We regulate for the sake of keeping our air clean and healthy. Business and
industry have made significant contributions to improvements in ambient air
quality in recent years. It's a drastically different picture from
just 20 years ago. Our regulations, policies and programs are designed to
maintain air quality standards, protect human health, prevent injury to plant
and animal life and protect Puget Sound's panoramic views today and for future
generations.
The foundation of our agency's regulatory authority lies in both the federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C 7401) and the Washington State Clean Air Act (RCW 70.94). Our regulatory authority has been directly delegated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Our agency regulates air emissions from a broad range of industries; large and small. Airplane manufacturing, chrome plating, wood finishing, spray painting, gasoline dispensing, commercial baking and dry cleaning are all examples of operations affected by agency regulations.
Many businesses need to be registered with us if they have operations that generate air emissions such as dust, smoke, solvent fumes or odors. Some of the activities that might create emissions include: boilers, spray-coating operations, use of solvents, gasoline storing and dispensing, degreasing, dry cleaning and coffee roasting. A complete list of business that need to register is found in Regulation I, Article 5. A permit is also required to construct, install or modify equipment that generates air emissions. Building demolition or asbestos removal also require that you notify us and follow specific proceedures.
Registered businesses and organizations will be subject to on-site inspections by agency inspectors in order to verify compliance with our regulations. The agency prioritizes inspections, so your company may not be visited every year.
If you plan to use any kind of equipment that produces air emissions, chances are that you need to go though the permit procedure. If you are unsure, please contact a staff member about business registration and equipment permitting.
Updated September 1996
