Air Quality Notice of Construction (NOC) Permit

What is the Purpose of this Permit?

A Notice of Construction Permit is required to install a new source of air pollution or modify an existing source of air pollution.

Who issues this Permit?

Department of Ecology

What Activities Require this Permit?

Releasing pollution to the air from a new or modified business or industrial source, unless the source or activity has been exempted.

How Much Will this Permit Cost?

Application review fees vary, depending on the type/complexity of the project and the time it takes Ecology to review the project. More complicated projects pay higher fees. Each application must be submitted to Ecology with an initial fee. The initial fee covers the cost of a set number of review hours (see New Air Quality Permitting Fees, Effective July 2011). If review of the project exceeds the base hours for that permit type, the rate is $95 per hour. Initial fees range from $200 to $15,000, depending on the project type.

Where Can I Get the Application for this Permit?

The application which is called 'Notice of Construction Application: New Project or Modification of Existing Permit', is online and can be downloaded at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/summarypages/ecy070410.html.

Do I Need to Include Anything with my Application?

Information and instructions about applying for a Notice of Construction Air Quality Permit are online at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/ECY070410.html. The application must include a detailed description of the project, process equipment information, type and amount of air contaminants that would be emitted, air pollution control practices, and air pollution control equipment.

In addition, any project emitting toxic air pollutants, a list of which can be found in WAC 173-460-150, may need to be evaluated to determine if the level of risk of health effects from the project warrant closer review. Information about the toxic air pollutant review process can be found at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/Tier2/Tier2_infosite.html.

Is the Decision on my Permit Dependent on Anything Besides the Information in my Application?

Yes. Before a Notice of Construction Permit can be approved, the project must be completed the State Environmental Policy Act review process. If a public comment period and/or a public hearing are required, all comments must be considered before the permit can be issued. Other conditions may apply.

How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?

Where do I Submit my Application?

If your project is located in Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, San Juan, Stevens, Walla Walla or Whitman County, send your permits to Ecology's Fiscal Office:

Department of Ecology
Cashiering Unit
PO Box 47611
Olympia, WA 98504-7611

If your project is located in Benton, Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Spokane, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom, or Yakima County, select the appropriate local clean air agency for information about Notice of Construction Permits in your county.

Schematic:

schematic

How Long is my Permit Valid?

The permit is valid for the lifetime of the business or industrial facility.

What is the Appeal Process for the Permit?

Any permit decision made by Ecology can be appealed within 30 days of receipt. Appeals can be made directly to Ecology or to the Pollution Control Hearings Board. The appeal process will be summarized in any final permit decision.

Notes / Comments:

Legal Authority:

• Chapter 173-400, General Regulations for Air Pollution Sources WAC
• Chapter 173-405, Kraft Pulping Mills WAC
• Chapter 173-410, Sulfite Pulping Mills WAC
• Chapter 173-415, Primary Aluminum Plants WAC
• Chapter 173-460, Controls for New Sources of Toxic Air Pollutants WAC
• Chapter 173-490, Emission Standards and Controls for Sources Emitting Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) WAC

Links:

• Instructions for Ecology's Notice of Construction Application
• Notice of Construction Application: New Project or Modification of Existing Permit

Statewide Contact:

* Permit information last updated 3/4/2013.