Where we are
At the end of June we released preliminary draft language and invited comments. We held a series of day-long workshops to walk stakeholders through major changes and answer questions. We asked stakeholders to submit comments on the preliminary draft by early September. We received some very good feedback that highlighted stakeholder concerns, and identified areas where the draft language could be improved. Based on that input, Waste 2 Resources Program staff are working to revise the draft rule.
Next steps
We feel it is important to give stakeholders time to review the new language, ask additional questions, and submit further comments if needed. Ecology is postponing the formal rule proposal until 2017. We will issue a revised preliminary draft to stakeholders in November, and ask for comments by the end of January 2017. We plan to evaluate those comments by spring 2017, and file a formal rule proposal by early summer.
Revised schedule
· November – Revised preliminary draft rule released (mid to late month)
· January 31, 2017 – Comments due on revised draft due
· June 2017 – Formal proposed rule filed – formal comment period begins
· July 2017 – Public hearings and formal comment period closes
· Fall 2017 – Rule adopted
The Solid Waste Handling Standards are important for Washington state. The rule sets standards for a wide range of activities, and affects major environmental and economic decisions in our state. Because of this, Ecology has worked with stakeholders to understand the strengths and shortcomings of the current rule, evaluate different approaches to improve the rule, and assess the impact of potential changes. Our goal is to develop a rule that is clearly written, reflects the feedback of stakeholders, and sets standards that will serve our state for years to come.
How you can remain informed
It is very important to subscribe to our Solid Waste Handling Standards ListServ if you are interested in this rulemaking. It is the main way that we communicate with stakeholders on this rulemaking. You can easily subscribe with just a name and email address at http://listserv.wa.gov/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=ECY-SW-HANDLING-STANDARDS&A=1. Please let others know if you think they might be interested.
Our rulemaking web pages are periodically updated. See what is happening with the solid waste rule, starting at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/rules/wac173350/1308ov.html.
We thank you for your continued interest in this rulemaking and for your involvement as we work to improve the rule.
Kyle Dorsey
Rules & Policy Coordinator
Waste 2 Resources Program
Washington State Department of Ecology
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
360-407-6559