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This page has been developed in response to RCW 70.41.045 enacted in 2004. Listed below are the most common or significant issues/interactions Ecology has with hospitals along with information on how to avoid or address such problems and who to contact for more information.
Concern: Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
Suspected leaks or releases, primarily of diesel fuel, from underground
storage tanks.
How to Avoid Problems
Such releases are relatively rare since most older tanks have been removed
or replaced with more modern systems. To minimize the chance for future leaks or
releases, underground storage tank systems should use double walled tanks and
connecting pipes; should be periodically checked for leaks and use cathodic
protection to minimize corrosion.
Who to Contact for Assistance or More Information
Mike Blum (360-407-6913)
Concerns: Designation of Dangerous Waste; Pharmaceutical Waste
Disposal; and Labeling of Dangerous Wastes
It is important for hospitals to know which products, materials and consumables
are classified as dangerous or hazardous waste under state and federal law. Such
wastes cannot be dumped down the drain or disposed of in the garbage.
Also see Ecology's Mercury page, including a link to the December 2005 Ecology-WSHA MOU.
How to Avoid Problems
Be sure you know which chemicals, products and consumables used in your
hospital are classified as dangerous or hazardous waste under state and federal
law. Information on waste designation can be found at "Hazardous
Waste Management Requirements".
Pharmaceuticals as well as other hazardous or dangerous wastes cannot be disposed of down the drains of sinks or toilets. Information regarding the proper disposal of pharmaceutical wastes can be found at "Managing Pharmaceutical Wastes".
Containers of dangerous wastes must be properly labeled and accumulation dates must be identified. More information on labeling of dangerous waste containers can be found at "Hazardous Waste Management Requirements".
Who to Contact for Assistance or More Information
NW Washington: Island, King, Kitsap, San Juan, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom
Counties: Jenny Yoo (425-649-7166)
SW Washington: Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Lewis, Mason,
Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston, Wahkiakum Counties:
Ava Edmonson (360-407-6337)
Eastern Washington: Camille Martin
(509-329-3551)
Concern: Permits for Construction of Air Pollution Sources at Hospitals
Whenever a new hospital is built or an existing hospital replaces or adds a
boiler or ethylene oxide sterilizer, the hospital may need a Notice of
Construction permit to limit releases of air pollution to the environment.
How to Avoid Problems
When planning for construction at an existing hospital or for building a
new facility, be sure to contact the department well before construction begins
to determine if an air quality permit is necessary. Permitting staff can explain
under what circumstances a permit is required and provide technical assistance
to make sure the permitting process goes smoothly and quickly.
Who to Contact for Assistance or More Information
Eastern Washington: Adams, Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin,
Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman
Counties: Greg Flibbert (509-329-3452)
Central Washington: Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, Yakima
Counties: Chrissie Phelps (509-454-7899)
Western Washington: Bernie Brady
(360-407-6803)
Concern: Discharge of pollutants to surface or groundwaters of the State including sanitary sewer discharge to municipal wastewater treatment plant systems
How to Avoid Problems
It is important for hospital personnel to know where their waste water
discharges and the health of the water body that receives their waste water and
stormwater. Any discharge to waters of the state requires a NPDES or State Waste
Discharge Permit.
Under chapter 90.48.080 RCW, "It shall be unlawful for any person to throw, drain, run, or otherwise discharge into any of the waters of this state, or to cause, permit or suffer to be thrown, run, drained, allowed to seep or otherwise discharged into such waters any organic or inorganic matter that shall cause or tend to cause pollution of such waters according to the determination of the department, . . . ."
Construction stormwater general permit coverage is required for construction that disturbs over one acre of land. The type of permit coverage needed under a NPDES or state waste discharge permit depends upon the type of discharge. The process is easily begun with a visit to Ecology's water quality permits website.
Who to Contact for Assistance or More Information
Janice Sedlak (360) 407-6470
If you wish to comment on this page, please contact Stu Clark (360-407-6873).
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
