PROPOSED RULES
CLEAN AIR AGENCY
Original Notice.
Exempt from preproposal statement of inquiry under RCW 34.05.310(4).
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) regulations, amendments to Rule 1.4 Definitions and Rule 6.2 Outdoor Burning.
Hearing Location(s): Olympic Region Clean Air Agency, 2940 B Limited Lane N.W., Olympia, WA 98502, on February 9, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: February 9, 2011.
Submit Written Comments to: Robert Moody, 2940 B Limited Lane N.W., Olympia, WA 98502, e-mail robert.moody@orcaa.org, fax (360) 539-7610, by February 4, 2011.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Dan Nelson by February 4, 2011, (360) 539-7610.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The focus of this proposal is to align ORCAA's Rule 6.2 Outdoor Burning with chapter 173-425 WAC. Language was simplified and clarified throughout this revision. The following definitions were deleted from Rule 1.4: "Open Fire," "Outdoor Burning," "Recreational Fire," "Silvicultural Burning" and "Urban Growth Area." Definitions from WAC 173-425-030 and the words "Burn Ban" and "Extinguish" were placed in Rule 6.2.2 Definitions. Changes from the existing rule and not specified in chapter 173-425 WAC include Rules 6.2.3, 6.2.4, and 6.2.8. Rule 6.2.3 included the entire city of Hoquiam as an area where residential and land clearing burning are not permitted. Under current regulations (WAC) a portion of the city is regulated as a high density area where burning is not allowed. The same rule does not apply to the remaining portion of the city. To simplify education and enforcement issues, the city of Hoquiam requested they be listed as a no-burn area. Rule 6.2.4 was added to provide enforcement ability for the Thurston County residential outdoor burning permit program. Residential fires ignited in Thurston County during the summer burn ban would be illegal under this rule and subject to enforcement. Rule 6.2.8 was added to clarify the basis for denial or revocation of a burn permit issued by ORCAA.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 70.94 RCW.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 70.94 RCW.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: ORCAA, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Robert Moody, 2940 B Limited Lane N.W., (360) 539-7610.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. This agency is not subject to the Regulatory Fairness Act (chapter 19.85 RCW) because air pollution control authorities are not deemed state agencies (RCW 70.94.141).
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. Air pollution control authorities are not deemed to be state agencies (RCW 70.94.141).
November 18, 2010
Francea L. McNair
Executive Director
AMENDED SECTIONRule 1.4 Definitions
When used in regulations of the Olympic Region Clean Air
Agency, the following definitions shall apply, unless defined
otherwise in individual Regulations:
"Actual Emissions" means the actual rate of emissions of a pollutant from an emission unit, as determined in accordance with a through c of this rule.
(a) In general, actual emissions as of a particular date shall equal the average rate, in tons per year, at which the emission unit actually emitted the pollutant during a two-year period which precedes the particular date and which is representative of normal source operation. The Agency shall allow the use of a different time period upon determination that it is more representative of normal source rates, and types of materials processed, stored, or combusted during the selected time operation. Actual emissions shall be calculated using the emissions unit's actual operating hours, production period.
(b) The Agency may presume that source-specific allowable emissions for the unit are equivalent to the actual emissions of the emissions unit.
(c) For an emissions unit that has not begun normal operations on the particular date, actual emissions shall equal the potential to emit of the emissions unit on that date.
"Agency" shall mean the same as "Authority."
"Agricultural Operation" means the growing of crops, the raising of fowl or animals as gainful occupation.
"Air Contaminant" means dust, fumes, mist, smoke, other particulate matter, vapor, gas, odorous substance, or any combination thereof. "Air pollutant" means the same as "air contaminant."
"Air Pollution" means the presence in the outdoor atmosphere of one or more air contaminants in sufficient quantities, and of such characteristics and duration as is, or is likely to be, injurious to human health, plant or animal life, property, or which unreasonably interferes with enjoyment of life and property. For the purpose of these Regulations, air pollution shall not include air contaminants emitted in compliance with chapter 17.21 RCW, the Washington Pesticide Application Act, which regulates the application and control of the use of various pesticides.
"Air Pollution Episode" means a period when a forecast, alert, warning, or emergency air pollution state is declared, as stated in chapter 173-435 WAC.
"Allowable Emissions" means the emission rate of a source calculated using the maximum rated capacity of the source (unless the source is subject to federally enforceable limits which restrict the operating rate, or hours of operation, or both) and the most stringent of the following:
(a) The applicable standards as set forth in 40 CFR part 60, 61, or 63;
(b) Any applicable state implementation plan emissions limitation including those with a future compliance date; or;
(c) The emissions rate specified as a federally enforceable permit condition, including those with future compliance date.
"Alteration" means the act of altering, which means to change or make different and includes any addition to or enlargement or replacement; or change of the design, capacity, process or arrangement; or any increase in the connected loading of equipment or control facility; or any change in fuels, method of operation or hours of operation not previously approved by the Agency through a Notice of Construction Approval, which would increase or adversely affect the kind or amount of air contaminant emitted by a stationary source.
"Ambient Air" means the surrounding outside air.
"Ambient Air Quality Standard" means an established concentration, exposure time, and frequency of occurrence of air contaminant(s) in the ambient air, which shall not be exceeded.
"Ancillary" for the purpose of defining "stationary source" or "source," means "related."
"Approval Order" is defined in "order of approval."
"Attainment Area" means a geographic area designated by EPA at 40 CFR Part 81 as having attained the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for a given criteria pollutant.
"Authority" means the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency. "Agency" shall mean the same as "Authority."
"Authorized Permitting Agent" means either the county, county fire marshal, fire districts, or county conservation district, provided an agreement has been signed with the local air pollution control agency or Department of Ecology.
"Begin Actual Construction" means, in general, initiation of physical on-site construction activities on an emission unit, which are of a permanent nature. Such activities include, but are not limited to, installation of building supports and foundations, laying underground pipe work and construction of permanent storage structures. With respect to a change in method of operations, this term refers to those on-site activities other than preparatory activities with mark the initiation of the change.
"Best Available Control Technology (BACT)" means an emission limitation based on the maximum degree of reduction for each air pollutant subject to regulation under chapter 70.94 RCW emitted from or which results from any new or modified stationary source which the permitting agency, on a case-by-case basis, taking into account energy, environmental, and economic impacts and other costs, determines is achievable for such stationary source or modification through application of production processes and available methods, systems, and techniques, including fuel cleaning, clean fuels, or treatment or innovative fuel combustion techniques for control of such air pollutant. In no event shall application of the best available control technology result in emissions of any pollutants which would exceed the emissions allowed by any applicable standard under 40 CFR Part 60, Part 61, and Part 62. Emissions from any stationary source utilizing clean fuels, or any other means, to comply with this paragraph shall not be allowed to increase above levels that would have been required under definition of BACT in the Federal Clean Air Act as it existed prior to enactment of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.
"Board" means the Board of Directors of the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency.
"Bubble" means a set of emission limits which allows an increase in emissions from a given emissions unit in exchange for a decrease in emissions from another emissions unit, pursuant to RCW 70.94.155 and Rule 6.1.12 of Regulation 6.
"Commenced" as applied to "Construction" means that the owner or operator has all the necessary pre-construction approvals or permits and either has:
(a) Begun, or caused to begin, a continuous program of actual on-site construction of the source, to be completed within a reasonable time; or
(b) Entered into binding agreements or contractual obligations, which cannot be canceled or modified without substantial loss to the owner or operator, to undertake a program of actual construction of the source to be completed within a reasonable time.
