Washington State agency proposes changes to air-pollution regulation

The Washington Department of Ecology (WDE) said on Wednesday that it is proposing changes to its air operating permit, which regulates the state’s largest sources of air pollution, including a measure that would allow for new fees.

The air operating permit is mandated by the federal Clean Air Act and regulates businesses and industries that annually produce 100 tons of air pollution or more. In Washington, this translates to roughly 128 facilities.

The permit currently limits emissions and sets requirements for the facilities’ operations, procedures, monitoring and reporting. Under the WDE’s proposed changes, the permit’s fee calculation would be updated, and the department would introduce a public review process for those calculations. The changes would also update audit requirements and clarify the application of federal regulations on businesses.

The public comment period for the proposed changes on the permit will close on Sept. 18, and the WDE will hold a public workshop and hearing in Lacey, Washington, on Sept. 10.

EPA Testimony Statements -- http://www.epa.gov/ocir/hearings/testimony/113_2013_2014/2013_2.htm