounty authority, pursuant to RCW 70.94.053, may withdraw from the multicounty authority after January 1, 1992, if the county wishes to provide for air quality protection and regulation by an alternate air quality authority. A withdrawing county shall:
(a) Create its own single county authority;
(b) Join another existing multicounty authority with which its boundaries are contiguous;
(c) Join with one or more contiguous inactive authorities to operate as a new multicounty authority; or
(d) Become an inactive authority and subject to regulation by the department of ecology.
(2) In order to withdraw from an existing multicounty authority, a county shall make arrangements, by interlocal agreement, for division of assets and liabilities and the appropriate release of any and all interest in assets of the multicounty authority.
(3) In order to effectuate any of the alternate arrangements in subsection (1) of this section, the procedures of this chapter to create an air pollution control authority shall be met and the actions must be taken at least six months prior to the effective date of withdrawal. The rules of the original multicounty authority shall continue in force for the withdrawing county until such time as all conditions to create an air pollution control authority have been met.
(4) At the effective date of a county's withdrawal, the remaining counties shall reorganize and reconstitute the legislative authority pursuant to this chapter. The air pollution control regulations of the existing multicounty authority shall remain in force and effect after the reorganization.
(5) If a county elects to withdraw from an existing multicounty authority, the air pollution control regulations shall remain in effect for the withdrawing county until suspended by the adoption of rules, regulations, or ordinances adopted under one of the alternatives of subsection (1) of this section. A county shall initiate proceedings to adopt such rules, regulations, or ordinances on or before the effective date of the county's withdrawal.
[1991 c 125 § 2.]
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70.94.331
Powers and duties of department.
(1) The department shall have all the powers as provided in RCW 70.94.141.
(2) The department, in addition to any other powers vested in it by law after consideration at a public hearing held in accordance with chapters 42.30 and 34.05 RCW shall:
(a) Adopt rules establishing air quality objectives and air quality standards;
(b) Adopt emission standards which shall constitute minimum emission standards throughout the state. An authority may enact more stringent emission standards, except for emission performance standards for new wood stoves and opacity levels for residential solid fuel burning devices which shall be statewide, but in no event may less stringent standards be enacted by an authority without the prior approval of the department after public hearing and due notice to interested parties;
(c) Adopt by rule air quality standards and emission standards for the control or prohibition of emissions to the outdoor atmosphere of radionuclides, dust, fumes, mist, smoke, other particulate matter, vapor, gas, odorous substances, or any combination thereof. Such requirements may be based upon a system of classification by types of emissions or types of sources of emissions, or combinations thereof, which it determines most feasible for the purposes of this chapter. However, an industry, or the air pollution control authority having jurisdiction, can choose, subject to the submittal of appropriate data that the industry has quantified, to have any limit on the opacity of emissions from a source whose emission standard is stated in terms of a weight of particulate per unit volume of air (e.g., grains per dry standard cubic foot) be based on the applicable particulate emission standard for that source, such that any violation of the opacity limit accurately indicates a violation of the applicable particulate emission standard. Any alternative opacity limit provided by this section that would result in increasing air contaminants emissions in any nonattainment area shall only be granted if equal or greater emission reductions are provided for by the same source obtaining the revised opacity limit. A reasonable fee may be assessed to the industry to which the alternate opacity standard would apply. The fee shall cover only those costs to the air pollution control authority which are directly related to the determination on the acceptability of the alternate opacity standard, including testing, oversight and review of data.
(3) The air quality standards and emission standards may be for the state as a whole or may vary from area to area or source to source, except that emission performance standards for new wood stoves and opacity levels for residential solid fuel burning devices shall be statewide, as may be appropriate to facilitate the accomplishment of the objectives of this chapter and to take necessary or desirable account of varying local conditions of population concentration, the existence of actual or reasonably foreseeable air pollution, topographic and meteorologic conditions and other pertinent variables.
(4) The department is directed to cooperate with the appropriate agencies of the United States or other states or any interstate agencies or international agencies with respect to the control of air pollution and air contamination, or for the formulation for the submission to the legislature of interstate air pollution control compacts or agreements.
(5) The department is directed to conduct or cause to be conducted a continuous surveillance program to monitor the quality of the ambient atmosphere as to concentrations and movements of air contaminants and conduct or cause to be conducted a program to determine the quantity of emissions to the atmosphere.
(6) The department shall enforce the air quality standards and emission standards throughout the state except where a local authority is enforcing the state regulations or its own regulations which are more stringent than those of the state.
(7) The department shall encourage local units of government to handle air pollution problems within their respective jurisdictions; and, on a cooperative basis provide technical and consultative assistance therefor.
(8) The department shall have the power to require the addition to or deletion of a county or counties from an existing authority in order to carry out the purposes of this chapter. No such addition or deletion shall be made without the concurrence of any existing authority involved. Such action shall only be taken after a public hearing held pursuant to the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW.
