ORCAA Board of Directors
OLYMPIC REGION CLEAN AIR AGENCY
2940 B Limited Lane NW
Olympia, Washington 98502
MEETING
January 9 , 2008
Members present:
Bob Beerbower, Grays Harbor County (Chair)
Ann Burgman, City of Lacey
Ross Gallagher, Mason County
Mike Doherty, Clallam County
Clay Harwood, Pacific County
Phil Johnson, Jefferson County
Grant Munro, City of Port Angeles (Vice Chair),
Members absent:
Bob Macleod, Thurston County
Jeff Kingsbury, City of Olympia
Legal Counsel: Fred Gentry, Bean, Gentry, Wheeler & Peternell
Staff Present: Richard Stedman, Executive Director, Robert Moody, Compliance Supervisor; Mark Goodin, Professional Engineer; Lynn Harding, Administrative Services Manager; and Debbie Moody, Recorder
The meeting was called to order at 10:05 am.
There were no additions or omission to the Agenda. Harwood moved approval of the amended Agenda. Munro seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Burgman moved approval of the Consent Agenda. Gallagher seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Beerbower noted there was no public in the audience.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Compliance Update
Robert Moody, Compliance Supervisor, wanted to let the Board know we are currently working on revisions to our asbestos rule as well as several remaining penalty worksheets that we had not yet increased the dollar amount for the allowed daily limit.
ORCAA Permit Actions
Mark Goodin, Professional Engineer, using Bio-Recycling Corp as an example, gave a briefing on the application process. This is a proposed aerated static pile composting system in Mason County. We received the application and after some investigatory work realized the applicant had not gone through the proper channels in Mason County. This application is now on hold until the applicant can obtain the proper permits from Mason County and Department of Ecology. Goodin noted a lot of our work and where we can improve, would be in coordinating with the other agencies involved. Educating the regulated communities would be a huge first step. They need to understand their first step is to go through their local permitting authorities (County or City). In actuality, what tends to happen is our inspection team finds these sources already built and operating and we start the permitting process and end up explaining to them they need to contact the fire marshal, the county and ecology.
In contrast, City of Westport WWT and Composting did everything in the correct order. Prior to contacting us they went through the city and received their SEPA permit, then went to DOE and received their waste permit and now they have come to us for their air permit. We also wanted to make sure the Board was aware this site is planning on composting biosolids, similar to Soil Key—the difference is this facility will compost in completely enclosed units that have been engineered to receive proper air flow and eliminate odors. We are hopeful this one will be much easier to approve and will result in few if any odor complaints.
Stedman added we are expecting to see a lot more recycling facilities. Mason County has identified several facilities to handle additional wood waste due to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency outlawing burning in most of their jurisdiction. Harwood noted Pacific County has compiled storm debris in two piles – one in north county and one in the south part of the county. It has worked well and we will continue to keep the sites open for awhile—it has really helped cut down on the burning.
Education and Outreach
Stedman noted Dan Nelson was away at training for the National Air Quality Communicators. Basically, we have been working with the communicators in the state and gearing up to release some media messages to be on television, radio and print. The messages will be on outdoor burning. We continue to work with the schools and fleets with regards to the retrofits. Most of the schools are done and we are now reaching out to fleets. Stedman noted we continue to work with California to get some of their trucks up here—rather than have them destroyed.
Air Quality Summary
Stedman noted there were a couple of days where Lacey and Aberdeen both hit “moderate” and we expect to see similar trends during the first part of the year. We are also working on securing funding for our Cheeka Peak site—it ends in June of this year. We are planning on talking to some other sources—besides EPA—to secure the funds.
K Ply Update
Stedman explained K Ply is having some difficulties paying their annual fees for the AOP. They were assessed a penalty for $6,000 for a violation regarding their monitoring of opacity. We settled and accepted a fine of $3,000, which they recently paid. We still have yet to receive their two past due quarterly payments. They will receive an NOV if they do not pay soon. Munro noted the port had to collect their past due rent from their bond—so it appears things are a bit serious. Doherty noted they did announce they will be starting back up the third week of January. Stedman noted we are happy to work with them; however, they haven’t been very forthcoming.
Westport Shipyard Update
Stedman stated Westport Shipyard had violated some provisions in their AOP. They didn’t follow the MACT standards prescribed under their AOP. Basically, they underestimated their emissions, Stedman noted, and exceeded their emission limits. This is a serious violation and they will receive a significant civil penalty. This is a case where EPA could over file if they feel our penalty is too lenient. The penalty would be considerably higher if EPA over files. Stedman did note the violation only pertains to the Westport Shipyard Inc., located in Westport. As far as we know at this time, their other shops are in compliance; however, we will be looking at them as well.
Soil Key Update
Stedman explained this has been a very long drawn out process. The latest is that Soil Key has come to us and stated they would shut down with the understanding they will process what is on site. They stated they want to reheat the piles—yet they say they are not going to compost. Gentry has been working with their attorney and we are requesting everything in writing. They also asked that we walk away from all penalties, and we have not agreed to do that. We do expect to do our best to recover some of the funds we have expended on this case. We have another meeting scheduled and from what they have been saying it could be another year and a half before they can close the site. Burgman noted they need to be able to do something with the product on site. Stedman agreed. He noted the Department of Ecology, Department of Health and the County Environmental Health are all involved and have additional requirements as well. We are trying to work closely with the other agencies to coordinate our efforts. We all want an enforceable schedule and if they say they are closing, we want to make sure they do actually close and do not accept any additional materials.
