Loading (50 kb)...'
(continued)
(2) The department shall allocate moneys annually from this account for the support of any approved study or studies as provided for in subsection (1) of this section. Whenever the department of ecology shall conclude that sufficient reasonably available alternates to open burning have been developed, and at such time as all costs of any studies have been paid, the grass seed burning research account shall be dissolved, and any money remaining therein shall revert to the general fund. The fee collected under subsection (1) of this section shall constitute the research portion of fees required under RCW 70.94.650 for open burning of grass grown for seed.
(3) Whenever on the basis of information available to it, the department after public hearings have been conducted wherein testimony will be received and considered from interested parties wishing to testify shall conclude that any procedure, program, technique, or device constitutes a practical alternate agricultural practice to the open burning of field or turf grasses grown for seed, the department shall, by order, certify approval of such alternate. Thereafter, in any case which any such approved alternate is reasonably available, the open burning of field and turf grasses grown for seed shall be disallowed and no permit shall issue therefor.
(4) Until approved alternates become available, the department or the authority may limit the number of acres on a pro rata basis among those affected for which permits to burn will be issued in order to effectively control emissions from this source.
(5) Permits issued for burning of field and turf grasses may be conditioned to minimize emissions insofar as practical, including denial of permission to burn during periods of adverse meteorological conditions.
(6) By November 1, 1996, and every two years thereafter until grass seed burning is prohibited, Washington State University may prepare a brief report assessing the potential of the university's research to result in economical and practical alternatives to grass seed burning.
[1998 c 245 § 130; 1995 c 261 § 1; 1991 sp.s. c 13 § 28; 1991 c 199 § 413; 1990 c 113 § 1; 1985 c 57 § 69; 1973 1st ex.s. c 193 § 7.]
Notes: Effective dates -- Severability -- 1991 sp.s. c 13: See notes following RCW 18.08.240.
Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
Effective date -- 1985 c 57: See note following RCW 18.04.105.
Grass burning research advisory committee: Chapter 43.21E RCW.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.660
Burning permits for abating or prevention of forest fire hazards, management of ecosystems, instruction or silvicultural operations — Issuance.
(1) The department of natural resources shall have the responsibility for issuing and regulating burning permits required by it relating to the following activities for the protection of life or property and/or for the public health, safety, and welfare:
(a) Abating a forest fire hazard;
(b) Prevention of a fire hazard;
(c) Instruction of public officials in methods of forest fire fighting;
(d) Any silvicultural operation to improve the forest lands of the state; and
(e) Silvicultural burning used to improve or maintain fire dependent ecosystems for rare plants or animals within state, federal, and private natural area preserves, natural resource conservation areas, parks, and other wildlife areas.
(2) The department of natural resources shall not retain such authority, but it shall be the responsibility of the appropriate fire protection agency for permitting and regulating outdoor burning on lands where the department of natural resources does not have fire protection responsibility.
(3) Permit fees shall be assessed for silvicultural burning under the jurisdiction of the department of natural resources and collected by the department of natural resources as provided for in this section. All fees shall be deposited in the air pollution control account, created in RCW 70.94.015. The legislature shall appropriate to the department of natural resources funds from the air pollution control account to enforce and administer the program under RCW 70.94.665 and 70.94.660, 70.94.670, and 70.94.690. Fees shall be set by rule by the department of natural resources at the level necessary to cover the costs of the program after receiving recommendations on such fees from the public and the forest fire advisory board established by RCW 76.04.145.
[1991 c 199 § 404; 1971 ex.s. c 232 § 2.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
Burning permits, issuance, air pollution a factor: RCW 76.04.205.
Disposal of forest debris: RCW 76.04.650.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.665
Silvicultural forest burning — Reduce statewide emissions — Exemption — Monitoring program.
(1) The department of natural resources shall administer a program to reduce statewide emissions from silvicultural forest burning so as to achieve the following minimum objectives:
(a) Twenty percent reduction by December 31, 1994 providing a ceiling for emissions until December 31, 2000; and
(b) Fifty percent reduction by December 31, 2000 providing a ceiling for emissions thereafter.
Reductions shall be calculated from the average annual emissions level from calendar years 1985 to 1989, using the same methodology for both reduction and base year calculations.
(2) The department of natural resources, within twelve months after May 15, 1991, shall develop a plan, based upon the existing smoke management agreement to carry out the programs as described in this section in the most efficient, cost-effective manner possible. The plan shall be developed in consultation with the department of ecology, public and private landowners engaged in silvicultural forest burning, and representatives of the public.