(9) The department shall establish rules requiring sources or source categories to apply reasonable and available control methods. Such rules shall apply to those sources or source categories that individually or collectively contribute the majority of statewide air emissions of each regulated pollutant. The department shall review, and if necessary, update its rules every five years to ensure consistency with current reasonable and available control methods. The department shall have adopted rules required under this subsection for all sources by July 1, 1996.
For the purposes of this section, "reasonable and available control methods" shall include but not be limited to, changes in technology, processes, or other control strategies.
[1991 c 199 § 710; 1988 c 106 § 1. Prior: 1987 c 405 § 13; 1987 c 109 § 39; 1985 c 372 § 4; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 34; 1967 c 238 § 46.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
Severability -- 1987 c 405: See note following RCW 70.94.450.
Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.
Severability -- 1985 c 372: See note following RCW 70.98.050.
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70.94.332
Enforcement actions by department — Notice to violators.
At least thirty days prior to the commencement of any formal enforcement action under RCW 70.94.430 and 70.94.431, the department of ecology shall cause written notice to be served upon the alleged violator or violators. The notice shall specify the provision of this chapter or the rule or regulation alleged to be violated, and the facts alleged to constitute a violation thereof, and may include an order that necessary corrective action be taken within a reasonable time. In lieu of an order, the department may require that the alleged violator or violators appear before it for the purpose of providing the department information pertaining to the violation or the charges complained of. Every notice of violation shall offer to the alleged violator an opportunity to meet with the department prior to the commencement of enforcement action.
[1991 c 199 § 711; 1987 c 109 § 18; 1967 c 238 § 47.]
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.
Appeal of orders under RCW 70.94.332: RCW 43.21B.310.
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70.94.335
Hazardous substance remedial actions — Procedural requirements not applicable.
The procedural requirements of this chapter shall not apply to any person conducting a remedial action at a facility pursuant to a consent decree, order, or agreed order issued pursuant to chapter 70.105D RCW, or to the department of ecology when it conducts a remedial action under chapter 70.105D RCW. The department of ecology shall ensure compliance with the substantive requirements of this chapter through the consent decree, order, or agreed order issued pursuant to chapter 70.105D RCW, or during the department-conducted remedial action, through the procedures developed by the department pursuant to RCW 70.105D.090.
[1994 c 257 § 15.]
Notes: Severability -- 1994 c 257: See note following RCW 36.70A.270.
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70.94.350
Contracts, agreements for use of personnel by department — Reimbursement — Merit system regulations waived.
The department is authorized to contract for or otherwise agree to the use of personnel of municipal corporations or other agencies or private persons; and the department is further authorized to reimburse such municipal corporations or agencies for the employment of such personnel. Merit system regulations or standards for the employment of personnel may be waived for personnel hired under contract as provided for in this section. The department shall provide, within available appropriations, for the scientific, technical, legal, administrative, and other necessary services and facilities for performing the functions under this chapter.
[1987 c 109 § 40; 1979 c 141 § 122; 1967 c 238 § 45; 1961 c 188 § 6.]
Notes: Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.
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70.94.370
Powers and rights of governmental units and persons are not limited by act or recommendations.
No provision of this chapter or any recommendation of the state board or of any local or regional air pollution program is a limitation:
(1) On the power of any city, town or county to declare, prohibit and abate nuisances.
(2) On the power of the secretary of social and health services to provide for the protection of the public health under any authority presently vested in that office or which may be hereafter prescribed by law.
(3) On the power of a state agency in the enforcement, or administration of any provision of law which it is specifically permitted or required to enforce or administer.
(4) On the right of any person to maintain at any time any appropriate action for relief against any air pollution.
[1979 c 141 § 123; 1967 c 238 § 59; 1961 c 188 § 8.]
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70.94.380
Emission control requirements.
(1) Every activated authority operating an air pollution control program shall have requirements for the control of emissions which are no less stringent than those adopted by the department of ecology for the geographic area in which such air pollution control program is located. Less stringent requirements than compelled by this section may be included in a local or regional air pollution control program only after approval by the department of ecology following demonstration to the satisfaction of the department of ecology that the proposed requirements are consistent with the purposes of this chapter: PROVIDED, That such approval shall be preceded by public hearing, of which notice has been given in accordance with chapter 42.30 RCW. The department of ecology, upon receiving evidence that conditions have changed or that additional information is relevant to a decision with respect to the requirements for emission control, may, after public hearing on due notice, withdraw any approval previously given to a less stringent local or regional requirement.
[(2)] Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a local or regional air pollution control authority from adopting and enforcing more stringent emission control requirements than those adopted by the department of ecology and applicable within the jurisdiction of the local or regional air pollution control authority, except that the emission performance standards for new wood stoves and the opacity levels for residential solid fuel burning devices shall be statewide.
