WSR 97-08-022
DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
[Filed March 25, 1997, 1:20 p.m.]
The Washington State Department of Ecology's air quality program has
withdrawn its request to EPA to establish portions of the state rules as
federally enforceable. State law requires that companies who want to
stay out of the air operating permits program must have emission limits
written in a federally enforceable order. Currently, regulatory orders
written under the authority in WAC 173-400-091 are federally enforceable.
The agencies responsible for air permits had sought to expand this
federally enforceable umbrella to include all regulatory orders written
under the new source review program and complementary local regulations.
Ecology and several other air agencies believe the existing mechanism is
sufficient at this time. The Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency
and Southwest Air Pollution Control Authority chose to continue to
request federal approval of their own regulations under this program.
If you have any questions or would like more information about this Notice of Action, please contact Elena Guilfoil at (360) 407-6855.
Elena Guilfoil
Air Quality Program