The plan shall recognize the variations in silvicultural forest burning including, but not limited to, a landowner's responsibility to abate an extreme fire hazard under chapter 76.04 RCW and other objectives of burning, including abating and preventing a fire hazard, geographic region, climate, elevation and slope, proximity to populated areas, and diversity of land ownership. The plan shall establish priorities that the department of natural resources shall use to allocate allowable emissions, including but not limited to, silvicultural burning used to improve or maintain fire dependent ecosystems for rare plants or animals within state, federal, and private natural area preserves, natural resource conservation areas, parks, and other wildlife areas. The plan shall also recognize the real costs of the emissions program and recommend equitable fees to cover the costs of the program.
The emission reductions in this section are to apply to all forest lands including those owned and managed by the United States. If the United States does not participate in implementing the plan, the departments of natural resources and ecology shall use all appropriate and available methods or enforcement powers to ensure participation.
The plan shall include a tracking system designed to measure the degree of progress toward the emission reductions goals set in this section. The department of natural resources shall report annually to the department of ecology and the legislature on the status of the plan, emission reductions and progress toward meeting the objectives specified in this section, and the goals of this chapter and chapter 76.04 RCW.
(3) If the December 31, 1994, emission reductions targets in this section are not met, the department of natural resources, in consultation with the department of ecology, shall use its authority granted in this chapter and chapter 76.04 RCW to immediately limit emissions from such burning to the 1994 target levels and limit silvicultural forest burning in subsequent years to achieve equal annual incremental reductions so as to achieve the December 31, 2000, target level. If, as a result of the program established in this section, the emission reductions are met in 1994, but are not met by December 31, 2000, the department of natural resources in consultation with the department of ecology shall immediately limit silvicultural forest burning to reduce emissions from such burning to the December 31, 2000, target level in all subsequent years.
(4) Emissions from silvicultural burning in eastern Washington that is conducted for the purpose of restoring forest health or preventing the additional deterioration of forest health are exempt from the reduction targets and calculations in this section if the following conditions are met:
(a) The landowner submits a written request to the department identifying the location of the proposed burning and the nature of the forest health problem to be corrected. The request shall include a brief description of alternatives to silvicultural burning and reasons why the landowner believes the alternatives not to be appropriate.
(b) The department determines that the proposed silvicultural burning operation is being conducted to restore forest health or prevent additional deterioration to forest health; meets the requirements of the state smoke management plan to protect public health, visibility, and the environment; and will not be conducted during an air pollution episode or during periods of impaired air quality in the vicinity of the proposed burn.
(c) Upon approval of the request by the department and before burning, the landowner is encouraged to notify the public in the vicinity of the burn of the general location and approximate time of ignition.
(5) The department of ecology may conduct a limited, seasonal ambient air quality monitoring program to measure the effects of forest health burning conducted under subsection (4) of this section. The monitoring program may be developed in consultation with the department of natural resources, private and public forest landowners, academic experts in forest health issues, and the general public.
[1995 c 143 § 1; 1991 c 199 § 403.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.670
Burning permits for abating or prevention of forest fire hazards, management of ecosystems, instruction or silvicultural operations — Conditions for issuance and use of permits — Air quality standards to be met — Alternate methods to lessen forest debris.
The department of natural resources in granting burning permits for fires for the purposes set forth in RCW 70.94.660 shall condition the issuance and use of such permits to comply with air quality standards established by the department of ecology after full consultation with the department of natural resources. Such burning shall not cause the state air quality standards to be exceeded in the ambient air up to two thousand feet above ground level over critical areas designated by the department of ecology, otherwise subject to air pollution from other sources. Air quality standards shall be established and published by the department of ecology which shall also establish a procedure for advising the department of natural resources when and where air contaminant levels exceed or threaten to exceed the ambient air standards over such critical areas. The air quality shall be quantitatively measured by the department of ecology or the appropriate local air pollution control authority at established monitoring stations over such designated areas. Further, such permitted burning shall not cause damage to public health or the environment. All permits issued under this section shall be subject to all applicable fees, permitting, penalty, and enforcement provisions of this chapter. The department of natural resources shall set forth smoke dispersal objectives designed consistent with this section to minimize any air pollution from such burning and the procedures necessary to meet those objectives.
