Radioactive Air Emissions Facility Approval to Construct

What is the purpose of this license?
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.
Who issues this license?
Department of Health
What activities require this license?
Any activity that emits, or has the potential to emit, radionuclides into the air.
How much will this license cost?
Fees can be found in WAC 246-254-160.
Where can I get the application for this license?
The application is online and can be accessed at https://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=246-247-060.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
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.
Is the decision on my license dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
No, but additional information may be requested.
How long will it take to review my application?
Within 30 days of receipt of the application (Notice of Construction), the Department of Health will inform the applicant if additional information is required. Within 60 days of receipt of all required information, the Department of Health will issue an approval or denial.
Where do I submit my application?
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
Schematic:
View the schematic
How long is my license valid?
An approval is valid for five years and must be renewed before it expires.
What is the appeal process for the license?
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
    Add email: ACOfax@doh.wa.gov
Related Entries:
Notes / Comments:
An applicant should contact the Department of Health early in the design phase for guidance.

Email: AIRRichland@doh.wa.gov
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-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: 27
Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 32

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 82
Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 210

(Summary results based on 7 submittals in 2023)

Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL: https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/radiation/radioactive-air-emissions
Subject matter expert phone: (509) 946-3798
Subject matter expert email: airrichland@doh.wa.gov
Statewide Contact:
Department of Health
Office of Radiation Protection
Radioactive Air Emissions
309 Bradley, Suite 201
Richland, WA 99352
Telephone: (509) 946-0876
Email: AIRRichland@doh.wa.gov
Website: https://doh.wa.gov/
Triggering Questions:
  • Does your activity emit, or have the potential to emit, radionuclides into the air?
* Permit information last updated 10/19/2022
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