For the purpose of this definition, "necessary pre-construction approvals" means those permits or orders of approval required under federal air quality control laws and regulations, including state, local and federal regulations and orders contained in the SIP.
"Concealment" means any action taken to reduce the observed or measured concentrations of a pollutant in a gaseous effluent while, in fact, not reducing the total amount of pollutant discharged.
"Control Apparatus" means any device that prevents or controls the emission of any air contaminant.
"Control Officer" means the Air Pollution Control Officer of the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency. "Executive Director" means the same as "Control Officer."
"Construction" means any physical change or change in the method of operation (including fabrication, erection, installation, demolition, or modification of an emissions unit) which would result in a change in actual emissions.
"Criteria Pollutant" means a pollutant for which there is established a National Ambient Air Quality Standard at 40 CRF Part 50. The criteria pollutants are carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter, ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), lead (Pb), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
"Daylight Hours" means the hours between official sunrise and official sunset.
"Ecology" means the Washington State Department of Ecology.
"Emission" means a release of air contaminants into the ambient air.
"Emission Point" means the location (place in horizontal plant and vertical elevation) at which an emission enters the atmosphere.
"Emission reduction credit (ERC)" means a credit granted pursuant to chapter 173-400 WAC. This is a voluntary reduction in emissions.
"Emission Standard" and "Emission Limitation" means requirements established under the Federal Clean Air Act or chapter 70.94 RCW which limits the quantity, rate, or concentration of emissions of air contaminants on a continuous basis, including any requirement relating to the operation or maintenance of a stationary source to assure continuous emission reduction and any design, equipment work practice, or operational standard adopted under the Federal Clean Air Act, chapter 70.94 RCW.
"Emission Unit" means any part of a stationary source or source which emits or would have a potential to emit any pollutant subject to regulation under the Federal Clean Air Act, chapter 70.94 or 70.98 RCW.
"EPA" means the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).
"Equipment" means any stationary or portable device, or any part thereof, capable of causing the emission of any air contaminant into the atmosphere.
"Establishment" means the act of establishing, which means creating, setting up, or putting into practice any equipment, material, fuel, or operational change.
"Excess Emission" means emissions of an air pollutant in excess of an applicable emission standard.
"Facility" means all emission units in the same industrial grouping located on contiguous or adjacent properties and under common ownership and control.
"Federal Clean Air Act (FCAA)" means the Federal Clean Air Act, as known as Public Law 88-206, 77 Stat. 392, December 17, 1963, 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq., as last amended by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, P.L. 101-549, November 15, 1990.
"Federally Enforceable" means all limitations and conditions which are enforceable by EPA, including those requirements developed under 40 CFR Parts 60, 61, and 63, requirements within the Washington SIP, requirements within any permit established under 40 CFR 52.21 or order of approval under a SIP approved new source review regulation, or any voluntary limits on emissions pursuant to Rule 6.1.12 or WAC 173-400-091.
"Fee Eligible Generating Equipment" means, for the purposes of calculating Rule 3.1 fees, any equipment or process capable of generating or emitting air contaminants except for the equipment and processes listed in a through g below:
(a) Gasoline or other fuel storage tanks located at dispensing facilities as defined in Rule 8.12.
(b) Storage tanks and other equipment located at dry cleaning facilities.
(c) Combustion units with less than 10 million BTUs per hour heat input.
(d) Process equipment with less than 5,000 ACFM flow rate.
(e) Paint spray booths and related paint spraying equipment.
(f) Mobile sources.
(g) Any other equipment or process determined appropriate for this exemption by the Agency.
"Fee Eligible Stack" means, for the purposes of calculating fees pursuant to Rule 3.1, any point in a source designed to emit solids, liquids, or gases into the air, including a pipe or duct, except for the following:
(a) Emission points associated with gasoline or fuel dispensing stations.
(b) Emission points associated with dry cleaning facilities.
(c) Pipes or ducts equal to or less than six (6) inches in diameter.
(d) Any other emission point determined appropriate for this exemption by the Agency.
"Fuel Burning Equipment" means any equipment, device or contrivance used for the burning of any fuel, and all appurtenances thereto, including ducts, breechings, control equipment, fuel feeding equipment, ash removal equipment, combustion controls, stacks, chimneys, etc., used for indirect heating in which the material being heated is not contacted by and adds no substances to the products of combustion.
"Fugitive Dust" means a particulate emission made airborne by forces of wind, man's activity, or both. Unpaved roads, construction sites, and tilled land are examples of areas that originate fugitive dust. Fugitive dust is a type of fugitive emission.
"Fugitive Emission" means emissions that could not reasonably pass through a stack, chimney, vent, or other functionally equivalent opening.
"Garbage" means refuse, animal or vegetable matter as from a kitchen, restaurant or store.
"Generating Equipment" means any equipment, device, process, or system that creates any air contaminant(s) or toxic air pollutant(s).
"Good Engineering Practice (GEP)" refers to a calculated stack height based on the equation specified in WAC 173-400-200 (2)(a)(ii).
"Hogged-fuel" means wood slabs, edging, trimmings, etc., which have been put through a "hog" to reduce them to a uniform small size, and also includes shavings from planning mills, sawdust from saw-kerfs, bits of bark, chips and other small recovered products from the manufacture of wood products or any combination thereof.
"Incinerator" means a furnace used primarily for the thermal destruction of waste.
"In Operation" means engaged in activity related to the primary design function of the source.
"Installation" means the act of installing, which means placing, assembling or constructing equipment or control equipment at the premises where the equipment or control equipment will be used, and includes all preparatory work at such premises.
"Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR)" means the EPA alternate method 1 determination of the opacity of emissions from stationary sources remotely by LIDAR
"Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER)" means for any stationary source that rate of emissions which reflects the more stringent of:
(a) The most stringent emission limitation which is contained in the implementation plan of any state for such class or category of stationary source, unless the owner or operator of the proposed new or modified stationary source demonstrates that such limitations are not achievable; or
(b) The most stringent emission limitation that is achieved in practice by such class or category of stationary source.
In no event shall the application of this term permit a proposed new or modified stationary source to emit any pollutant in excess of the amount allowable under applicable new source performance standards.
"Major Modification" is defined depending on the attainment status of the area in which the project is located, or planned to be located, as follows:
(a) Nonattainment Areas. "Major Modification" as it applies in nonattainment areas means any physical change or change in method of operation of a major stationary source that would result in a significant net emissions increase of any pollutant subject to regulation under the Federal Clean Air Act.
(1) Any net emissions increase that is considered significant for volatile organic compounds or nitrogen oxides shall be considered significant for ozone.
(2) A physical change or change in method of operation shall not include:
(i) Routine maintenance, repair and replacement;
(ii) Use of an alternative fuel or raw material by reason of an order under section 2 (a) and (b) of the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 (or any superseding legislation) or by reason of a natural gas curtailment plan pursuant to the Federal Power Act;
(iii) Use of an alternative fuel by reason of an order or rule under section 125 of the Federal Clean Air Act:
(iv) Use of an alternative fuel at a steam generating unit to the extent that the fuel is generated from municipal solid waste;
(v) Use of an alternative fuel or raw material by a stationary source which: The stationary source was capable of accommodating before December 21, 1976, unless such change would be prohibited under any federally enforceable permit or approval order condition which was established after December 12, 1976, pursuant to 40 CFR 52.21 or a SIP approved new source review regulation; or the stationary source is approved to use under any major new source review permit or approval order issued under Rule 6.1.4(b) or WAC 173-400-112;
(vi) An increase in the hours of operation or in the production rate, unless such change is prohibited under any federally enforceable permit or approval order condition which was established after December 21, 1976, pursuant to 40 CFR 52.21 or a SIP approved new source review regulation.