The department of natural resources shall encourage more intense utilization in logging and alternative silviculture practices to reduce the need for burning. The department of natural resources shall, whenever practical, encourage landowners to develop and use alternative acceptable disposal methods subject to the following priorities: (1) Slash production minimization, (2) slash utilization, (3) nonburning disposal, (4) silvicultural burning. Such alternative methods shall be evaluated as to the relative impact on air, water, and land pollution, public health, and their financial feasibility.
The department of natural resources shall not issue burning permits and shall revoke previously issued permits at any time in any area where the department of ecology or local board has declared a stage of impaired air quality as defined in RCW 70.94.473.
[1991 c 199 § 405; 1971 ex.s. c 232 § 3.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.690
Cooperation between department of natural resources and state, local, or regional air pollution authorities — Withholding of permits.
In the regulation of outdoor burning not included in RCW 70.94.660 requiring permits from the department of natural resources, said department and the state, local, or regional air pollution control authorities will cooperate in regulating such burning so as to minimize insofar as possible duplicate inspections and separate permits while still accomplishing the objectives and responsibilities of the respective agencies. The department of natural resources shall include any local authority's burning regulations with permits issued where applicable pursuant to RCW *70.94.740 through 70.94.775. The department shall develop agreements with all local authorities to coordinate regulations.
Permits shall be withheld by the department of natural resources when so requested by the department of ecology if a forecast, alert, warning, or emergency condition exists as defined in the episode criteria of the department of ecology.
[1991 c 199 § 406; 1971 ex.s. c 232 § 5.]
Notes: *Reviser's note: RCW 70.94.740 was repealed by 1991 c 199 § 718.
Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.700
Rules and regulations.
The department of natural resources and the department of ecology may adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement their respective responsibilities under the provisions of RCW 70.94.650 through 70.94.700.
[1971 ex.s. c 232 § 6.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.710
Air pollution episodes — Legislative finding — Declaration of policy.
The legislature finds that whenever meteorological conditions occur which reduce the effective volume of air into which air contaminants are introduced, there is a high danger that normal operations at air contaminant sources in the area affected will be detrimental to public health or safety. Whenever such conditions, herein denominated as air pollution episodes, are forecast, there is a need for rapid short-term emission reduction in order to avoid adverse health or safety consequences.
Therefore, it is declared to be the policy of this state that an episode avoidance plan should be developed and implemented for the temporary reduction of emissions during air pollution episodes.
It is further declared that power should be vested in the governor to issue emergency orders for the reduction or discontinuance of emissions when such emissions and weather combine to create conditions imminently dangerous to public health and safety.
[1971 ex.s. c 194 § 1.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.715
Air pollution episodes — Episode avoidance plan — Contents — Source emission reduction plans — Authority — Considered orders.
The department of ecology is hereby authorized to develop an episode avoidance plan providing for the phased reduction of emissions wherever and whenever an air pollution episode is forecast. Such an episode avoidance plan shall conform with any applicable federal standards and shall be effective statewide. The episode avoidance plan may be implemented on an area basis in accordance with the occurrence of air pollution episodes in any given area.
The department of ecology may delegate authority to adopt source emission reduction plans and authority to implement all stages of occurrence up to and including the warning stage, and all intermediate stages up to the warning stage, in any area of the state, to the air pollution control authority with jurisdiction therein.
The episode avoidance plan, which shall be established by regulation in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW, shall include, but not be limited to the following:
(1) The designation of episode criteria and stages, the occurrence of which will require the carrying out of preplanned episode avoidance procedures. The stages of occurrence shall be (a) forecast, (b) alert, (c) warning, (d) emergency, and such intermediate stages as the department shall designate. "Forecast" means the presence of meteorological conditions that are conducive to accumulation of air contaminants and is the first stage of an episode. The department shall not call a forecast episode prior to the department or an authority calling a first stage impaired air quality condition as provided by RCW 70.94.473(1)(b) or calling a single-stage impaired air quality condition as provided by *RCW 70.94.473(2). "Alert" means concentration of air contaminants at levels at which short-term health effects may occur, and is the second stage of an episode. "Warning" means concentrations are continuing to degrade, contaminant concentrations have reached a level which, if maintained, can result in damage to health, and additional control actions are needed and is the third level of an episode. "Emergency" means the air quality is posing an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health and is the fourth level of an episode;
(2) The requirement that persons responsible for the operation of air contaminant sources prepare and obtain approval from the director of source emission reduction plans, consistent with good operating practice and safe operating procedures, for reducing emissions during designated episode stages;
(3) Provision for the director of the department of ecology or his authorized representative, or the air pollution control officer if implementation has been delegated, on the satisfaction of applicable criteria, to declare and terminate the forecast, alert, warning and all intermediate stages, up to the warning episode stage, such declarations constituting orders for action in accordance with applicable source emission reduction plans;
(4) Provision for the governor to declare and terminate the emergency stage and all intermediate stages above the warning episode stage, such declarations constituting orders in accordance with applicable source emission reduction plans;
(5) Provisions for enforcement by state and local police, personnel of the departments of ecology and social and health services, and personnel of local air pollution control agencies; and
(6) Provisions for reduction or discontinuance of emissions immediately, consistent with good operating practice and safe operating procedures, under an air pollution emergency as provided in RCW 70.94.720.
