- The time to review and issue a permit decision for Notice of Construction applications was well below our target in the last three quarters of FY11.
- The increased review time for FY11 Q1 was primarily attributed to reduced staff resources to process permit applications and having to permit a new type of air pollution source (very large generators). We filled a permit processing position in December.
- Ecology also has an expedited permitting process called General Orders. This is a general permit for like businesses. If a proposed business activity meets certain criteria, they can use the expedited permit process to reduce the total number of days it takes to get a permit decision.
- The second chart shows the difference in processing times between Notice of Construction and General Orders.
- For projects that don't meet the criteria for the General Order, they must apply for the Notice of Construction permit.
- Number of Notice of Construction applications processed by Ecology:
|
|
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
|
FY08 |
16 |
14 |
7 |
15 |
|
FY09 |
16 |
15 |
12 |
7 |
|
FY10 |
11 |
9 |
12 |
21 |
|
FY11 |
10 |
15 |
13 |
10 |
- Number of General Order applications processed by Ecology:
|
|
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
|
FY08 |
9 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
FY09 |
4 |
18 |
6 |
19 |
|
FY10 |
20 |
3 |
12 |
10 |
|
FY11 |
7 |
4 |
8 |
9 |
In addition to Ecology, there are seven local clean air agencies (covering 21 counties) that are delegated the authority to regulate federal and state clean air laws. Map of coverage. The data included in these charts are only for Ecology's permitting actions.
What is an air quality Notice of Construction Permit? Ecology and seven local clean air agency have responsibility for review of projects to install a new source of air contaminants or modify an existing source of air contaminants. Applicants proposing to install a new source, or modify an existing source, of air contaminants must submit a Notice of Construction (NOC) application to Ecology or the local air authority.