[1987 c 405 § 14; 1979 ex.s. c 30 § 13; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 36; 1967 c 238 § 50.]
Notes: Severability -- 1987 c 405: See note following RCW 70.94.450.
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70.94.385
State financial aid — Application for — Requirements.
(1) Any authority may apply to the department for state financial aid. The department shall annually establish the amount of state funds available for the local authorities taking into consideration available federal and state funds. The establishment of funding amounts shall be consistent with federal requirements and local maintenance of effort necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. Any such aid shall be expended from the general fund or from other appropriations as the legislature may provide for this purpose: PROVIDED, That federal funds shall be utilized to the maximum unless otherwise approved by the department: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the amount of state funds provided to local authorities during the previous year shall not be reduced without a public notice or public hearing held by the department if requested by the affected local authority, unless such changes are the direct result of a reduction in the available federal funds for air pollution control programs.
(2) Before any such application is approved and financial aid is given or approved by the department, the authority shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department that it is fulfilling the requirements of this chapter. If the department has not adopted ambient air quality standards and objectives as permitted by RCW 70.94.331, the authority shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department that it is acting in good faith and doing all that is possible and reasonable to control and prevent air pollution within its jurisdictional boundaries and to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
(3) The department shall adopt rules requiring the submission of such information by each authority including the submission of its proposed budget and a description of its program in support of the application for state financial aid as necessary to enable the department to determine the need for state aid.
[1991 c 199 § 712; 1987 c 109 § 41; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 37; 1967 c 238 § 51.]
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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70.94.390
Hearing upon activation of authority — Finding — Assumption of jurisdiction by department — Expenses.
The department may, at any time and on its own motion, hold a hearing to determine if the activation of an authority is necessary for the prevention, abatement and control of air pollution which exists or is likely to exist in any area of the state. Notice of such hearing shall be conducted in accordance with chapter 42.30 RCW and chapter 34.05 RCW. If at such hearing the department finds that air pollution exists or is likely to occur in a particular area, and that the purposes of this chapter and the public interest will be best served by the activation of an authority it shall designate the boundaries of such area and set forth in a report to the appropriate county or counties recommendations for the activation of an authority: PROVIDED, That if at such hearing the department determines that the activation of an authority is not practical or feasible for the reason that a local or regional air pollution control program cannot be successfully established or operated due to unusual circumstances and conditions, but that the control and/or prevention of air pollution is necessary for the purposes of this chapter and the public interest, it may assume jurisdiction and so declare by order. Such order shall designate the geographic area in which, and the effective date upon which, the department will exercise jurisdiction for the control and/or prevention of air pollution. The department shall exercise its powers and duties in the same manner as if it had assumed authority under RCW 70.94.410.
All expenses incurred by the department in the control and prevention of air pollution in any county pursuant to the provisions of RCW 70.94.390 and 70.94.410 shall constitute a claim against such county. The department shall certify the expenses to the auditor of the county, who promptly shall issue his warrant on the county treasurer payable out of the current expense fund of the county. In the event that the amount in the current expense fund of the county is not adequate to meet the expenses incurred by the department, the department shall certify to the state treasurer that they have a prior claim on any money in the "liquor excise tax fund" that is to be apportioned to that county by the state treasurer as provided in RCW 82.08.170. In the event that the amount in the "liquor excise tax fund" that is to be apportioned to that county by the state treasurer is not adequate to meet the expenses incurred by the department, the department shall certify to the state treasurer that they have a prior claim on any excess funds from the liquor revolving fund that are to be distributed to that county as provided in RCW 66.08.190 through 66.08.220. All moneys that are collected as provided in this section shall be placed in the general fund in the account of the office of air programs of the department.
[1987 c 109 § 42; 1969 ex.s. c 168 § 38; 1967 c 238 § 52.]
Notes: Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.
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70.94.395
Air contaminant sources — Regulation by department; authorities may be more stringent — Hearing — Standards.
If the department finds, after public hearing upon due notice to all interested parties, that the emissions from a particular type or class of air contaminant source should be regulated on a statewide basis in the public interest and for the protection of the welfare of the citizens of the state, it may adopt and enforce rules to control and/or prevent the emission of air contaminants from such source. An authority may, after public hearing and a finding by the board of a need for more stringent rules than those adopted by the department under this section, propose the adoption of such rules by the department for the control of emissions from the particular type or class of air contaminant source within the geographical area of the authority. The department shall hold a public hearing and shall adopt the proposed rules within the area of the requesting authority, unless it finds that the proposed rules are inconsistent with the rules adopted by the department under this section. When such standards are adopted by the department it shall delegate solely to the requesting authority all powers necessary for their enforcement at the request of the authority. If after public hearing the department finds that the regulation on a statewide basis of a particular type or class of air contaminant source is no longer required for the public interest and the protection of the welfare of the citizens of the state, the department may relinquish exclusive jurisdiction over such source. (continued)