Source emission reduction plans shall be considered orders of the department and shall be subject to appeal to the pollution control hearings board according to the procedure in chapter 43.21B RCW.
[1990 c 128 § 4; 1971 ex.s. c 194 § 2.]
Notes: *Reviser's note: RCW 70.94.473 was amended by 1995 c 205 § 1, which deleted subsection (2).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.720
Air pollution episodes — Declaration of air pollution emergency by governor.
Whenever the governor finds that emissions from the operation of one or more air contaminant sources is causing imminent danger to public health or safety, he may declare an air pollution emergency and may order the person or persons responsible for the operation of such air contaminant source or sources to reduce or discontinue emissions consistent with good operating practice, safe operating procedures and source emission reduction plans, if any, adopted by the department of ecology or any local air pollution control authority to which the department of ecology has delegated authority to adopt emission reduction plans. Orders authorized by this section shall be in writing and may be issued without prior notice or hearing. In the absence of the governor, any findings, declarations and orders authorized by this section may be made and issued by his authorized representative.
[1971 ex.s. c 194 § 3.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.725
Air pollution episodes — Restraining orders, temporary injunctions to enforce orders — Procedure.
Whenever any order has been issued pursuant to RCW 70.94.710 through 70.94.730, the attorney general, upon request from the governor, the director of the department of ecology, an authorized representative of either, or the attorney for a local air pollution control authority upon request of the control officer, shall petition the superior court of the county in which is located the air contaminant source for which such order was issued for a temporary restraining order requiring the immediate reduction or discontinuance of emissions from such source.
Upon request of the party to whom a temporary restraining order is directed, the court shall schedule a hearing thereon at its earliest convenience, at which time the court may withdraw the restraining order or grant such temporary injunction as is reasonably necessary to prevent injury to the public health or safety.
[1971 ex.s. c 194 § 4.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.730
Air pollution episodes — Orders to be effective immediately.
Orders issued to declare any stage of an air pollution episode avoidance plan under RCW 70.94.715, and to declare an air pollution emergency, under RCW 70.94.720, and orders to persons responsible for the operation of an air contaminant source to reduce or discontinue emissions, according to RCW 70.94.715 and 70.94.720 shall be effective immediately and shall not be stayed pending completion of review.
[1971 ex.s. c 194 § 5.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.743
Outdoor burning — Areas where prohibited — Exceptions — Use for management of storm or flood-related debris — Silvicultural burning.
(1) Consistent with the policy of the state to reduce outdoor burning to the greatest extent practical:
(a) Outdoor burning shall not be allowed in any area of the state where federal or state ambient air quality standards are exceeded for pollutants emitted by outdoor burning.
(b) Outdoor burning shall not be allowed in any urban growth area as defined by RCW 36.70A.030, or any city of the state having a population greater than ten thousand people if such cities are threatened to exceed state or federal air quality standards, and alternative disposal practices consistent with good solid waste management are reasonably available or practices eliminating production of organic refuse are reasonably available. In no event shall such burning be allowed after December 31, 2000, except that within the urban growth areas for cities having a population of less than five thousand people, that are neither within nor contiguous with any nonattainment or maintenance area designated under the federal clean air act, in no event shall such burning be allowed after December 31, 2006.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, outdoor burning may be allowed for the exclusive purpose of managing storm or flood-related debris. The decision to allow burning shall be made by the entity with permitting jurisdiction as determined under RCW 70.94.660 or 70.94.755. If outdoor burning is allowed in areas subject to (a) or (b) of this subsection, a permit shall be required, and a fee may be collected to cover the expenses of administering and enforcing the permit. All conditions and restrictions pursuant to RCW 70.94.750(1) and 70.94.775 apply to outdoor burning allowed under this section.
