Dangerous Waste Treatment Storage Disposal Facility - New Permit

What is the purpose of this permit?
To protect human health and the environment and ensure the facility knows what is required to comply with the dangerous waste regulations.
Who issues this permit?
Department of Ecology
What activities require this permit?
The storing, treating and/or disposing of dangerous wastes in certain types of facilities. The permit does not apply to businesses that generate dangerous wastes and transport them off-site before certain "accumulation" time limits are exceeded. The permit also does not apply to permit-by-rule and treatment-by-generator activities when the generator complies with required standards.
How much will this permit cost?
There are no costs or fees associated with a new permit.
Where can I get the application for this permit?
The application is called 'Washington State Dangerous Waste Permit Application: Part A Form & Instructions' is online and can be accessed at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/ECY03031.html.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
Yes. The application must include:
  • Detailed procedures and methods for treating, storing, and/or disposing of dangerous waste.
  • Detailed engineering drawings of the proposed facility.
  • Training plans.
  • Inspection plans.
  • Contingency plans.
  • Waste analysis plans.
  • Procedures to close the facility when operations cease.
Is the decision on my permit dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
Yes.
  1. You must submit a Notice of Intent to the Department of Ecology at least 150 days before submitting a permit application.
  2. You must demonstrate that the proposed facility location meets siting criteria. Examples of siting criteria include setbacks from certain areas, such as residences, and exclude facilities from other areas, such as floodplains.
  3. Compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
Public comments may also affect the outcome of a decision on a permit.
How long will it take to review my application?
Although not required, Ecology encourages a collaborative process for dangerous waste permit applications. It may take a proponent an average of two to three years of working with Ecology staff to develop an appropriate and complete application package. After a complete application is submitted, it takes approximately 180 days to complete the review, prepare a draft permit and a statement of basis or fact sheet, and conduct the public notice and hearing process and issue a final permit.
Where do I submit my application?
Submit all information to Ecology at the address below.
Schematic:
View the schematic
How long is my permit valid?
Usually ten years.
What is the appeal process for the permit?
You have a right to appeal this permit to the Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB) within 30 days of the date of receipt of this permit. The appeal process is governed by Chapter 43.21B RCW and Chapter 371-08 WAC. “Date of receipt” is defined in RCW 43.21B.001(2). You must also comply with other applicable requirements in Chapter 43.21B RCW and Chapter 371-08 WAC. Read the Pollution Control Hearings Board’s Appeal Process web page for more details.
Legal Authority:
Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: Unable to report agency Permit Timeliness results
Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: Unable to report agency Permit Timeliness results

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: Unable to report agency Permit Timeliness results
Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: Unable to report agency Permit Timeliness results

Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL: https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Dangerous-waste-permits
Subject matter expert phone: See notes/comments for link to contacts.
Contact:
Department of Ecology
Hazardous Waste & Toxics Reduction Program
Headquarters
300 Desmond Drive
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
Telephone: (360) 407-6700
Fax: (360) 407-6715
Website: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Our-Programs/Hazardous-Waste-Toxics-Reduction
Triggering Questions:
  • Does the project involve treatment, storage or disposal of dangerous waste?
* Permit information last updated 8/22/2023
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