Ecology Seeks Comments on Waste Rules

Washington businesses and residents can comment on proposed changes to the state's dangerous waste regulations beginning Feb. 4.

The Department of Ecology (Ecology) is amending the dangerous waste regulations to be current with the federal hazardous waste program. The state agency also is updating state requirements, including the Biological and Chemical Testing Methods documents.

Another proposal would modify the pre-permit siting criteria for treatment, storage, disposal, and recycling facilities. Siting criteria are used to determine where a facility can be located. Recycling facilities that meet special conditions won't be required to follow the siting criteria.

A public hearing will be held by simultaneous video conference from 1 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 24. The public may participate at any of the Department of Ecology locations:

• Auditorium (Room 0A-32), 300 Desmond Dr. NW, Lacey;

• Room 2A, Northwest Regional Office, 3190 160th Av SE, Bellevue;

• Sundance Room, Central Regional Office, 15 W Yakima Ave. Yakima;

• Room 1-SW-11, Eastern Regional Office, 4601 N Monroe St. Spokane.

To view the proposed changes, go to: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/laws-rules/activity/wac173303.html.

Using the supplied form, submit comments to Robert Rieck, Department of Ecology, Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600; fax, 360-407-6715; or e-mail, [email protected].