(d)(i) Outdoor burning that is normal, necessary, and customary to ongoing agricultural activities, that is consistent with agricultural burning authorized under RCW 70.94.650 and 70.94.656, is allowed within the urban growth area as defined in (b) of this subsection if the burning is not conducted during air quality episodes, or where a determination of impaired air quality has been made as provided in RCW 70.94.473, and the agricultural activities preceded the designation as an urban growth area.
(ii) Outdoor burning of cultivated orchard trees, whether or not agricultural crops will be replanted on the land, shall be allowed as an ongoing agricultural activity under this section if a local horticultural pest and disease board formed under chapter 15.09 RCW, an extension office agent with Washington State University that has horticultural experience, or an entomologist employed by the department of agriculture, has determined in writing that burning is an appropriate method to prevent or control the spread of horticultural pests or diseases.
(2) "Outdoor burning" means the combustion of material of any type in an open fire or in an outdoor container without providing for the control of combustion or the control of emissions from the combustion.
(3) This section shall not apply to silvicultural burning used to improve or maintain fire dependent ecosystems for rare plants or animals within state, federal, and private natural area preserves, natural resource conservation areas, parks, and other wildlife areas.
[2004 c 213 § 1; 2001 1st sp.s. c 12 § 1; 1998 c 68 § 1; 1997 c 225 § 1; 1991 c 199 § 402.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.745
Limited outdoor burning — Program — Exceptions.
(1) It shall be the responsibility and duty of the department of natural resources, department of ecology, department of agriculture, fire districts, and local air pollution control authorities to establish, through regulations, ordinances, or policy, a limited burning permit program.
(2) The permit program shall apply to residential and land clearing burning in the following areas:
(a) In the nonurban areas of any county with an unincorporated population of greater than fifty thousand; and
(b) In any city and urban growth area that is not otherwise prohibited from burning pursuant to RCW 70.94.743.
(3) The permit program shall apply only to land clearing burning in the nonurban areas of any county with an unincorporated population of less than fifty thousand.
(4) The permit program may be limited to a general permit by rule, or by verbal, written, or electronic approval by the permitting entity.
(5) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, neither a permit nor the payment of a fee shall be required for outdoor burning for the purpose of disposal of tumbleweeds blown by wind. Such burning shall not be conducted during an air pollution episode or any stage of impaired air quality declared under *RCW 70.94.714. This subsection (5) shall only apply within counties with a population less than two hundred fifty thousand.
(6) Burning shall be prohibited in an area when an alternate technology or method of disposing of the organic refuse is available, reasonably economical, and less harmful to the environment. It is the policy of this state to foster and encourage development of alternate methods or technology for disposing of or reducing the amount of organic refuse.
(7) Incidental agricultural burning must be allowed without applying for any permit and without the payment of any fee if:
(a) The burning is incidental to commercial agricultural activities;
(b) The operator notifies the local fire department within the area where the burning is to be conducted;
(c) The burning does not occur during an air pollution episode or any stage of impaired air quality declared under RCW 70.94.715; and
(d) Only the following items are burned:
(i) Orchard prunings;
(ii) Organic debris along fence lines or irrigation or drainage ditches; or
(iii) Organic debris blown by wind.
(8) As used in this section, "nonurban areas" are unincorporated areas within a county that is not designated as an urban growth area under chapter 36.70A RCW.
(9) Nothing in this section shall require fire districts to enforce air quality requirements related to outdoor burning, unless the fire district enters into an agreement with the department of ecology, department of natural resources, a local air pollution control authority, or other appropriate entity to provide such enforcement.
[1995 c 206 § 1; 1991 c 199 § 401; 1972 ex.s. c 136 § 2.]
Notes: *Reviser's note: The reference to RCW 70.94.714 appears erroneous. Reference to RCW 70.94.715 was apparently intended.
Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.750
Limited outdoor burning — Permits issued by political subdivisions — Types of fires permitted.
The following outdoor fires described in this section may be burned subject to the provisions of this chapter and also subject to city ordinances, county resolutions, rules of fire districts and laws, and rules enforced by the department of natural resources if a permit has been issued by a fire protection agency, county, or conservation district:
(1) Fires consisting of leaves, clippings, prunings and other yard and gardening refuse originating on lands immediately adjacent and in close proximity to a human dwelling and burned on such lands by the property owner or his or her designee.
(2) Fires consisting of residue of a natural character such as trees, stumps, shrubbery or other natural vegetation arising from land clearing projects or agricultural pursuits for pest or disease control; provided the fires described in this subsection may be prohibited in those areas having a general population density of one thousand or more persons per square mile.
