New Source Review:
Notice of Construction (NOC) Permits

Businesses that are new, replacing or modifying emission control equipment, or are increasing their air pollutant emissions must undergo New Source Review (NSR). NSR requires businesses that emit air pollution in Ecology-regulated counties to get a permit called a "Notice of Construction (NOC) Order of Approval." An NOC limits the business's air pollutant emissions. It is also called a "pre-construction permit," because the business owner must get this permit before starting construction or operation of the business.

Contents:

Who needs an NOC?
How to apply for an NOC
Which Ecology application form do I use?
More information

Who needs an NOC?

Most, but not all, businesses that are new, replacing or modifying emission control equipment, or are increasing their air pollutant emissions need a pre-construction permit. A business may be exempt from this permit requirement based on either its equipment or its emission levels. Businesses that are exempt based on equipment are listed in WAC 173-400-110(4). The exemption based on emission levels is described in WAC 173-400-110(5).

How to apply for an NOC

Use the table below to determine which agency issues NOC permits in your area.

If Ecology is your permitting agency, see the form Instructions for Ecology's Notice of Construction Application. Then fill out and submit, with the initial application fee, the Ecology application form.
If another agency is your permitting agency, contact them for details. Other agencies use different application forms.

Regulatory Agency	Jurisdiction	Location/Phone
Department of Ecology: Central Regional Air Quality Office (contact Lynnette Haller)	Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat, and Okanogan counties	Yakima, WA (509) 575-2490
Department of Ecology: Northwest Regional Office (contact David Adler)	San Juan County	Redmond, WA (425) 649-7000
Department of Ecology: Eastern Regional Air Quality Office (contact Gregory Flibbert)	Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman counties	Spokane, WA (509) 329-3400
Department of Ecology: Industrial Section (contact Garin Schrieve)	Statewide pulp and paper mills and aluminum smelters	Olympia, WA (360) 407-6916
Department of Ecology: Nuclear Waste Program (contact Philip Gent)	Hanford Reservation	Richland, WA (509) 372-7950
Benton Clean Air Authority	Benton County	Kennewick, WA (509) 783-1304
Northwest Clean Air Agency	Island, Skagit, and Whatcom counties	Mt. Vernon, WA (360) 428-1617
Olympic Region Clean Air Agency	Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties	Olympia, WA (360) 586-1044
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency	King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties	Seattle, WA (206) 343-8800
Southwest Clean Air Agency	Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties	Vancouver, WA (360) 574-3058
Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency	Spokane County	Spokane, WA (509) 477-4727
Yakima Regional Clean Air Authority	Yakima County	Yakima, WA (509) 834-2050
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) EPA/Region 10	Tribal lands and the outer continental shelf	Seattle, WA (206) 553-8087
State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council	Statewide Major Energy Facilities	Olympia, WA (360) 956-2121

Which Ecology application form do I use?

Businesses that want to construct a new source of air pollution emissions or modify an existing source need to submit a Notice of Construction Application (ECY 070-410) to Ecology with the initial fee. Instructions for completing the application are available at the same link, listed as forms ECY 070-410 a - g.
Businesses that want to limit their potential to emit need to submit an application to Establish a Voluntary Emission Limit (ECY 070-416) to Ecology with the initial fee.