The purpose of this message is to update you on progress regarding revisions to the Solid Waste Handling Standards in Chapter 173-350 WAC.  You can find more information on our web pages beginning at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/rules/wac173350/1308ov.html .

Ecology has worked with stakeholders since early 2014 to develop better and clearer rules.  Following release of the second public draft of the rule late in 2016, we received comments from about thirty stakeholders (both individuals and represented groups).  We received some input on almost every section of the draft rule.  Draft new section 995 for Soil and Sediment Use Criteria, and new section 021 Determination of Solid Waste and Recycling received the most comments.

After considering feedback on the second draft of the rule, Ecology concluded that more work was needed before we could make a formal rule proposal.  Staff have been reviewing comments and revising rule language since the public comment period for the second draft closed in February 2017.  We have continued to consult with stakeholders.  The Legislature included a proviso in Ecology’s operating budget for the 2017 – 2019 biennium, requiring a report on this rulemaking.  We expect that report to be available to the Legislature in September 2017, and we will post it to our website at that time.

Our present work plan calls for Ecology to issue a formal rule proposal in November 2017, followed by formal hearings in early 2018.  If adopted, Ecology will file the revised rule with the Office of the Code Reviser sometime next spring, and it would be effective 31 days after filing.

Thank you for your interest in this rulemaking.  If you have questions about the rule process, please send them to w2rrulemaking@ecy.wa.gov.   In the meantime, you can manage your subscription to our ListServ at https://listserv.wa.gov/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=ECY-SW-HANDLING-STANDARDS   Please let others know that they are welcome to subscribe if you think they may be interested.

Thank you.