[1991 c 199 § 412; 1972 ex.s. c 136 § 3.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.755
Limited outdoor burning — Establishment of program.
Each activated air pollution control authority, and the department of ecology in those areas outside the jurisdictional boundaries of an activated air pollution control authority, shall establish, through regulations, ordinances, or policy, a program implementing the limited burning policy authorized by RCW 70.94.743 through 70.94.765.
[1997 c 225 § 2; 1972 ex.s. c 136 § 4.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.760
Limited outdoor burning — Construction.
Nothing contained in RCW *70.94.740 through 70.94.765 is intended to alter or change the provisions of RCW 70.94.660, 70.94.710 through 70.94.730, and 76.04.205.
[1986 c 100 § 55; 1972 ex.s. c 136 § 5.]
Notes: *Reviser's note: RCW 70.94.740 was repealed by 1991 c 199 § 718.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.765
Limited outdoor burning — Authority of local air pollution control authority or department of ecology to allow outdoor fires not restricted.
Nothing in RCW *70.94.740 through 70.94.765 shall be construed as prohibiting a local air pollution control authority or the department of ecology in those areas outside the jurisdictional boundaries of an activated pollution control authority from allowing the burning of outdoor fires.
[1972 ex.s. c 136 § 6.]
Notes: *Reviser's note: RCW 70.94.740 was repealed by 1991 c 199 § 718.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.775
Outdoor burning — Fires prohibited — Exceptions.
Except as provided in RCW 70.94.650(5), no person shall cause or allow any outdoor fire:
(1) Containing garbage, dead animals, asphalt, petroleum products, paints, rubber products, plastics, or any substance other than natural vegetation that normally emits dense smoke or obnoxious odors. Agricultural heating devices that otherwise meet the requirements of this chapter shall not be considered outdoor fires under this section;
(2) During a forecast, alert, warning or emergency condition as defined in RCW 70.94.715 or impaired air quality condition as defined in RCW 70.94.473.
[1995 c 362 § 2; 1991 c 199 § 410; 1974 ex.s. c 164 § 1; 1973 2nd ex.s. c 11 § 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 193 § 9.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.780
Outdoor burning — Permits issued by political subdivisions.
In addition to any other powers granted to them by law, the fire protection agency, county, or conservation district issuing burning permits shall regulate or prohibit outdoor burning as necessary to prevent or abate the nuisances caused by such burning. No fire protection agency, county, or conservation district may issue a burning permit in an area where the department or local board has declared any stage of impaired air quality per RCW 70.94.473 or any stage of an air pollution episode. All burning permits issued shall be subject to all applicable fee, permitting, penalty, and enforcement provisions of this chapter. The permitted burning shall not cause damage to public health or the environment.
Any entity issuing a permit under this section may charge a fee at the level necessary to recover the costs of administering and enforcing the permit program.
[1991 c 199 § 411; 1973 1st ex.s. c 193 § 10.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.785
Plans approved pursuant to federal clean air act — Enforcement authority.
Notwithstanding any provision of the law to the contrary, except RCW 70.94.660 through 70.94.690, the department of ecology, upon its approval of any plan (or part thereof) required or permitted under the federal clean air act, shall have the authority to enforce all regulatory provisions within such plan (or part thereof): PROVIDED, That departmental enforcement of any such provision which is within the power of an activated authority to enforce shall be initiated only, when with respect to any source, the authority is not enforcing the provisions and then only after written notice is given the authority.
[1973 1st ex.s. c 193 § 11.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.800
Legislative declaration — Intent.
The legislature recognizes that:
(1) Acid deposition resulting from commercial, industrial or other emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides pose a threat to the delicate balance of the state's ecological systems, particularly in alpine lakes that are known to be highly sensitive to acidification;
(2) Failure to act promptly and decisively to mitigate or eliminate this danger may soon result in untold and irreparable damage to the fish, forest, wildlife, agricultural, water, and recreational resources of this state;
(3) There is a direct correlation between emissions of sulphur dioxides and nitrogen oxides and increases in acid deposition;
(4) Acidification is cumulative; and
(5) Once an environment is acidified, it is difficult, if not impossible, to restore the natural balance.
It is therefore the intent of the legislature to provide for early detection of acidification and the resulting environmental degradation through continued monitoring of acid deposition levels and trends, and major source changes, so that the legislature can take any necessary action to prevent environmental degradation resulting from acid deposition.
