Revised Code of Washington
Chapter 70A.15 - Washington Clean Air Act.
70A.15.3150 - Penalties (as amended by 2021 c 315).

RCW 70A.15.3150
Penalties (as amended by 2021 c 315).

(1) Any person who knowingly violates any of the provisions of this chapter or ((chapter 70A.25 RCW, RCW 70A.45.080))chapters 70A.25 and 70A.60 RCW, or any ordinance, resolution, or regulation in force pursuant thereto is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars, or by imprisonment in the county jail for up to three hundred sixty-four days, or by both for each separate violation.
(2) Any person who negligently releases into the ambient air any substance listed by the department of ecology as a hazardous air pollutant, other than in compliance with the terms of an applicable permit or emission limit, and who at the time negligently places another person in imminent danger of death or substantial bodily harm is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars, or by imprisonment for up to three hundred sixty-four days, or both.
(3) Any person who knowingly releases into the ambient air any substance listed by the department of ecology as a hazardous air pollutant, other than in compliance with the terms of an applicable permit or emission limit, and who knows at the time that he or she thereby places another person in imminent danger of death or substantial bodily harm, is guilty of a class C felony and shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than fifty thousand dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than five years, or both.
(4) Any person who knowingly fails to disclose a potential conflict of interest under RCW 70A.15.2000 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars.

[ 2021 c 315 § 15; 2020 c 20 § 1111; 2019 c 284 § 4; 2011 c 96 § 49; 2003 c 53 § 355; 1991 c 199 § 310; 1984 c 255 § 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 176 § 1; 1967 c 238 § 61. Formerly RCW 70.94.430.]

(1) Any person who knowingly violates any of the provisions of this chapter ((or)), chapter 70A.25 or 70A.535 RCW, RCW 70A.45.080, or any ordinance, resolution, or regulation in force pursuant thereto is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars, or by imprisonment in the county jail for up to three hundred sixty-four days, or by both for each separate violation.
(2) Any person who negligently releases into the ambient air any substance listed by the department of ecology as a hazardous air pollutant, other than in compliance with the terms of an applicable permit or emission limit, and who at the time negligently places another person in imminent danger of death or substantial bodily harm is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars, or by imprisonment for up to three hundred sixty-four days, or both.
(3) Any person who knowingly releases into the ambient air any substance listed by the department of ecology as a hazardous air pollutant, other than in compliance with the terms of an applicable permit or emission limit, and who knows at the time that he or she thereby places another person in imminent danger of death or substantial bodily harm, is guilty of a class C felony and shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than fifty thousand dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than five years, or both.
(4) Any person who knowingly fails to disclose a potential conflict of interest under RCW 70A.15.2000 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars.

[ 2021 c 317 § 24; 2020 c 20 § 1111; 2019 c 284 § 4; 2011 c 96 § 49; 2003 c 53 § 355; 1991 c 199 § 310; 1984 c 255 § 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 176 § 1; 1967 c 238 § 61. Formerly RCW 70.94.430.]
NOTES:

Reviser's note: RCW 70A.15.3150 was amended twice during the 2021 legislative session, each without reference to the other. For rule of construction concerning sections amended more than once during the same legislative session, see RCW 1.12.025.


Severability—2021 c 317: See note following RCW 70A.535.005.


Finding—Intent—2019 c 284: See note following RCW 70A.60.060.


Findings—Intent—2011 c 96: See note following RCW 9A.20.021.


Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.


Finding—1991 c 199: See note following RCW 70A.15.1005.

Structure Revised Code of Washington

Revised Code of Washington

Title 70A - Environmental Health and Safety

Chapter 70A.15 - Washington Clean Air Act.

70A.15.1005 - Declaration of public policies and purpose.

70A.15.1010 - Air pollution control account—Air operating permit account.

70A.15.1030 - Definitions.

70A.15.1040 - Environmental excellence program agreements—Effect on chapter.

70A.15.1050 - Technical assistance program for regulated community.

70A.15.1060 - Transportation activities—"Conformity" determination requirements.

70A.15.1070 - Causing or permitting air pollution unlawful—Exception.

70A.15.1080 - Exception—Burning wood at historic structure.

70A.15.1090 - Policy to cooperate with federal government.

70A.15.1100 - Issuance of enforceable order—Overburdened communities.

70A.15.1500 - Air pollution control authorities created—Activated authorities, composition, meetings—Delineation of air pollution regions, considerations.

70A.15.1510 - Air pollution control authority may be activated by counties, when.

70A.15.1520 - Multicounty authority may be formed by contiguous counties—Name.

70A.15.1530 - Merger of active and inactive authorities to form multicounty or regional authority—Procedure.