(vii) Any change in ownership at a stationary source.
(viii) The addition, replacement, or use of a pollution control project (as defined in 40 CFR 51.165 (a)(1)(xxv), in effect on July 1, 2001) at an existing electric utility steam generating unit, unless the permitting agency determines that such addition, replacement, or use renders the unit less environmentally beneficial, or except:
(A) When the permitting agency has reason to believe that the pollution control project would result in a significant net emissions increase in representative actual annual emissions of any criteria pollutant over levels used for that stationary source in the most recent air quality impact analysis in the area conducted for the purpose title I of the Federal Clean Air Act, if any; and
(B) The permitting agency determines that the increase will cause or contribute to a violation of any National Ambient Air Quality Standard or PSD increment, or visibility limitation.
(ix) The installation, operation, cessation, or removal of a temporary clean coal technology demonstration project, provided that the project complies with:
(A) The SIP; and
(B) Other requirements necessary to attain and maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standard during the project and after it is terminated.
(b) Attainment or unclassified areas. "Major Modification" as it applies in attainment or unclassified areas means any physical change in or change in the method of operation of a major stationary source that would result in a significant net emissions increase of any pollutant subject to regulation under the Federal Clean Air Act.
(1) Any net emissions increase that is considered significant for volatile organic compounds or nitrogen oxides shall be considered significant for ozone.
(2) A physical change or change in the method of operation shall not include:
(i) Routine maintenance, repair and replacement;
(ii) Use of alternative fuel or raw material by reason of an order under section 2 (a) and (b) of the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 (or any superseding legislation) or by reason of a natural gas curtailment plan pursuant to the Federal Power Act;
(iii) Use of an alternative fuel by reason of an order or rule section 125 of the Federal Clean Air Act;
(iv) Use of an alternative fuel at a steam generating unit to the extent that the fuel is generated from municipal solid waste;
(v) Use of an alternative fuel or raw material by a stationary source which:
(A) The stationary source was capable of accommodating before January 6, 1975, unless such change would be prohibited under any federally enforceable permit condition or approval order which was established after January 6, 1975, pursuant to 40 CFR 52.21 or a SIP approved new source review regulation; or
(B) The stationary source is approved to use under any PSD permit;
(vi) An increase in the hours of operation or in the production rate, unless such change is prohibited under any federally enforceable permit condition or an approval order which was established after January 6, 1975, pursuant to 40 CFR 52.21 or a SIP approved new source review regulation.
(vii) Any change in ownership at a stationary source.
(viii) The addition, replacement, or use of pollution control project at an existing electric utility steam generating unit, unless the permitting agency determines that such addition, replacement, or use renders the unit less environmentally beneficial, or except:
(A) When the permitting agency has reason to believe that the pollution control project (as defined in 40 CFR 51.166, in effect on July 1, 2001) would result in a significant net emissions increase in representative actual annual emissions of any criteria pollutant over levels used for that stationary source in the most recent air quality impact analysis in the area conduced for the purpose of title I of the Federal Clean Air Act, if any; and
(B) The permitting agency determines that the increase will cause or contribute to a violation of any National Ambient Air Quality Standard or PSD increment, or visibility limitation.
(ix) The installation, operation, cessation, or removal of a temporary clean coal technology demonstration project, provided that the project complies with the SIP, and other requirements necessary to attain and maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standard during the project and after it is terminated.
"Major Stationary Source" is defined depending on the attainment status of the area in which the stationary source is located, or planned to be located as follows:
(a) Nonattainment areas. "Major Stationary Source" as it applies in nonattainment areas means:
(1) Any stationary source of air pollutants which emits, or has the potential to emit, 100 tons per year or more of any pollutant subject to regulation under the Federal Clean Air Act, except that lower emissions thresholds shall apply as follows:
(i) 70 tons per year of PM10 in any "serious" nonattainment are for PM10.
(ii) 50 tons per year of carbon monoxide in any "serious" nonattainment area for carbon monoxide where stationary sources contribute significantly to carbon monoxide levels in the area.
(2) Any physical change that would occur at a stationary source not qualifying under (b)(1) of this rule as a major stationary source, if the change would constitute a major stationary source by itself.
(3) A major stationary source that is major for volatile organic compounds or NOx shall be considered major for ozone.
(4) The fugitive emissions of a stationary source shall not be included in determining for any of the purposes of this paragraph whether it is a major stationary source, unless the stationary source belongs to one of the following categories of stationary sources or the stationary source is a major stationary source due to (b)(1)(i) or (b)(1)(ii) of this rule:
(i) Coal cleaning plants (with thermal dryers);
(ii) Kraft pulp mills;
(iii) Portland cement plants;
(iv) Primary zinc smelters;
(v) Iron and steel mills;
(vi) Primary aluminum ore reduction plants;
(vii) Primary copper smelters;
(viii) Municipal incinerators capable of charging more than 50 tons of refuse per day;
(ix) Hydrofluoric, sulfuric, or nitric acid plants;
(x) Petroleum refineries;
(xi) Lime plants;
(xii) Phosphate rock processing plants;
(xiii) Coke oven batteries;
(xiv) Sulfur recovery plants;
(xv) Carbon black plants (furnace process);
(xvi) Primary lead smelters;
(xvii) Fuel conversion plants;
(xviii) Sintering plants;
(xix) Secondary metal production plants;
(xx) Chemical process plants;
(xxi) Fossil fuel boilers (or combination thereof) totaling more than 250 million British thermal units per hour heat input;
(xxii) Petroleum storage and transfer units with a total storage capacity exceeding 300,000 barrels;
(xxiii) Taconite ore processing plants;
(xxiv) Glass fiber processing plants;
(xxv) Charcoal production plants;
(xxvi) Fossil fuel fired steam electric plants of more than 250 million British thermal units per hour heat input; and
(xxvii) Any other stationary source category, which, as of August 7, 1980, is being regulated under section 111 of 113 of the Federal Clean Air Act.
(5) For purposes of determining whether a stationary source is a major stationary source, the term "building, structure, FACILITY, or installation" means all the pollutant-emitting activities which belong to the same industrial grouping, are located on one or more contiguous or adjacent properties, and are under the control of the same person (or person under common control). Pollutant-emitting activities shall be considered as part of the same industrial grouping if they belong to the same major group (i.e., which have the same two digit code) as described in the Standard Industrial Classification Manual, as amended.
(b) Attainment or unclassified areas. "Major Stationary Source" as it applies in attainment or unclassified areas means:
(1) Any of the following stationary sources of air pollutants which emits, or has the potential to emit, 100 tons per year or more of any pollutant subject to regulation under the Federal Clean Air Act:
(i) Fossil fuel fired steam electric plants of more than 250 million British thermal units per hour heat input;
(ii) Coal cleaning plants (with thermal dryers);
(iii) Kraft pulp mills;
(iv) Portland cement plants;
(v) Primary zinc smelters;
(vi) Iron and steel mill plants;
(vii) Primary aluminum ore reduction plants;
(viii) Primary copper smelters;
(ix) Municipal incinerators capable of charging more than 50 tons of refuse per day;
(x) Hydrofluoric, sulfuric, and nitric acid plants;
(xi) Petroleum refineries;
(xii) Lime plants;
(xiii) Phosphate rock processing plants;
(xiv) Coke oven batteries;
(xv) Sulfur recovery plants;
(xvi) Carbon black plants (furnace process);
(xvii) Primary lead smelters;
(xviii) Fuel conversion plants;
(xix) Sintering Plants;
(xx) Secondary metal production plants;
(xxi) Chemical process plants;
(xxii) Fossil fuel boilers (or combinations thereof) totaling more than 250 million British thermal units per hour heat input;
(xxiii) Petroleum storage and transfer units with a total storage capacity exceeding 300,000 barrels;
(xxiv) Taconite ore processing plants;
(xxv) Glass fiber processing plants; and
(xxvi) Charcoal production plants.