[1985 c 456 § 1; 1984 c 277 § 1.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.805
Definitions.
As used in RCW 70.94.800 through *70.94.825, the following terms have the following meanings.
(1) "Acid deposition" means wet or dry deposition from the atmosphere of chemical compounds with a pH of less than 5.6.
(2) "Critical level of acid deposition and lake, stream, and soil acidification" means the level at which irreparable damage may occur unless corrective action is taken.
[1985 c 456 § 2; 1984 c 277 § 2.]
Notes: *Reviser's note: RCW 70.94.810, 70.94.815, and 70.94.825 were repealed by 1991 c 199 § 718.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.820
Monitoring by department of ecology.
The department of ecology shall maintain a program of periodic monitoring of acid rain deposition and lake, stream, and soil acidification to ensure early detection of acidification and environmental degradation.
[1987 c 505 § 61; 1985 c 456 § 5; 1984 c 277 § 6.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.850
Emission credits banking program — Amount of credit.
The department of ecology and the local boards may implement an emission credits banking program. For the purposes of this section, an emission credits banking program means a program whereby an air contaminant source which reduces emissions of a given air contaminant by an amount greater than that required by applicable law, regulation, or order is granted credit for a given amount, which credit shall be administered by a credit bank operated by the appropriate agency. The amount of the credit shall be determined by the department or local board with jurisdiction, but it shall be less than the amount of the emissions reduction. The credit may be used, traded, sold, or otherwise expended for purposes established by regulation of state or local agencies consistent with the provisions of the prevention of significant deterioration program under RCW 70.94.860, the bubble program under RCW 70.94.155, and the new source review program under RCW 70.94.152, if there will be no net adverse impact on air quality.
[1984 c 164 § 1.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.860
Department of ecology may accept delegation of programs.
The department of ecology may accept delegation of programs as provided for in the federal clean air act. Subject to federal approval, the department may, in turn, delegate such programs to the local authority with jurisdiction in a given area.
[1991 c 199 § 312; 1984 c 164 § 2.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.875
Evaluation of information on acid deposition in Pacific Northwest — Establishment of critical levels — Notification of legislature.
The department of ecology, in consultation with the appropriate committees of the house of representatives and of the senate, shall:
(1) Continue evaluation of information and research on acid deposition in the Pacific Northwest region;
(2) Establish critical levels of acid deposition and lake, stream, and soil acidification; and
(3) Notify the legislature if acid deposition or lake, stream, and soil acidification reaches the levels established under subsection (2) of this section.
[1991 c 199 § 313; 1985 c 456 § 3.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.880
Establishment of critical deposition and acidification levels — Considerations.
In establishing critical levels of acid deposition and lake, stream, and soil acidification, the department of ecology shall consider:
(1) Current acid deposition and lake, stream, and soil acidification levels;
(2) Changes in acid deposition and lake, stream, and soil acidification levels;
(3) Effects of acid deposition and lake, stream, and soil acidification on the environment; and
(4) The need to prevent environmental degradation.
[1985 c 456 § 4.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.892
Carbon dioxide mitigation — Fees.
(1) For fossil-fueled electric generation facilities having more than twenty-five thousand kilowatts station generating capability but less than three hundred fifty thousand kilowatts station generation capability, except for fossil-fueled floating thermal electric generation facilities under the jurisdiction of the energy facility site evaluation council pursuant to RCW 80.50.010, the department or authority shall implement a carbon dioxide mitigation program consistent with the requirements of chapter 80.70 RCW.
(2) For mitigation projects conducted directly by or under the control of the applicant, the department or local air authority shall approve or deny the mitigation plans, as part of its action to approve or deny an application submitted under RCW 70.94.152 based upon whether or not the mitigation plan is consistent with the requirements of chapter 80.70 RCW.
(3) The department or authority may determine, assess, and collect fees sufficient to cover the costs to review and approve or deny the carbon dioxide mitigation plan components of an order of approval issued under RCW 70.94.152. The department or authority may also collect fees sufficient to cover its additional costs to monitor conformance with the carbon dioxide mitigation plan components of the registration and air operating permit programs authorized in RCW 70.94.151 and 70.94.161. The department or authority shall track its costs related to review, approval, and monitoring conformance with carbon dioxide mitigation plans.
[2004 c 224 § 8.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.901
Construction — 1967 c 238.