70A.15.1540 - Merger of active and inactive authorities to form multicounty or regional authority—Reorganization of board of directors—Rules and regulations.

70A.15.1550 - Resolutions activating authorities—Contents—Filings—Effective date of operation.

70A.15.1560 - Powers and duties of authorities.

70A.15.1570 - Cost-reimbursement agreements.

70A.15.1580 - Excess tax levy authorized—Election, procedure, expense.

70A.15.1590 - Air pollution control authority—Fiscal year—Adoption of budget—Contents.

70A.15.1600 - Methods for determining proportion of supplemental income to be paid by component cities, towns and counties—Payment.

70A.15.1610 - Designation of authority treasurer and auditor—Duties.

70A.15.1620 - Assessed valuation of taxable property, certification by county assessors.

70A.15.1630 - Authorization to borrow money.

70A.15.1640 - Special air pollution studies—Contracts for conduct of.

70A.15.2000 - Air pollution control authority—Board of directors—Composition—Term.

70A.15.2010 - City selection committees.

70A.15.2020 - City selection committees—Meetings, notice, recording officer—Alternative mail balloting—Notice.

70A.15.2030 - Air pollution control authority—Board of directors—Powers, quorum, officers, compensation.

70A.15.2040 - Air pollution control authority—Powers and duties of activated authority.

70A.15.2050 - Subpoena powers—Witnesses, expenses and mileage—Rules and regulations.

70A.15.2060 - Federal aid.

70A.15.2200 - Classification of air contaminant sources—Registration—Fee—Registration program defined—Adoption of rules requiring persons to report emissions of greenhouse gases.

70A.15.2210 - Notice may be required of construction of proposed new contaminant source—Submission of plans—Approval, disapproval—Emission control—"De minimis new sources" defined.

70A.15.2220 - Existing stationary source—Replacement or substantial alteration of emission control technology.

70A.15.2230 - RACT requirements.

70A.15.2240 - Control of emissions—Bubble concept—Schedules of compliance.

70A.15.2250 - Preemption of uniform building and fire codes.

70A.15.2260 - Operating permits for air contaminant sources—Generally—Fees, report to legislature.

70A.15.2270 - Annual fees from operating permit program source to cover cost of program.

70A.15.2280 - Source categories not required to have a permit—Recommendations.

70A.15.2290 - Gasoline vapor recovery devices—Limitation on requiring.

70A.15.2300 - Air pollution control authority control officer.

70A.15.2310 - Variances—Application for—Considerations—Limitations—Renewals—Review.

70A.15.2500 - Investigation of conditions by control officer or department—Entering private, public property.

70A.15.2510 - Confidentiality of records and information.

70A.15.2520 - Enforcement actions by air authority—Notice to violators.

70A.15.2530 - Order final unless appealed to pollution control hearings board.

70A.15.2540 - Rules of authority supersede local rules, regulations, etc.—Exceptions.

70A.15.2550 - Air pollution control authority—Dissolution of prior districts—Continuation of rules and regulations until superseded.

70A.15.2560 - Air pollution control advisory council.

70A.15.2570 - Dissolution of authority—Deactivation of authority.

70A.15.2580 - Withdrawal from multicounty authority.

70A.15.2590 - Certain generators fueled by biogas produced by an anaerobic digester—Extended compliance period for permit provisions related to the emissions limit for sulfur—Technical assistance.

70A.15.3000 - Powers and duties of department.

70A.15.3010 - Enforcement actions by department—Notice to violators.

70A.15.3020 - Hazardous substance remedial actions—Procedural requirements not applicable.

70A.15.3030 - Contracts, agreements for use of personnel by department—Reimbursement—Merit system regulations waived.

70A.15.3040 - Powers and rights of governmental units and persons are not limited by act or recommendations.

70A.15.3050 - Emission control requirements.

70A.15.3060 - State financial aid—Application for—Requirements.

70A.15.3070 - Hearing upon activation of authority—Finding—Assumption of jurisdiction by department—Expenses.

70A.15.3080 - Air contaminant sources—Regulation by department; authorities may be more stringent—Hearing—Standards.

70A.15.3090 - Order activating authority—Filing—Hearing—Amendment of order.

70A.15.3100 - Air pollution control authority—Review by department of program.

70A.15.3110 - Air pollution control authority—Assumption of control by department.

70A.15.3120 - State departments and agencies to cooperate with department and authorities.

70A.15.3130 - Department of health powers regarding radionuclides—Energy facility site evaluation council authority over permit program sources.

70A.15.3140 - Restraining orders—Injunctions.

70A.15.3150 - Penalties (as amended by 2021 c 315).

70A.15.3160 - Civil penalties—Excusable excess emissions.

70A.15.3170 - Additional means for enforcement of chapter.

70A.15.3180 - Short title.