Ocean Protein Update
Stedman stated Ocean Protein continues to be a problem. Stedman explained he and Beerbower met with Hoquiam’s Mayor and staff last month and we came to an agreement that ORCAA is the primary regulatory agency and we will continue to do the job we are doing. We stated we would like any assistance they could provide, however, we are not looking for them to enforce our rules or the state Clean Air Act. They requested that in writing, Stedman stated, and it has been provided. We will continue to have a presence in Hoquiam.
The city of Hoquiam is also very aware of the $75,000 sitting in our bank account to be used for projects. Stedman stated he did give the Mayor an outline for a grant proposal application. We hope to see something from them soon.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
New AQS – Alyson Dyson
Stedman noted we have hired our new Air Quality Specialist, Alyson Dyson. She has experience working with an air quality agency in North Carolina. Her start date will be January 14 and we think she will be an excellent addition to our staff.
SAO Audit Results
Stedman wanted to let the Board know that we had no findings in our audit. We did have a management recommendation which has to do with prevailing wage and public works projects. We have committed to establishing policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure we are not in violation. We have received the draft and should get the final in a couple of weeks. Stedman noted Beerbower and Gallagher had attended the exit interview.
NEW BUSINESS
Woodstove Change out Grant Funds
Stedman stated he is seeking approval to write a letter to the Governor. In her preliminary budget, DOE had requested $2 million to be used for woodstove change out throughout the state. The final budget allowed for only $500,000 allocated to the program. Woodstoves are a problem throughout the state. Due to our woodstove program in the past, we were able to bring Thurston County back into compliance. We do have concerns we could become non-attainment again if we don’t do something. We would like the letter to address the importance of a woodstove change out program and financial assistance with the program.
There is going to be a bill proposed sponsored by the real estate industry, which will state if you do not have a certified woodstove at the time you sell your home, it must be disclosed. Hopefully this would assist in changing out some stoves. It would be nice to have some assistance with a program.
Doherty moved approval for staff to write a letter and added the Board should do some lobbying once the session starts. Johnson seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
Stedman noted he would be coming to the Board at a later date regarding letters to our congressional representatives dealing with marine emissions. South Coast Air Quality Management district in California is making a huge push at potentially developing legislation which would force shippers along the west coast to comply with new regulations. Burgman asked what it is we want the ships to do. Stedman explained we would like to see them install new technology to reduce emissions.
Executive Director’s Evaluation
Stedman wanted to remind the Board the Director’s evaluation is due. Stedman offered to complete the evaluation and submit it for approval. Munro asked if the Board should request Stedman to produce a document regarding what he has accomplished as well as goals for the upcoming year. The Board agreed to that procedure.
Doherty requested a copy of the last evaluation to review. The Board requested an Executive Session for the February Agenda.
Prior to adjournment, Doherty stated he would like to address the Cheeka Peak issues. It might be advantages to send a letter to Norm Dicks. The EPA Appropriations Sub-Committee has federal interest with the National Parks clean air, and with the tribes. Doherty felt we could work out some way to get more federal assistance and tracking the Chinese Air Pollution would be of federal interest. Stedman noted he would like to invite Norm Dicks up to the site, once the weather is warmer. Stedman stated we would like to work with him and hopefully he’ll be able to assist us in securing alternative funds.
Doherty stated the Governor’s Climate Action Team changed their comment period from January 10th to the 22nd. Doherty suggested staff review and enter comments if appropriate. Stedman noted business is opposing provisions of the climate legislation. The legislation has it added to the Clean Air Act and business wants to see it separate. Stedman stated we could look at it, however, Dennis McLerran of Puget Sound Clean Air is on the committee and the local airs look to him to keep abreast of what is going on. Stedman did commit to looking at it to see if there was anything we could do. Doherty added it is possible there is a bill this session through CTED to have a component in our comprehensive plans for instance. It just pays to monitor the process to see what is coming.
Doherty stated there is a possibility with the marine vessel traffic prohibition on current standards of pollution, there could be an economic benefit to some local ports. Doherty stated he was talking to the Port Commissioner and if, in Port Angeles, we have mono-buoys similar to what we did for the trains and idling on I-5, ships would be able to pull in and shut down so they wouldn’t be emitting. They would also be able to do a marine work while they buoyed and create a few jobs for maintenance of ships. There might be a way to use air pollution as the hammer. Doherty asked if that was something staff could look into. Stedman stated he knows there are a lot of things going on currently relating to the Ports, but we could take a look and see what we can find out.
Johnson asked if there was an update on Port Townsend Paper. Stedman stated there wasn’t anything new to report. We did meet with them and made it clear that our involvement is solely to observe opacity on behalf of Ecology. Stedman noted the state health department is working on a health consult for the facility but they have limited information on what PTP emits. Also, the PCHB just decided on a citizen petition to a Title V operating permit written by Ecology. Basically it stated Ecology should work with the public more closely. Ecology Industrial Section has agreed to amend the permit to address the EPA concerns as well.
The meeting adjourned at 11:06 a.m.
PRESENTED BY
Richard A. Stedman, Executive Director
APPROVED BY:
The Majority of the Board
APPROVED and SIGNED this 13th day of February 2008