Help/Assistance

For assistance information and materials please visit https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/radiation/radioactive-air-emissions.

Other sources of help, information, and references:

Subject matter expert contact information:

(509) 946-3798

airrichland@doh.wa.gov

Radioactive Air Emissions Facility Approval to Construct

Description/Purpose

To assure compliance with the standards for radioactive air emissions set by the Department of Ecology. The Department of Health has been delegated federal authority to issue Radioactive Air Emissions Approvals to Construct and Radioactive Air Emissions Licenses to Operate. The Radioactive Air Emissions Licenses to Operate are included in Air Operating Permits issued by the Department of Ecology.

Triggers and activities which would require this license

Any activity that emits, or has the potential to emit, radionuclides into the air.

Explanation/Description of costs/fees, including statutory, regulatory, or other legal authority for fees

Fees can be found in WAC 246-254-160.

Application Information

The application is online and can be accessed at https://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=246-247-060.

A Notice of Construction application should contain the following information:

  • Facility information.
  • Chemical and physical processes.
  • Abatement technology description and efficiencies including conceptual drawings.
  • Contributing radionuclides and annual possession quantities/release rates.
  • Effluent monitoring system description.
  • Potential-to-emit.
  • Total Effective Dose Equivalent (TEDE) to Maximally Exposed Individual (MEI) calculations.
  • Cost factors or Best Available Radionuclide Control Technology/As Low As Reasonable Achievable Control Technology (BARCT/ALARACT) demonstrations as applicable.
  • Control technology standards.

See WAC 246-247 Appendix A for complete application requirements.

No, but additional information may be requested.

Applications should be mailed to:

   Department of Health
   Office of Radiation Protection
   Radioactive Air Emissions Section
   309 Bradley Blvd. Suite 201
   Richland, WA 99352

Email: airrichland@doh.wa.gov

An approval is valid for five years and must be renewed before it expires.

Once issued an approval or denial, the applicant can submit a Request for Adjudicative Proceeding to:

   DOH - Adjudicative Service Unit
   111 Israel Road SE
   P.O. Box 47879
   Olympia, Washington 98504-7879
   Email: ACOfax@doh.wa.gov

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.

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average days from Receipt to Complete: 23
Maximum days from Receipt to Complete: 30

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average days from Complete Application to Decision: 123
Maximum days from Complete Application to Decision: 442


(Summary results based on 15 submittals in 2024)

Legal authority
Schematic
View the schematic
Notes / Comments

An applicant should contact the Department of Health early in the design phase for guidance. Email: AIRRichland@doh.wa.gov

Related Entries
Contacts
Department of Health, Office of Radiation Protection
Radioactive Air Emissions
309 Bradley, Suite 201
Richland WA 99352
Email: AIRRichland@doh.wa.gov
Website: https://doh.wa.gov/
Telephone: (509) 946-0876
Triggering Questions
  • Does your activity emit, or have the potential to emit, radionuclides into the air?
* Credential details last updated 10/19/2022
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