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Rule Development - Biosolids Management Chapter 173-308, WAC
Adopted: May 24, 2007
Effective: June 24, 2007
In April 2006 the Department of Ecology (Ecology) began the process to amend the
existing rule, Chapter 173-308 WAC, Biosolids Management. This rule established
requirements for handling biosolids in the state. Chapter 173-308 WAC was adopted
on February 18, 1998 in accordance with Chapter 70.95J RCW.
This rule making proposed amendments to:
- Streamline the permitting process requirements
- Better address septage management requirements
- Develop a more thorough and equitable fee structure
- Address “general housekeeping” issues such as providing clarifications, making
formatting changes, and ensuring that the rule is consistent with the new Biosolids
general permit and previous interpretations and policy decisions.
The revisions will impact all facilities subject to the biosolids rule,
including wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and Septage Management Facilities (SMFs).
Ecology developed information and ways to inform the public about this rule amendment
and ensured the amendment process met all public involvement requirements in the
Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 34.05 RCW). Ecology regularly updated this Web
page with information on rule activities, including how to comment on the proposed rule.
After the
CR-102 was
filed, the rule language was open for public comment. Ecology accepted formal comments
on the proposed rule amendments until
5 p.m., March 8, 2007.
Comments were submitted in the following ways:
- Electronic Comment Form.
Electronically submit your comments on this rule amendment. Complete the
electronic comment form for this rule.
- US Mail. Send comments by US Mail to:
Daniel Thompson, State Biosolids Coordinator
P.O. Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
- E-mail. Submit comments by e-mail to:
Daniel Thompson, State Biosolids Coordinator
E-mail: dtho461@ecy.wa.gov
- Public Hearing. Ecology conducted two
public hearings where formal comments on this rule were submitted. Click on
the link for more information on the public hearing date, time and location.
The public had the same opportunity that local governments, private businesses and
other interested parties to comment on the proposed amendments. For those who were
interested in these rule amendments, the rule development
electronic
mailing list and this Web site provided information and opportunities to comment on the rule.
Public Comment
Period: How do I submit a comment?
Ecology created the WAC 173-308, Biosolids Management electronic mailing list
(ListServ) to email information to persons interested in the proposed rule
amendments. Ecology encouraged interested persons, including those involved with
wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and Septage Management Facilities (SMFs), and
the public to sign up.
In July 2006 Ecology formed the Biosolids Rule Revision Advisory Group (BRRAG). This
group consisted of a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Amendments to the rule were drafted
by Ecology staff. The BRRAG discussed and reviewed proposed significant changes and
also commented on the draft rule text.
The BRRAG met in Ellensburg in July, August, September, and October 2006.
Advisory Group Members
Click on the following links for BRRAG meeting information, including agendas, meeting
minutes, comments from the BRRAG members, and related draft rule documents:
July 7 Advisory Group Meeting #1
August 11 Advisory Group Meeting #2
September 15 Advisory Group Meeting #3
October 13 Advisory Group Meeting #4
Contact Daniel Thompson at (360) 407-6108 or email:
DTHO461@ecy.wa.gov for more information about
the rule development Advisory Group and their role in the rule-making process.
* Note: dates are estimates and may change
