Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance Logo
Information Center (800) 917-0043 or help@oria.wa.gov

Regulatory Handbook -> Waste and Toxic Substance Permits -> Dangerous Waste Treatment Storage and Disposal Facility - Permit Modification

Dangerous Waste Treatment Storage and Disposal Facility - Permit Modification

What is the Purpose of this Permit?
To modify an existing Dangerous Waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility Permit, 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?
Any modification or change to your existing Dangerous Waste Permit. Examples are:

  • A change in facility ownership.
  • Facility expansion or alteration.
  • A change in procedures, process or contact information.
  • Change in information.
  • New regulation.
  • Compliance schedule.
How Much Will this Permit Cost?
There are no costs/fees associated with a permit modification.
Do I Need to Include Anything with my Application?
There is no specific application for a permit modification request. The facility must submit a written letter in hard copy and electronic format to request a modification. The following information must be in the letter:

  • Name, identification number, and location of facility.
  • Name and telephone number of the permittee's contact person.
  • Proposed modification class.
  • Modification number.
  • Modification description (explain why the modification is needed).
  • A brief description of the changes at the operation.
  • List of affected section in the permit and permit application.
  • Specific (Description of the) changes to the permit, including all of its attachments (i.e., permit application).
  • Any additional supporting documentation of the changes.
  • Public notice.
  • Certification statement.
Is the Decision on my Permit Dependent on Anything Besides the Information in my Application?
Yes, if you are applying for a significant expansion.

  1. You must submit a Notice of Intent to the Department of Ecology 150 days before modification submittal.
  2. You must demonstrate that the facility location meets siting criteria. Examples of siting criteria include setbacks from certain areas, such as residences, and excludes facilities from other areas, such as floodplains. If you cannot meet siting criteria, demonstrate that the changes result in an overall benefit to the environment.
  3. Comply with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?
It typically takes one to three months to review the modification request. A review can take longer depending on the complexity and class of the modification request and availability of the Department of Ecology staff. Review time for unusual permit modification requests are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Where do I Submit my Application?
Submit all information to the Department of Ecology at the address below.
Schematic:
View the schematic
How Long is my Permit Valid?
For the life of the permit.
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 Board’s Appeal Process web page for more details.
Legal Authority:
Links:
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-2018-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: 37
Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 65

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 4
Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 7

(Summary results based on 2 submittals in 2020)

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.
Statewide 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
* Permit information last updated 4/23/2020
[v2]
© 2021 Governor's Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance