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Department of Ecology News Release - October 7, 2004
04-187
OLYMPIA - The Department of Ecology is accepting public comment on a proposal for incorporating a new federal regulation on air-emission sources into state air-quality regulations.
The regulations apply to new or existing industrial facilities that want to generate or increase air emissions.
The change will combine two sets of conflicting requirements into one common set, to improve clarity and consistency. It also will allow similar types of businesses to be covered under a general permit, without requiring a separate review of each facility's emissions. The draft rule also expands public notification requirements for these types of permits, and it clarifies what facilities must do to avoid penalties if they violate their emission limits.
"Environmental standards for the facilities will not be diminished, but they will incur less review time and smaller fees if they choose to be covered by a general permit instead of a site-specific permit," said Stu Clark, who manages Ecology's air-quality program.
The draft rule also proposes updating the fee structure for "new-source" air permits for the first time since 1993.
"The Legislature wants the permit-holders to cover the cost of running this program, so we need to make an adjustment," Clark said. "We work hard to help companies meet their needs while also protecting the public's need for clean, healthy air."
The draft rule is available on-line at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/laws-rules/activity/wac173400.html or may be obtained by contacting Todd Todd at ttod461@ecy.swa.gov or (360) 407-7528.
Public comment on the draft regulation will be accepted through Nov. 19. Comments may be submitted by e-mail to ttod461@ecy.swa.gov or by mail to Tom Todd, Department of Ecology, Air Quality Program, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, Wash., 98504-7600.
Two public hearings will be held:
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Media contact: Sheryl Hutchison, Communication Director, 360-407-7004
Draft rule: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/laws-rules/activity/wac173400.html
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