(2) Regardless of the stationary source size specified in (b)(1) of this rule, any stationary source which emits, or has the potential to emit, 250 tons per year or more of any air pollutant subject to regulation under the Federal Clean Air Act; or
(3) Any physical change that would occur at a stationary source not otherwise qualifying under (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this rule, as a major stationary source if the change would constitute a major stationary source by itself.
(4) A major stationary source that is major for volatile organic compounds or NOx shall be considered major for ozone.
(5) The fugitive emissions of a stationary source shall not be included in determining for any of the purposes of this rule whether it is a major stationary source, unless the source belongs to one of the following categories of stationary sources:
(i) Coal cleaning plants (with thermal dryers);
(ii) Kraft pulp mills;
(iii) Portland cement plants;
(iv) Primary zinc smelters;
(v) Iron and steel mills'
(vi) Primary aluminum ore reduction plants;
(vii) Primary copper smelters;
(viii) Municipal incinerators capable of charging more than 50 tons of refuse per day;
(ix) Hydrofluoric, sulfuric, or nitric acid plants;
(x) Petroleum refineries;
(xi) Lime plants;
(xii) Phosphate rock processing plants;
(xiii) Coke oven batteries;
(xiv) Sulfur recovery plants;
(xv) Carbon black plants (furnace process);
(xvi) Primary lead smelters;
(xvii) Fuel conversion plants;
(xviii) Sintering plants;
(xix) Secondary metal production plants;
(xx) Chemical process plants;
(xxi) Fossil fuel boilers (or combination thereof) totaling more than 250 million British thermal units per hour heat input;
(xxii) Petroleum storage and transfer units with a total storage capacity exceeding 300,000 barrels;
(xxiii) Taconite ore processing plants;
(xxiv) Glass fiber processing plants;
(xxv) Charcoal production plants;
(xxvi) Fossil fuel fired steam electric plants of more than 250 million British thermal units per hour heat input;
(xxvii) Any other stationary source category, which, as of August 7, 1980, is being, regulated under section 111 or 112 of the Federal Clean Air Act.
(6) For purposes of determining whether a stationary source is a major stationary source, the term "building, structure, facility, or installation" means all the pollutant-emitting activities which belong to the same industrial grouping, are located on one or more contiguous or adjacent properties, and are under the control of the same person (or persons under common control). Pollutant-emitting activities shall be considered as part of the same industrial grouping if they belong to the same major group (i.e., which have the same two digit code) as described in the Standard Industrial Classification Manual, 1972, as amended.
"Masking" means the mixing of a chemically nonreactive control agent with a malodorous gaseous effluent to change the perceived odor.
"Material Handling" means the handling, transporting, loading, unloading, storage, and transfer of material with no significant chemical or physical alteration.
"Modification" means any physical change in, or change in the method of operation of, a stationary source that increases the amount of any air contaminant emitted by such stationary source or that result in the emissions of any air contaminant not previously emitted. The term modification shall be construed consistent with the definitions of modification in Section 7411, Title 42, United States Code, and with rules implementing that section.
"National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)" means an ambient air quality standard set by EPA at 40 CFR Part 50 and includes standards for carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter, ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), lead (Pb), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
"National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)" means the federal rules in 40 CFR Part 61.
"National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Source Categories" means the federal rules in 40 CFR Part 63.
"Net Emissions Increase" is defined depending on the attainment status of the area in which the new stationary source or modification is located, or planned to be located, as follows:
(a) Nonattainment areas. "Net Emissions Increase" as it applies in nonattainment areas means:
(1) The amount by which the sum of the following exceeds zero:
(i) Any increase in actual emissions from a particular physical change or change in method of operation at a stationary source; and
(ii) Any other increases and decreases in actual emissions at the stationary source that are contemporaneous with the particular change and are otherwise creditable.
(2) An increase or decrease in actual emissions is contemporaneous with the increase from the particular change only if it occurs before the date that the increase from the particular change occurs.
(3) An increase or decrease in actual emissions is creditable only if:
(i) It occurred no more than one year prior to the date of submittal of a complete notice of construction application for the particular change, or it has been documented by an emission reduction credit (ERC). Any emissions increases occurring between the date of issuance of the ERC and the date when a particular change becomes operational shall be counted against the ERC.
(ii) The permitting agency has not relied on it in issuing any permit or order of approval for the stationary source under this rule or a previous SIP approved nonattainment area new source review regulation, which order or permit is in effect when the increase in actual emissions from the particular change occurs.
(4) An increase in actual emissions is creditable only to the extent that the new level of actual emissions exceeds the old level.
(5) A decrease in actual emissions is creditable only to the extent that:
(i) The old level of actual emissions or the old level of allowable emissions, whichever is lower, exceeds the new level of actual emissions;
(ii) It is federally enforceable at and after the time that actual construction on the particular change begins;
(iii) It has approximately the same qualitative significance to the increase from the particular change; and
(iv) The permitting agency has not relied on it in issuing any permit or order of approval under this rule or a SIP approved nonattainment area new source review regulation; or the permitting agency has not relied on it in demonstrating attainment or reasonable further progress.
(6) An increase that results from a physical change at a stationary source occurs when the emission unit on which construction occurred becomes operational and begins to emit a particular pollutant. Any replacement unit that requires shakedown becomes operational only after a reasonable shakedown period, not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days.
(b) Attainment or unclassified areas. "Net Emissions Increase" as it applies in attainment or unclassified areas means:
(1) The amount by which the sum of the following exceeds zero:
(i) Any increase in actual emissions from a particular physical change or change in the method of operation at a stationary source; and
(ii) Any other increases and decreases in actual emission at the stationary source that are contemporaneous with the particular change and are otherwise creditable.
(2) An increase or decrease in actual emissions is contemporaneous with the increase from the particular change only if it occurs within five years before the date that the increase from the particular change occurs.
(3) An increase or decrease in actual emissions is creditable only if ecology or EPA has not relied on it in issuing a PSD permit for the stationary source, which permit is in effect when the increase in actual emissions from the particular change occurs.
(4) An increase or decrease in actual emissions of sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, or nitrogen oxides, which occurs before the applicable minor source baseline date is creditable only if it is required to be considered in calculating the amount of maximum allowable increases remaining available. With respect to particulate matter, only PM10 emissions can be used to evaluate the net emissions increase for PM10.
(5) An increase in actual emissions is creditable only to the extent that the new level of actual emissions exceeds the old level.
(6) A decrease in actual emissions is creditable only to the extent that:
(i) The old level of actual emissions or the old level of allowable emissions, whichever is lower, exceeds the new level of actual emissions;
(ii) It is federally enforceable at and after the time that actual construction on the particular change begins; and
(iii) It has approximately the same qualitative significance for public health and welfare as that attributed to the increase from the particular change.
(7) An increase that results from a physical change at a stationary source occurs when the emissions unit on which construction occurred becomes operational and begins to emit a particular pollutant. Any replacement unit that requires shakedown becomes operationally only after a reasonable shakedown period, not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days.
"New Source" means:
(a) The construction or modification of a stationary source that increases the amount of any air contaminant emitted by such stationary source or that results in the emission of any air contaminant not previously emitted; and
(b) Any other project that constitutes a new stationary source under the Federal Clean Air Act.
