WSR 15-02-066

[Filed January 6, 2015, 11:58 a.m.]

The department of ecology (ecology) intends to develop a new general permit for biosolids management (biosolids general permit) because the existing biosolids general permit will expire on August 20, 2015. The new biosolids general permit will apply to public and private entities that treat, store, transfer, apply, or dispose of biosolids in the state. This permit is the primary regulatory mechanism for approving the final use or disposal of biosolids in the state.

Ecology will use the standards for biosolids management adopted in chapter 173-308 WAC and accepted best management practices to assure that conditions in the biosolids general permit protect human health and the environment.

Ecology requests your response to the following questions:

(a) Should ecology develop a biosolids general permit to cover all facilities that use or dispose of biosolids? (Note: Each facility would still be required to individually apply for and obtain coverage under the biosolids general permit.)

(b) Should ecology require each facility that uses or disposes of biosolids to obtain an individual permit?

Please send your response, comments, questions, or requests to Rebecca Singer, Department of Ecology, Waste 2 Resources Program, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600, rebecca.singer@ecy.wa.gov, no later than February 20, 2015.