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Environment :: Washington InformationWashington Environmental InfoAir | Water | Hazardous Waste | Dangerous Waste | Waste Reporting | NPDES Permits State of Washington Department of Ecology P.O. Box 47600
Skamania County
Air QualityAir pollution control in Washington is based on a set of local, state, and federal laws and regulations involving three levels of government. The federal government, through the Environmental Protection agency, sets air pollution standards that apply nationally. The state government, through Ecology and, in some cases, the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC), is required to implement federal standards. A third level of government, local air pollution control agencies, also have broad responsibilities for implementing air pollution control activities within their single or multi-county jurisdictions. Ecology implements and enforces air regulations with jurisdiction over all sources located in counties that do not have activated local authorities. Within the Gorge Region, S.W. Air Pollution Control is responsible for monitoring air quality in Skamania County and Ecology enforces regulations in Klickitat County. Additionally, Ecology has jurisdiction over primary aluminum plants, pulp mills, vehicles, and vehicle-related sources. Local authorities may implement and enforce most state regulations, and all local agencies have their own regulations that may be more restrictive than those of Ecology. Requirements Related to BurningAir Quality Permit (Open burning)
Burning Permit (Fire Protection)
Requirements Related to Businesses or Industries that Discharge to AirAir Contaminant Source Registration
New Source Review Ecology or the local air authority has review and approval authority for the construction of new sources or modifications to existing sources of air pollution.
Reasonably Available Control Technology Determinations Existing industrial and commercial sources may be required by Ecology to undergo a Reasonable Available Control Technology (RACT) determination. The RACT process determines, and then requires the use of reasonable available control requirements to reduce or limit their air emissions.
Air Operating Permits
Water QualityThe people of Washington state are supported in their goal for clean water by many state laws and regulations, including the state's Water Pollution Control Act, which explains that Washington State's policy is to " . . . maintain the highest possible standards to insure the purity of all waters of the state are consistent with public health and public enjoyment. . . The propagation and protection of wildlife, birds, game, fish and other aquatic life, and the industrial development of the state. " There are many activities that have the potential to impact water quality, such as agriculture, near-or in-water construction, forestry, dredging and channelization, and industrial discharges. Pollution from these and other activities can be reduced if appropriate methods are used. During the permitting process, agency experts can help design a project to control and prevent pollution of streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, marine waters, and other surface and ground waters of the state. It is important to know that any waste water treatment facility needs Ecology approval prior to its construction (Chapter 90.48 RCW and 173-240 WAC). Because these same facilities may or may not require an individual waste water discharge permit, the project should be discussed with an Ecology regional office as project planning begins. The Department of Health is also involved with waste discharge permits when waste water is applied to land. Hazardous/Dangerous/Solid Waste and Toxic SubstancesThe Department of Ecology has several programs devoted to managing waste to protect public health and the environment, and to promote waste reduction and recycling. These programs include the Hazardous Waste and Toxic Reduction, Solid Waste Services, Toxic Cleanup, and the Nuclear Waste Program. Certain wastes are also regulated by local governments, often through their environmental health or solid waste divisions. Ecology and local governments are working together to improve waste management programs by learning more about ground water monitoring, sludge handling, ash management, illegal disposal, and other waste related issues. Over 40 cities and counties have worked with Ecology to establish plans for addressing small quantities of hazardous wastes from businesses and households. Certification of Operators of Solid Waste Incinerator and Landfill Facilities
Dangerous Waste DesignationA person who generates a waste is responsible for determining if it is a regulated hazardous waste. A hazardous waste is solid or liquid material with certain properties that could pose dangers to human health, property, or the environment. Dangerous Waste Permits (Treatment, Storage, Disposal) Dangerous Waste Permits, designed to protect human health and the environment, are required for treating, storing, and disposing of dangerous waste. In general, dangerous waste is a substance that could pose, or threatens to pose, a hazard to human health and the environment. Before Ecology can accept a permit application, the applicant must demonstrate that the proposed facility and site meet stringent siting criteria. Criteria consist of minimum setbacks to certain natural resources and places, such as wetlands and residences, and exclusion of facilities from certain areas, such as floodplains. Applying for a permit requires detailed information on methods for treatment, storage, and disposal. The applicant must submit engineering drawings, operating plans, and facility closure procedures. The amount of time required for permit review depends on the nature of the facility and type of wastes to be managed. It normally takes several years, and a great deal of technical exchange between the applicant and Ecology, to complete the permit process. Public hearings are usually required.
Dangerous/Hazardous/Waste and Toxic Substance Reporting RequirementsEmergency Planning and Community Right To Know Title III of the Superfund amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), also known as the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know, requires facilities that handle hazardous substances to provide information on the type, quantities, storage, and environmental fate of their hazardous substances. These reports provide information for emergency planning agencies and the public and are filed with the State Emergency Response Commission. Reports may be required under the following sections of SARA Title III.
Model Toxic Control Act - Reporting Independent Remedial Action Any person who conducts an independent remedial action(interim or final) must submit a written report to Ecology within ninety days of completing the action.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) PermitThe discharge of pollutants into the state's surface waters is regulated through NPDES permits. Ecology issues these permits under authority delegated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Permits typically place limits on the quantity and concentration of pollutants that may be discharged. To ensure compliance with these limits, permits require waste water treatment or impose other operational conditions. In most cases, permits have a five-year life span. NPDES permits are required for:
On-Site Sewage Disposal Permit (Septic Systems) Businesses and residences that locate outside areas served by sewer systems often treat and dispose of sanitary sewage on property where it originates through septic tanks and subsurface drain fields. Plans for these systems are reviewed and approved by local health departments, or the Department of Health (Health ) or Ecology, depending on the size and nature of the system. Local health departments issue permits for on-site sewage with design flows, at any common point, that are less than 3,500 gallons per day. Health reviews and approves plans and specifications for on-site sewage systems with design flows, at any common point, between 3,500 gallons per day and 14,500 gallons per day. Local health departments can take on this responsibility with a contractual agreement with Health. |
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