"New Source Performance Standards (NSPS)" means the federal rules set forth in 40 CFR Part 60.
"Nonattainment Area" means a geographic area designated by EPA at 40 CFR Part 81 as exceeding a national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for a given criteria pollutant. An area is nonattainment only for the pollutants for which the area has been designated nonattainment.
"Nonroad Engine" means:
(a) Except as discussed in (b) of this rule, a nonroad engine is any internal combustion engine:
(1) In or on a piece of equipment that is self-propelled or serves a dual purpose by both propelling itself and performing another function (such as garden tractors, off-highway mobile cranes and bulldozers); or
(2) In or on a piece of equipment that is intended to be propelled while performing its function (such as lawnmowers and string trimmers); or
(3) That, by itself or in or on a piece of equipment, is portable or transportable, meaning designed to be and capable of being carried or moved from one location to another. Indicia of transportability include, but are not limited to, wheels, skids, carrying handles, dolly, trailer, or platform.
(b) An internal combustion engine is not a nonroad engine if:
(1) The engine is used to propel a motor vehicle or a vehicle used solely for competition, or is subject to standards promulgated under section 202 of the Federal Clean Air Act; or
(2) The engine is regulated by a New Source Performance Standard promulgated under section 111 or 112 of the Federal Clean Air Act; or
(3) The engine otherwise included in (a)(3) of this rule remains or will remain at a location for more than twelve consecutive months or a shorter period of time for an engine located at a seasonal source. A location is a single site at a building, structure, facility, or installation. Any engine (or engines) that replaces an engine at a location and that is intended to perform the same or similar function as the engine replaced will be included in calculating consecutive time period. An engine located at a seasonal source is an engine that remains at a seasonal source during the full annual operating period of the seasonal source. A seasonal source is a stationary source that operates at a single location approximately three months (or more) each year. The paragraph does not apply to an engine after the engine is removed from the location.
"Notice of Construction Application" means a written application to permit construction, installation or establishment of a new stationary source, modification of an existing stationary source, or replacement or substantial alteration of control technology at an existing stationary source.
"Nuisance" means an emission that unreasonably interferes with the use and enjoyment of property.
"Olympic Air Pollution Control Authority (OAPCA)" is the former name of Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA). Reference to "OAPCA" shall mean ORCAA.
"Opacity" means the degree to which an object seen through a plume is obscured, stated as a percentage.
(("Outdoor Burning" means the combustion of material in
an open fire or in an open container, without providing for
the control of combustion or the control of the emissions from
the combustion.))
(("Open Fire" means a fire where any material is burned
in the open or in a receptacle other than a furnace,
incinerator or kiln.))
"Order" means any order issued by ecology or a local air agency pursuant to chapter 70.94 RCW, including, but not limited to RCW 70.94.332, 70.94.211, 70.94.152, 70.94.153, and 70.94.141(3), and includes, where used in the generic sense, the terms order, corrective action order, order of approval, and regulatory order.
"Order of Approval" or "Approval Order" means a regulatory order issued by Ecology or the Agency to approve the Notice of Construction application for a proposed new source or modification, or the replacement or substantial alteration of control technology at an existing stationary source.
"Owner" means person, agent, lessor, lessee, possessor, manager, supervisor, operator, or other responsible party of real property or other assets which includes equipment or control apparatus.
"Ozone Depleting Substance" means any substance listed in Appendices A and B to Subpart A of 40 CFR part 82.
"Particulate Matter" or "Particulates" means any airborne finely divided solid or liquid material with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 100 micrometers.
"Parts Per Million (ppm)" means parts of a contaminant per million parts of gas, by volume, exclusive of water or particulates.
"Permit" means a written warrant or license granted by the Board, Control Officer, or duly authorized Representative or Agent.
"Permitting Agency" means ecology or the local air pollution control agency with jurisdiction over the source.
"Person" means an individual, firm, public or private corporation, association, partnership, political subdivision, municipality or government agency.
"PM10" means particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to a nominal 10 micrometers as measured by a reference method based on 40 CFR Part 50 Appendix J and designated in accordance with 40 CFR Part 53 or by an equivalent method designated in accordance with 40 CFR Part 53.
"PM10 Emissions" means finely divided solid or liquid material, including condensable particulate matter, with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to a nominal 10 micrometers emitted to the ambient air as measured by an applicable reference method, or an equivalent or alternate method, specified in Appendix M of 40 CFR Part 51 or by a test method specified in the SIP.
"Potential to Emit" means the maximum capacity of a stationary source to emit a pollutant under its physical and operational design. Any physical or operational limitation on the capacity of the stationary source to emit a pollutant including air pollution control equipment and restrictions on hours of operation or on the type or amount of material combusted, stored, or processed, shall be treated as part of its design only if the limitation or the effect it would have on emissions is federally enforceable. Secondary emissions do not count in determining the potential to emit of a source.
"Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD)" means the program in WAC 173-400-141. Ecology is responsible for the PSD program for stationary sources in ORCAA's jurisdiction. Contact Ecology at (360) 407-6800 for more information.
"Process" means any equipment, device apparatus, chemical, natural element, procedure, effort, or any combination thereof which performs a service, function, use, or method, leading to an end of a particular performance, or manufacturing production.
"Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT)" means the lowest emission limit that a particular stationary source or stationary source category is capable of meeting by the application of control technology that is reasonably available considering technological and economic feasibility. RACT is determined on a case-by-case basis for an individual stationary source or stationary source category taking into account the impact of the stationary source upon air quality, the availability of additional controls, the emission reduction to be achieved by additional controls, the impact of additional controls on air quality, and the capital and operating costs of the additional controls. RACT requirements for any stationary source or stationary source category shall be adopted only after notice and opportunity for comment are afforded.
(("Recreational Fire" means barbecues and campfires,
using charcoal, natural gas, propane, or natural wood, which
occur in designated areas, or on private property. Fires used
for debris disposal purposes are not considered recreational
fires.))
"Refuse" means waste as defined in Rule 1.4 of this Regulation.
"Regulation" means any regulation, or any subsequently adopted additions or amendments thereto, of the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency.
"Regulatory Order" means an order issued by Ecology or an Agency to an air contaminant source that applies to that source, any applicable provision of chapter 70.94 RCW, or the rules adopted there under, or, for sources regulated by a local air agency, the regulations of that agency.
"Representative" or "Agent" means any person authorized by the Control Officer of the Agency to represent him in an official and specific manner.
"Residential" means a two or single-family unit.
"Secondary Emissions" means emissions which would occur as a result of the construction or operation of a major stationary source or major modification, but do not come from the major stationary source or major modification itself. Secondary emissions must be specific, well defined, quantifiable, and impact the same general area as the stationary source or modification that causes the secondary emissions. Secondary emissions may include, but are not limited to:
(a) Emissions from ships or trains located at the new modified stationary source; and,
(b) Emissions from any off-site support facility which would not otherwise be constructed or increase its emissions as a result of the construction or operation of the major stationary source or major modification.