This 1967 amendatory act shall not be construed to create in any way nor to enlarge, diminish or otherwise affect in any way any private rights in any civil action for damages. Any determination that there has been a violation of the provisions of this 1967 amendatory act or of any ordinance, rule, regulation or order issued pursuant thereto, shall not create by reason thereof any presumption or finding of fact or of law for use in any lawsuit brought by a private citizen.
[1967 c 238 § 65.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.902
Construction, repeal of RCW 70.94.061 through 70.94.066 — Saving.
The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:
(1) Section 7, chapter 238, Laws of 1967, and RCW 70.94.061;
(2) Section 8, chapter 238, Laws of 1967, and RCW 70.94.062;
(3) Section 9, chapter 238, Laws of 1967, and RCW 70.94.064; and
(4) Section 10, chapter 238, Laws of 1967, and RCW 70.94.066.
Such repeals shall not be construed as affecting any authority in existence on April 24, 1969, nor as affecting any action, activities or proceedings initiated by such authority prior hereto, nor as affecting any civil or criminal proceedings instituted by such authority, nor any rule, regulation, resolution, ordinance, or order promulgated by such authority, nor any administrative action taken by such authority, nor the term of office, or appointment or employment of any person appointed or employed by such authority.
[1969 ex.s. c 168 § 46.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.904
Effective dates — 1991 c 199.
Sections 602 and 603 of this act shall take effect July 1, 1992. Sections 202 through 209 of this act shall take effect January 1, 1993. Sections 210 and 505 of this act shall take effect January 1, 1992.
The remainder of 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.
[1991 c 199 § 717.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.905
Severability — 1991 c 199.
If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.
[1991 c 199 § 719.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.906
Captions not law.
Captions and headings as used in this act constitute no part of the law.
[1991 c 199 § 720.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.911
Severability — 1967 c 238.
If any phrase, clause, subsection or section of this 1967 amendatory act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, it shall be conclusively presumed that the legislature would have enacted this act without the phrase, clause, subsection or section so held unconstitutional or invalid and the remainder of the act shall not be affected as a result of said part being held unconstitutional or invalid.
[1967 c 238 § 64.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.950
Disincorporation of district located in county with a population of two hundred ten thousand or more and inactive for five years.
See chapter 57.90 RCW.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.960
Clean fuel matching grants for public transit, vehicle mechanics, and refueling infrastructure.
The department may disburse matching grants from funds provided by the legislature from the air pollution control account, created in RCW 70.94.015, to units of local government to partially offset the additional cost of purchasing "clean fuel" and/or operating "clean-fuel vehicles" provided that such vehicles are used for public transit. Publicly owned school buses are considered public transit for the purposes of this section. The department may also disburse grants to vocational-technical institutes for the purpose of establishing programs to certify clean-fuel vehicle mechanics. The department may also distribute grants to Washington State University for the purpose of furthering the establishment of clean fuel refueling infrastructure.
[1996 c 186 § 517; 1991 c 199 § 218.]
Notes: Findings -- Intent -- Part headings not law -- Effective date -- 1996 c 186: See notes following RCW 43.330.904.
Finding -- 1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70.94.011.
Clean fuel: RCW 70.120.210.
Refueling: RCW 80.28.280.
State vehicles: RCW 43.19.637.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.94.970
Chlorofluorocarbons — Ozone — Refrigerants regulated.
(1) Regulated refrigerant means a class I or class II substance as listed in Title VI of section 602 of the federal clean air act amendments of November 15, 1990.
(2) A person who services or repairs or disposes of a motor vehicle air conditioning system; commercial or industrial air conditioning, heating, or refrigeration system; or consumer appliance shall use refrigerant extraction equipment to recover regulated refrigerant that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. This subsection does not apply to off-road commercial equipment.
(3) Upon request, the department shall provide information and assistance to persons interested in collecting, transporting, or recycling regulated refrigerants.
(4) The willful release of regulated refrigerant from a source listed in subsection (2) of this section is prohibited.
[1991 c 199 § 602.]
Notes: Finding -- 1991 c 199: "The legislature finds that:
(1) The release of chlorofluorocarbons and other ozone-depleting chemicals into the atmosphere contributes to the destruction of stratospheric ozone and threatens plant and animal life with harmful overexposure to ultraviolet radiation;
(2) The technology and equipment to extract and recover chlorofluorocarbons and other ozone-depleting chemicals from air conditioners, refrigerators, and other appliances are available;
(3) A number of nonessential consumer products contain ozone-depleting chemicals; and (continued)