WSR 98-12-057
DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
[Filed May 29, 1998, 4:12 p.m.]
Hearing Notice
Proposed Air Quality Permit for WSU's Infectious Medical Waste/ Low-level Radioactive Waste/Pathological Waste Incinerator
Background: Washington State University (WSU) has proposed to install an infectious medical waste/low-level radioactive waste/pathological waste incinerator on Dairy Road, north of the existing compost facility, on the southeast portion of the WSU Campus in Pullman. A final environmental impact statement was released November 5, 1996. In it, WSU selected the preferred action that consists of constructing a new incinerator with emissions control equipment. The Washington state air quality permit is required before incinerator construction and operations can begin.
The Department of Ecology has proposed a draft air quality permit for WSU's infectious medical waste/low-level radioactive waste/pathological waste incinerator. Notice of the air quality permit proposal was published in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News on March 16, 1998. The department has determined that significant public interest in this proposed action exists, and therefore a public hearing will be held.
The Public Hearing:
When: Wednesday, June 24, 1998 at 6:00 p.m.
Where: WSU Bustad Hall-Room 145
Corner of Stadium & Grimes Way
Pullman, Washington
Before taking formal testimony, ecology representatives will explain the project and the applicable air quality regulations and answer questions about the air quality permit. Discussion or comments on other pending or required permits, or on the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) actions prior to this proposal are not appropriate at this hearing.
Opportunity to Comment: You may submit written or oral testimony at the public hearing on June 24th. You may also submit written comments provided that they are postmarked on or before June 26, 1998 to Department of Ecology, Attn: Gerald Scheibner, Air Quality Program, 4601 North Monroe, Suite 202, Spokane, WA 99205-1295.
No final decision will be made until the public comment period has ended and any comments received have been considered.
The Air Quality Permit Process: Washington law requires proposed new sources of air pollutants to apply for and receive an air quality permit (notice of construction approval order) prior to construction. WSU has applied to ecology for this permit.
An order of approval must be issued if the department determines that the project will comply with all applicable emission standards, employ best available control technology for all pollutants emitted, and not cause or contribute to a violation of any ambient air quality standard. The department has determined that the project, if constructed and operated according to the permit, can satisfy these requirements.
The department's order of approval must contain conditions that are necessary to assure compliance with applicable air quality requirements. The proposed permit contains the following conditions on the incinerator that the department believes will ensure compliance with applicable standards:
"Throughput Limits," categorized by type of waste to be incinerated and annual hours of operations
Emission limits and associated testing
Air pollution control device operating parameters
Emission control monitoring instrumentation
Preparation of a site specific operation and maintenance manual
Initial notifications and submittals
Monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting
Specific and general conditions
For More Information: Greg Ryan, Air Quality Engineer, (509) 625-5196; Gerald Scheibner, Air Quality Engineer, (509) 625-5195; and Karen Wood, Air Quality Education/Outreach, (509) 456-5010.
Review Copies Available: Documents pertaining to this proposed action are available for public viewing at Department of Ecology, Eastern Regional Office, 4601 North Monroe, Spokane, WA; and Pullman Public Works Department, S.E. 325 Paradise, Pullman, WA.
If you have special accommodation needs, please call Karen Wood at (509) 456-5010 (voice) or (509) 458-2055 (TDD) or (509) 456-6175 (FAX) at least ten days before the hearing you wish to attend.