"Significant" is defined depending on the attainment status of the area:
(a) Nonattainment areas. "Significant" as it applies in nonattainment areas means, in reference to a net emissions increase or the stationary source's potential to emit any of the following pollutants, a rate of emissions that would equal or exceed any of the following rates:
| Pollutant and Emissions Rate | |
| Carbon monoxide: | 100 tons per year (tpy) |
| Nitrogen oxides: | 40 tpy |
| Sulfur dioxide: | 40 tpy |
| Volatile organic compounds: | 40 tpy |
| Lead: | 0.6 tpy |
| PM-10: | 15 tpy |
(1) In reference to a net emissions increase or the stationary source's potential to emit any of the following pollutants, a rate of emissions that would equal or exceed any of the following rates:
| Pollutant and Emissions Rate | |
| Carbon monoxide | 100 tons per year (tpy) |
| Nitrogen oxides | 40 tpy |
| Sulfur dioxide | 40 tpy |
| Particulate matter (PM) | 25 tpy of PM emissions 15 tpy of PM-10 emissions |
| Volatile organic compounds | 40 tpy |
| Fluorides | 3 tpy |
| Lead | 0.6 tpy |
| Sulfuric acid mist | 7 tpy |
| Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) | 10 tpy |
| Total reduced sulfur (including H2S) | 10 tpy |
| Reduced sulfur compounds (including H2S) | 10 tpy |
| Municipal waste combustor organics (measured as total tetra-through octa-chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans) | 3.2 grams per year (0.112 oz. per year or 49 grains per year) |
| Municipal waste combustor metals (measured as particulate matter) | 14 megagrams per year (15 tpy) |
| Municipal waste combustor acid gases (measured as sulfur dioxide and hydrogen chloride) | 36 megagrams per year (40 tpy) |
| Municipal solid waste landfill emissions (measured as nonmethane organic compounds) | 45 megagrams per year (50 tpy) |
| Ozone-depleting substances (in effect on July 1, 2000) | 100 tpy |
(3) Regardless of the definition in (b)(1) of this rule, significant means any emissions rate or any net emissions increase associated with a major stationary source or major modification which would construct within 10 kilometers of a Class I area, and have an impact on such area equal to or great than 1 microgram per cubic meter (twenty four hour average).
(("Silvicultural Burning" means burning on any land the
Department of Natural Resources protects per RCW 70.94.030(13), 70.94.660, 70.94.690, and pursuant to chapter 76.04 RCW.))
"Source" means all of the emissions unit(s) including quantifiable fugitive emissions, that are located on one or more contiguous or adjacent properties, and are under the control of the same person or persons under common control, whose activities are ancillary to the production of a single product or functionally related groups of products. Activities shall be considered ancillary to the production of a single product or functionally related group of products if they belong to the same Major Group (i.e., which have the same two digit code) as describe in the Standard Industrial Classification Manual, 1972, as amended by the 1977 supplement.
"Source Category" means all sources of the same type of classification.
"Stack" means any point in a source designed to emit solids, liquids, or gases into the air, including a pipe or duct.
"Stack Height" means the height of an emission point measured from the ground-level elevation at the base of the stack.
"Standard Conditions" means a temperature of 20°C (68°F) and a pressure of 760 mm (29.92 inches) of mercury.
"Standard Cubic Foot of Gas" means that amount of the gas, which would occupy a cube having dimensions of one foot on each side, if the gas were free of water vapor and at standard conditions.
"State Act" means the Washington Clean Air Act, chapter 70.94 RCW, as amended.
"State Implementation Plan (SIP)" or the "Washington SIP" in 40 CFR Part 52, subpart WW. The SIP contains state, local and federal regulations and orders, the state plan and compliance schedules approved and promulgated by EPA, for the purpose of implementing, maintaining, and enforcing the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
"Stationary Source" means any building, structure, facility, or installation, which emits or may emit any air contaminant. This term does not include emissions resulting directly from an internal combustion engine for transportation purposes or from a nonroad engine or nonroad vehicle as defined in section 216(11) of the Federal Clean Air Act.
"Synthetic Minor" means any stationary source that's potential to emit has been limited below applicable thresholds by means of a federally enforceable order, rule, or permit condition.
"Temporary" means a period of time not to exceed one (1) year.
"Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS)" means the sum of the sulfur compounds hydrogen sulfide, mercaptans, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, and any other organic sulfides emitted and measured by EPA method 16 or an approved equivalent method and expressed as hydrogen sulfide.
"Total Suspended Particulate (TSP)" means particulate matter as measured by the method described in 40 CFR Part 50 Appendix B.
"Toxic Air Pollutant (TAP)" or "Toxic Air Contaminant" means any Class A or Class B toxic air pollutant listed in WAC 173-460-150 and WAC 173-460-160. The term toxic air pollutant may include particulate matter and volatile organic compounds if an individual substance or a group of substances within either of these classes is listed in WAC 173-460-150 and/or WAC 173-460-160. The term toxic air pollutant does not include particulate matter and volatile organic compounds as generic classes or compounds.
"True Vapor Pressure" means the equilibrium partial pressure exerted by the stored organic compound at:
(a) The annual average temperature of the organic compound as stored; or
(b) At the local annual average temperature as reported by the National Weather Service if stored at ambient temperature.
"Unclassifiable Area" means an area that cannot be designated attainment or nonattainment on the basis of available information as meeting or not meeting the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for the criteria pollutant that is listed by EPA at 40 CFR part 81.
"United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)" shall be referred to as EPA.
(("Urban Growth Area" means an area defined by RCW 36.70A.030.))
"Vent" means any opening through which gaseous emissions are exhausted into the ambient air.
"Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)" means any carbon compound that participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions.
(a) Exceptions. The following compounds are not a VOC:
Acetone;
carbon monoxide;
carbon dioxide;
carbonic acid;
metallic carbides or carbonates;
ammonium carbonate;
dimethyl carbonate;
propylene carbonate;
methane;
ethane;
methylene chloride (dichloromethane);
1,1,1-trichloroethane (methyl chloroform);
1,1,2-trichloro 1,2,2-trifluoroethane (CFC-113);
trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11);
dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12);
chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22);
trifluoromethane (HFC-23);
1,2-dichloro 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (CFC-114);
chloropentafluoroethane (CFC-115);
1,1,1-trifluoro 2,2-dichloroethane (HCFC-123);
1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC-134a);
1,1-dichloro 1-fluorethane (HCFC-141b);
1-chloro 1,1-difluoroethaner (HCFC-142b);
2-chloro 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC-124);
pentafluoroethane (HFC-125);
1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134);
1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HFC-143a);
1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a);
parachlorobenzotribluoride (PCBTF);
cyclic, branched, or linear completely methylated siloxanes;
perchloroethylene (tetrachloroetheylene);
3,3-dichloro 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane (HCFC-225ca);
1,3-dichloro-1,1,2,2,3-pentafluoropropane (HCFC-225cb);
1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (HFC 43-10mee);
diflouromethane (HFC-32);
ethylflouride (HFC-161);
1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa);
1,1,2,2,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-254ca);
1,1,2,3,3-pentaflouropropane (HFC-245ea);
1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245eb);
1,1,1,3,3-pentaflouropropane (HFC-245fa);
1,1,1,2,3,3-hexaflouropropane (HFC-236ea);
1,1,1,3,3-pentaflourobutane (HFC-365mfc);
chlorofluoromethane (HCFC-31);
1-chloro-1-fluoroethane (HCFC-151a);
1,2-dichloro-1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123a);
1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-nonafluoro-4-methoxy-butane (C4F9OCH3);
2-(difluoromethoxymethyl)-1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane ((CF3)2CFCF2OCH3);
1-ethoxy-1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane (C4F9OC2H5);
2-(ethoxydifluoromethyl)-1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafloropropane ((CF3)2(CFCF2OC2H5);
methyl acetate and perfluorocarbon compounds which fall into these classes:
(i) Cyclic, branched, or linear completely fluorinated alkanes;
(ii) Cyclic, branched, or linear completely fluorinated ethers with no unsaturations;
(iii) Cyclic, branched, or linear completely fluorinated tertiary amines with no unsaturations; and
(iv) Sulfur containing perfluorocarbons with no unsaturations and with sulfur bonds only to carbon and fluorine.
