(1) The department is directed by chapter 70.105D RCW, Hazardous waste cleanup—Model Toxics Control Act to provide grants up to sixty thousand dollars to persons who may be adversely affected by a release or threatened release of a hazardous substance and to not-for-profit public interest groups. The purpose of these grants is to facilitate public participation in the investigation and remedying of a release or threatened release of a hazardous substance and to facilitate implementation of the state's solid and hazardous waste management priorities.

(2) The department will give priority consideration for public participation grant funding to applicants who meet any of the following criteria:

(a) Facilitate public participation in hazardous substance release sites;

(b) Facilitate public participation in highly impacted or low-income communities;

(c) Have not received funding in the last two biennia.

(3) The purpose of this chapter is to provide eligibility criteria and funding requirements for grant projects.