ORCAA Board of Directors
February, 2006 - MINUTES
OLYMPIC REGION CLEAN AIR AGENCY
2940 B LIMITED LANE NW
OLYMPIA WA 98502
February 8, 2006
Members present: Pat Hamilton, Pacific County (Chair)
Bob Beerbower, Grays Harbor County (Vice Chair)
Ann Burgman, City of Lacey
Phil Johnson, Jefferson County
Mike Doherty, Clallam County
Mark Foutch City of Olympia
Grant Munro, City of Port Angeles
Members absent: Lynda Ring Erickson, Mason County
Bob Macleod, Thurston County
Legal Counsel: Fred Gentry, Bean & Gentry
Staff Present: Mark Goodin for Richard Stedman, Robert Moody, Lynn Harding, and Debbie Moody, Recorder
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 am.
There were no additions or omissions to the Agenda. Foutch moved approval of the Agenda. Burgman seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Burgman moved approval of the Consent Agenda. Beerbower seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
Mark Goodin, sitting in for Richard Stedman, noting Stedman is attending the National Air Quality Conference in San Antonio. Goodin explained Stedman is giving a talk, along with Jimmy Werner, on our monitoring site at Cheeka Peak. Goodin noted that Dan Nelson is also in San Antonio, giving a presentation on the Ocean Protein situation and public outreach. Goodin noted this is the first Board Meeting Stedman has missed since he came on as Director.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Personnel Update
Goodin stated we are currently in the recruitment process for filling the Secretary position. Goodin noted there had been about 200 applicants for the position. Staff conducted seven interviews and an offer was made to the most qualified candidate, however she turned down the offer. The next step, Goodin explained is to go back through the applications, re-screen and choose another select few for interviews. Foutch questioned why none of the other candidates were called. No answer was requested as it was a personnel issue and the Board didn't want to have to adjourn to executive session.
Compliance Update
Robert Moody, ORCAA's Senior Air Quality Specialist, went over the highlights of the compliance section for the past month. Moody noted we continue to have fish odor problems in Hamilton's area. We are doing our best to deal with the complaints and we are hoping there will be resolution in the near future. Of the 82 complaints we received in the past month, Moody noted, over half of those came from Pacific County. Our inspectors have been out on 31 source inspections and have issued 34 land clearing burn permits. We are expecting a big run on burn permits, due to the fact that there wasn't much burning going on in January because of the wet weather. Moody wanted to point out that we have had good cooperation from several cities and counties with regards to demolition and asbestos permitting. The cities and counties are more aware that they need to direct people our way for demolition permits.
Moody noted it was two and half years ago that we permitted the Westport Shipyard in Port Angeles and this week they launched their first yacht. Moody also noted that due to our greater presence up in the Port Angeles area we are finding sources that have not had our attention in the past. We will be registering more sources, so as county commissioners, you may hear from more of your constituents.
Munro noted that one small saw mill up in his area began burning about a week or so ago. Moody stated he had not received any complaints. Munro stated he might want to have an inspector check out the source. The source is located behind the Forks Industrial Park—behind Portac's boiler.
ORCAA Permit Actions
Goodin noted the NSR status report in each of the packets. The report lists the current applications being worked on by the engineers. Goodin pointed out Lakeside Industries, Durgin Road, is the newly proposed asphalt plant to be located in the Nisqually area. It will be at the existing Holroyd Pit. We have reviewed the permit and it meets all air requirements. We will be holding a public hearing for this permit and are planning on holding that hearing in the evening at the Lacey Council Chambers in late March.
Foutch asked if the entire Board needed to be present. Goodin noted that we were planning on the Hearing's Examiner (Executive Director) to oversee the hearing.
There have been quite a few new facilities found by the compliance section, Goodin explained. Those facilities will be inspected and will end up on the NSR list.
Air Quality Summary
The Air Quality Summary report is in the Board packets. Goodin did note the report shows the air quality is good for the majority of the past month. He did note a period of time in the Port Angeles area where the air quality showed moderate. Goodin stated this moderate reading is most likely due to the fact that with this type of weather, when we are in between storms, the air settles down and can result in somewhat stagnant conditions and cause the moderate readings.
State Audit
Goodin stated the Audit was completed and there were no findings. The exit interview is scheduled for February 14 th at 11:30am. Beerbower noted that he would be attending the exit interview. Hamilton, noting there were no findings asked if they had any suggestions. Lynn Harding explained they did have a couple of recommendations with regards to reconciling our NOV's. We don't know of any other recommendations, Harding stated.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Re-Organization of the Regulations
Goodin explained staff had brought this to the Board several months ago. Stedman received direction to proceed with drafting a reorganization of Regulation 1. The intent, Goodin explained, was simply to clarify the Regulation by more logically organizing it. Goodin gave the Board a copy of the mapping of the reorganization. Goodin noted that Debbie Moody has been the point person for this project and if the Board had any questions to please let her know. Goodin explained we are now asking the Board to allow staff to go forward with the process by taking the reorganization into the Washington Administrative Rules process to proceed with the change.
Doughty asked if there were any issues left. D.Moody stated this is strictly a reorganization of the Regulations. Foutch stated the request is to move forward through the process for public comment. Goodin noted that was correct, we would move it forward through the Washington Administrative Rules process.
Doughty moved that staff proceed with the reorganization of the Regulations in the Washington Administrative Rule Making process. Foutch seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
Hamilton asked that staff should be diligent in checking for typos prior to sending it on. D.Moody assured the Board staff would do that.
NEW BUSINESS:
Legislative Update
Goodin wanted to point out PSHB2738 and SSB6508. Both of these bills have to do with renewal fuels. We have support in on both of these and there is a copy of the letter (in the Board packet) Stedman sent out in support of the bills. Goodin also wanted to point out SSB6646, which has to do with outdoor burning. This bill amends the outdoor burn ban from the end of year 2006 to the end of year 2008. Goodin pointed out the other air directors do not support this bill. They feel there has been enough postponement of the ban and it should take place end of year 2006. Hamilton asked what the chances of the proposed bill passing. R.Moody said he wasn't sure, but had heard that it is favorable. Hamilton noted she had spoken with Stedman and she stated she would like to see this come to an end. We do need to ask for additional monies to take care of the complaints that will grow, she added. Hamilton asked who, in Stedman's absence, was directing the lobby efforts. R.Moody noted we are relying on PSCAA and the DOE are handling the lobbying side of things.
The final bill staff wanted to point out, Goodin continued, is HB1361. Goodin explained Stedman had a personal conversation with Senator Honeyford and Honeyford noted he would not support 1361. Goodin stated it was his understanding that Stedman was optimistic the bill will pass.
Budget
Goodin wanted to let the Board know that Stedman and staff have begun the Budget process. We will be looking at Notice of Construction fees, Registration fees, and Air Operating Permit fees. The primary task of staff is to get comparison fees from other agencies to get a good idea as to where we stand with regards to fees. Once we get that information we will work any changes into a draft budget.
The meeting adjourned at 10:25 am.
PRESENTED BY:
Mark Goodin, Professional Engineer
APPROVED BY:
The Majority of the Board
APPROVED and SIGNED this 8 th day of March 2006