(b) For the purpose of determining compliance with emission limits, VOC will be measured by the appropriate methods in 40 CFR Part 60 Appendix A. Where the method also measures compounds with negligible photochemical reactivity, these negligibly reactive compounds may be excluded as VOC if the amount of the compounds is accurately quantified, and the exclusion is approved by ecology, the Agency, or EPA.
(c) As a precondition to excluding these negligibly reactive compounds as VOC or at any time thereafter, ecology or the Agency may require an owner or operator to provide monitoring or testing methods and results demonstrating, to the satisfaction of the Agency, the amount of negligibly reactive compounds in the source's emissions.
Reviser's note: The spelling errors in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.
Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.
REPEALER
((RULE 6.2 OUTDOOR BURNING
It is the policy of the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency
(ORCAA) to achieve and maintain high levels of air quality,
and, to this end, minimize to the greatest extent reasonably
possible the burning of open fires. Consistent with this
policy, the Board does hereby declare that such fires should
be allowed only on a limited basis under strict regulation and
close control, such program to be implemented by a one permit
system. It is the further policy of the Board to encourage
the fostering and development of an alternate technology or
method of disposing of wastes, which is reasonably economical
and less harmful to the environment.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or allow any open fire:
(1) Containing prohibited materials which include, but are not limited to, garbage, dead animals, petroleum products, paints, rubber products, plastics, paper (other than what is necessary to start a fire), cardboard, treated wood, processed wood, construction debris, metal or any substance which when burned releases toxic emissions, dense smoke or obnoxious odors.
(2) During an air pollution episode or period of Impaired Air Quality as defined in chapter 70.94 RCW.
(3) In a no burn/nonattainment area or in any area which has been designated by the Board or Control Officer as an area exceeding or threatening to exceed State or Federal ambient air quality standards:
(i) It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or allow any open fire described in Rule 6.2 (b)(1) and Rule 6.2.1 in any area where the Board has prohibited burning;
(ii) Fires described in Rule 6.2 are prohibited in the following areas:
All areas within the city limits of Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater, and unincorporated areas of Thurston County lying within or between the municipal boundaries.
(4) In any area in which the applicable fire district, fire protection agency, city, town, county, or conservation district has determined not to issue burning permits or has determined that selected types of open burning fires are prohibited under a valid burning permit program established pursuant to RCW 70.94.745, RCW 70.94.750, RCW 70.94.775, and/or RCW 70.94.780.
(5) Within fifty (50) feet of a structure or within five hundred (500) feet of forest slash debris.
(6) In any area within the jurisdiction of this Authority all burning requires a permit as covered in WAC 173-425-070.
(7) Urban growth areas and cities with a population of ten thousand or more will ban open burning when alternatives are available, no later than the end of the year 2000.
(8) If open burning creates a nuisance the fire must be extinguished immediately.
(b) Other than the following types:
(1) Recreational fires no larger than four feet in diameter and three feet in height for campfires at designated federal, state, county or city parks and recreation areas, provided a written permit has been issued by a fire protection agency, county, or conservation district.
(2) Residential fire set for the disposal of yard and garden refuse (except cut grass) originating on lands immediately adjacent and in close proximity to a human dwelling subject however, to the following restrictions:
(i) There shall be one (1) fire only and it shall not exceed four (4) feet in diameter and three (3) feet in height.
(ii) The material may be burned only if it is of a location, nature and condition to burn without emitting dense smoke or offensive odors or creating a nuisance.
(iii) The fire is to consist only of dry leaves and prunings (except grass cuttings which produce dense smoke), and be burned on such lands by the property owner or their designee under strict conditions such as hours, dates, smoke management, etc., provided a written permit has been issued by a fire protection agency, county, or conservation district (thirty (30) days are the maximum allowed).
(iv) There shall be compliance with all laws and regulations of other governmental agencies regarding such fires.
(v) The fire is not contrary to Rule 6.2(a)
(3) Where open burning is allowed a minimum permit (general rule burn) is allowed provided that all restrictions (i through viii) are met.
(i) The fire must be attended at all times by someone with the means and capability of extinguishing the fire.
(ii) Maximum pile size is four feet by four feet by three feet in height (4x4x3).
(iii) Only one pile shall be burned at a time, and each pile must be extinguished before igniting another.
(iv) No material containing garbage, asphalt, dead animals, petroleum products, paints, rubber products, plastic, paper (other than what is necessary to start a fire), cardboard, treated wood, processed wood, construction debris, metal or any substance which when burned releases toxic emissions, dense smoke or obnoxious odors.
(v) The designated permitting authority must be called to confirm burning conditions for each day or current information on burning conditions must be obtained from another designated source.
(vi) If the fire creates a nuisance, it must be extinguished.
(vii) Permission from landowner, or owner's designated representative, must be obtained before starting an open fire.
(viii) General rule burn permits under this rule may be used for the following number of days per year:
(4) Fires for abating a forest fire hazard, to prevent a hazard, for instruction of public officials in methods of forest fire fighting, any silvicultural operation to improve forest lands, and silvicultural burning used to improve or maintain fire dependent ecosystems for rare plants or animals within state, federal, and private natural area preserves, natural resource conservation area, parks, and other wildlife areas, provided prior written approval has been issued by the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Fires for abating a forest fire hazard, to prevent a hazard, for instruction of public officials in methods of forest fire fighting, any silvicultural operation to improve forest lands, and silvicultural burning used to improve or maintain fire dependent ecosystems for rare plants or animals within state, federal, and private natural area preserves, natural resource conservation area, parks, and other wildlife areas, provided prior written approval has been issued by the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
(5) Cooking fires consisting solely of charcoal, propane, natural gas or wood (provided that wood is not used in a no burn/nonattainment area) and used solely for the preparation of food.
(6) Fires for Native American ceremonies or for the sending of smoke signals if part of a religious ritual, (provided that proof of tribal affiliation is certified and a permit has been issued by the Control Officer in a no burn area).
(c) Any permit issued may be limited by the imposition of conditions to prevent air pollution as defined in Regulation 1. If it becomes apparent at any time to the authorized permitting agent that limitations need to be imposed, the authorized permitting agent shall notify the permittee; and any limitations so imposed shall be treated as conditions under which the permit is issued.
(d) Fires started in violation of this Regulation shall be extinguished by the persons responsible for the same upon notice of the authorized permitting agent.
(e) It shall be prima facie evidence that the person who owns or controls property on which an open fire occurs, has caused or allowed said open fire.
(f) Firemen training: The Control Officer, or a duly authorized agent may allow, by permit, an open fire necessary for firemen training (other than forest fire training) by a legally authorized fire control agency and may authorize the burning of petroleum products by such permit. Conditions of this permit will agree with guidelines established by the Washington Department of Ecology.
(g) Nothing contained in Rule 6.2 shall be construed to allow open fires in those areas in which open burning is prohibited by laws, ordinances, or regulations of the state or any city, county, or fire district.
Rule 6.2.1 Land Clearing Burning
Land clearing fires consisting of residue of a natural character such as trees, stumps, shrubbery or other natural vegetation arising from land clearing projects, (natural vegetation can not be transported from this site to be burned at another location) under strict conditions, such as hours, dates, smoke management, etc., and provided a written permit has been issued by an approved permitting agency (thirty (30) days are the maximum allowed for permit)
Rule 6.2.2 Agricultural Burning
Burning related to agricultural operations as approved by the agency. A permit fee shall accompany the application.))
REPLACEMENT SECTION
RULE 6.2 OUTDOOR BURNING
It is the policy of the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency
(ORCAA) to achieve and maintain high levels of air quality,
and, to this end, minimize to the greatest extent reasonably
possible the burning of outdoor fires. Consistent with this
policy, the Board does hereby declare that such fires should
be allowed only on a limited basis under strict regulation and
close control. It is the further policy of the Board to
encourage the fostering and development of an alternate
technology or method of disposing of natural vegetation, which
is reasonably economical and less harmful to the environment.
Rule 6.2.1 The provisions of this rule apply to:
(a) Agricultural burning
(b) Fire training fires
(c) Land clearing burning
(d) Native American ceremonial fires
(e) Recreational fires
(f) Residential burning
(g) Storm and flood debris burning
(h) Weed abatement fires
Rule 6.2.2 Definitions
When used in this Rule the following definitions shall apply:
"Agricultural burning" means the burning of vegetative debris from an agricultural operation necessary for disease or pest control, necessary for crop propagation and/or crop rotation, or where identified as a best management practice by the agricultural burning practices and research task force established in RCW 70.94.6528 or other authoritative source on agricultural practices. Propane flaming for the purpose of vegetative debris removal is considered commercial agricultural burning.
"Air Pollution Episode" means a period when a forecast, alert, warning, or emergency air pollution state is declared, as stated in chapter 173-435 WAC.
"Burn ban" means an "air pollution episode", or a period of "impaired air quality" as defined in RCW 70.94.473.
"Extinguish" means to put out a fire completely. It must be cool to the touch and not smoldering or smoking.
"Firewood" means clean, dry, seasoned, untreated wood used as fuel in an Indian ceremonial fire or recreational fire.
"Land Clearing Burning" means outdoor burning of trees, stumps, shrubbery or other natural vegetation from land clearing projects (i.e. projects that clear the land surface so it can be developed, used for a different purpose, or left unused).
"Outdoor Burning" means the combustion of material in an open fire or in an open container, without providing for the control of combustion or the control of the emissions from the combustion.
"Nuisance" means an emission that unreasonably interferes with the use and enjoyment of property.
"Recreational Fire" means cooking fires or campfires using firewood which occur in designated areas, or on private property. Fires used for disposal purposes are not recreational fires.
"Residential Burning" means the outdoor burning of leaves, clippings, prunings and other yard and gardening refuse originating on the maintained area of residential property (i.e. lands immediately adjacent and in close proximity to a human dwelling) and burned on such lands by the property owner and/or other responsible person.
"Urban Growth Area" (UGA) means land, generally including land associated with an incorporated city, designated by a county for urban growth under RCW 36.70A.110.
Rule 6.2.3 No residential or land clearing burning is allowed
in the following cities and/or UGAs:
| Clallam | Grays Harbor | Jefferson | Mason | Pacific | Thurston |
| Carlsborg Clallam Bay Forks Joyce Port Angeles Sekiu Sequim |
Aberdeen Hoquiam |
Port Townsend | Allyn Belfair Shelton |
Ilwaco Long Beach Raymond Seaview South Bend |
Bucoda Grand Mound Lacey Olympia Rainier Tenino Tumwater Yelm |
Rule 6.2.4 Summer Burn Restrictions.
No residential or land clearing burning is allowed in Thurston County from July 15th through October 15th.
Rule 6.2.5 Prohibitions and restrictions. (WAC 173-425-050)
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or allow an outdoor fire containing prohibited materials which include but are not limited to garbage, dead animals, asphalt, petroleum products, paints, rubber products, plastics, paper, cardboard, treated wood, processed wood, construction/demolition debris, metal, or any substance which when burned releases toxic emissions, dense smoke, or obnoxious odors. A limited amount of paper may be used to start the fire. ORCAA may allow the limited burning of prohibited materials for fire training.
(b) It is illegal to burn vegetation originating in any area where burning is prohibited as listed in Rule 6.2.3.
(c) A person capable of extinguishing the fire must be in attendance at all times, and the fire must be extinguished before leaving it.
(d) Containers (not regulated under WAC 173-400-070(1)) used for outdoor burning, must be constructed of concrete or masonry with a completely enclosed combustion chamber and equipped with a permanently attached spark arrester constructed of iron, heavy wire mesh, or other noncombustible material with openings not larger than one-half inch.
(e) The use of burn barrels is illegal.
(f) A fire protection agency, county, conservation district, or other governing body may enforce its own regulations that are stricter than those set forth in this rule.
(g) It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or allow an emission from outdoor burning that is detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of any person, that causes damage to property or business, or that causes a nuisance.
Rule 6.2.6 Curtailment (WAC 173-425-050)
(a) No outdoor fire shall be ignited in a geographical area where a burn ban has been declared.
(b) The person responsible for an outdoor fire must extinguish the fire when a burn ban is declared.
(c) Three (3) hours after a burn ban is declared smoke visible from all types of outdoor burning, except land clearing burning, will constitute prima facie evidence of unlawful outdoor burning.
(d) Eight (8) hours after a burn ban is declared smoke visible from land clearing burning will constitute prima facie evidence of unlawful outdoor burning.
Rule 6.2.7 Recreational Burning
The following burn practices shall be used for recreational burning where allowed.
(a) Maximum pile size is three (3) feet in diameter and two (2) feet high. (WAC 173-425-060)
(b) Only dry, seasoned firewood or charcoal and enough clean paper necessary to start a fire may be burned.
(c) No recreational fires are allowed within the city limits of Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater, and unincorporated areas of Thurston County lying within or between the municipal boundaries of these cities. Charcoal, propane, or natural gas may be used without a permit.
Rule 6.2.8 Permit Program (WAC 173-425-060)
ORCAA may consult with fire protection authorities, conservation districts, or counties to determine if any of these agencies are capable and willing to serve as the permitting agency and/or enforcing agency for particular types of burning. Permitting agencies may use, as appropriate, a verbal, electronic, written, or general permit established by rule, for any type of burning that requires a permit.
(a) Permitting agencies may deny an application or revoke a previously issued permit if it is determined that the application contained inaccurate information, or failed to contain pertinent information.
(b) Failure to comply with any term or condition of a permit constitutes a violation of this rule and is subject to penalties pursuant to RCW 70.94.430 and RCW 70.94.431.
(c) Types of burning that require a written permit.
(1) Agricultural burning shall abide by Rule 6.2 and all conditions of the written permit issued by ORCAA or another permitting agency.
(2) Fire training fires, except as provided in RCW 52.12.150, may be conducted provided all of the following requirements are met:
(i) Fire training shall not occur during a burn ban.
(ii) The fire must be for training purposes.
(iii) The agency conducting the training fire shall obtain any permits, licenses, or other approvals required by any entity for such training fires. All permits, licenses, and approvals must be kept on-site and available for inspection.
(3) Native American ceremonial fires within the city limits of Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater and unincorporated areas of Thurston County lying within or between the municipal boundaries.
(4) Land Clearing Burning shall abide by Rule 6.2 and all conditions of the written permit issued by ORCAA or another permitting agency.
(5) Storm and flood debris resulting from a declared emergency by a governmental authority may be burned within two years of the event (storm). Burning shall abide by Rule 6.2 and all conditions of the written permit issued by ORCAA or another permitting agency.
(6) Weed abatement fires.
(d) Where residential burning is allowed and no written burn permits are issued, burning shall abide by Rule 6.2 and the following:
(1) Maximum pile size is four (4) feet in diameter and three (3) feet high.
(2) Only one pile shall be burned at a time, and each pile must be extinguished before lighting another.
(3) Only natural vegetation may be burned.
(4) No fires are to be within fifty (50) feet of structures or within five hundred (500) feet of forest slash.
(5) No tree stumps may be burned.