70A.15.3500 - Woodstoves—Policy.

70A.15.3510 - Woodstoves—Definitions.

70A.15.3520 - Residential and commercial construction—Burning and heating device standards.

70A.15.3530 - Solid fuel burning devices—Emission performance standards.

70A.15.3540 - Sale of unapproved woodstoves—Prohibited.

70A.15.3550 - Sale of unapproved woodstoves—Penalty.

70A.15.3560 - Sale of unapproved woodstoves—Application of law to advertising media.

70A.15.3570 - Residential solid fuel burning devices—Opacity levels—Enforcement and public education.

70A.15.3580 - Limitations on burning wood for heat—First and second stage burn bans—Report on second stage burn ban—Exceptions—Emergency situations.

70A.15.3590 - Liability of condominium owners' association or resident association.

70A.15.3600 - Limitations on use of solid fuel burning devices.

70A.15.3610 - Woodstove education program.

70A.15.3620 - Woodstove education and enforcement account created—Fee imposed on solid fuel burning device sales.

70A.15.3630 - Woodsmoke emissions—Findings.

70A.15.4000 - Transportation demand management—Findings.

70A.15.4010 - Transportation demand management—Definitions.

70A.15.4020 - Transportation demand management—Requirements for counties and cities.

70A.15.4030 - Transportation demand management—Growth and transportation efficiency centers.

70A.15.4040 - Transportation demand management—Requirements for employers.

70A.15.4050 - Transportation demand management—Jurisdictions' review and penalties.

70A.15.4060 - Transportation demand management—Commute trip reduction board.

70A.15.4070 - Transportation demand management—Technical assistance.

70A.15.4080 - Transportation demand management—Use of funds.

70A.15.4090 - Transportation demand management—Intent—State leadership.

70A.15.4100 - Transportation demand management—State agencies—Joint comprehensive commute trip reduction plan—Reports.

70A.15.4110 - Transportation demand management—Collective bargaining powers unaffected.

70A.15.4500 - Reports of authorities to department of ecology—Contents.

70A.15.4510 - Burning used oil fuel in land-based facilities.

70A.15.4520 - Metals mining and milling operations permits—Inspections by department of ecology.

70A.15.4530 - Odors or fugitive dust caused by agricultural activities consistent with good agricultural practices exempt from chapter.

70A.15.4540 - Ammonia emissions from use as agricultural or silvicultural fertilizer—Regulation prohibited.

70A.15.5000 - Definition of "outdoor burning."

70A.15.5010 - Outdoor burning—Fires prohibited—Exceptions.

70A.15.5020 - Outdoor burning—Areas where prohibited—Exceptions—Use for management of storm or flood-related debris—Silvicultural burning.

70A.15.5030 - Outdoor burning—Permits issued by political subdivisions.

70A.15.5040 - Limited outdoor burning—Establishment of program.

70A.15.5050 - Limited outdoor burning—Construction.

70A.15.5060 - Limited outdoor burning—Authority of local air pollution control authority or department of ecology to allow outdoor fires not restricted.

70A.15.5070 - Limited outdoor burning—Program—Exceptions.

70A.15.5080 - Limited outdoor burning—Permits issued by political subdivisions—Types of fires permitted.

70A.15.5090 - Permits—Issuance—Conditioning of permits—Fees—Agricultural burning practices and research task force—Development of public education materials—Agricultural activities.

70A.15.5100 - Delegation of permit issuance and enforcement to political subdivisions.

70A.15.5110 - Open burning of grasses grown for seed—Alternatives—Studies—Deposit of permit fees in special grass seed burning account—Procedures—Limitations—Report.

70A.15.5120 - Burning permits for abating or prevention of forest fire hazards, management of ecosystems, instruction or silvicultural operations—Issuance—Fees.

70A.15.5130 - Silvicultural forest burning—Reduce statewide emissions—Exemption—Monitoring program.

70A.15.5140 - Burning permits for abating or prevention of forest fire hazards, management of ecosystems, instruction or silvicultural operations—Conditions for issuance and use of permits—Air quality standards to be met—Alternate methods to lessen f...

70A.15.5150 - Cooperation between department of natural resources and state, local, or regional air pollution authorities—Withholding of permits.

70A.15.5160 - Adoption of rules.

70A.15.5170 - Burning permits for regeneration of rare and endangered plants.

70A.15.5180 - Aircraft crash rescue fire training—Training to fight structural fires—Training to fight forest fires—Other firefighter instruction.

70A.15.5190 - Outdoor burning allowed for managing storm or flood-related debris.

70A.15.5200 - Fires necessary for Indian ceremonies or smoke signals.

70A.15.5210 - Permit to set fires for weed abatement.

70A.15.5220 - Disposal of tumbleweeds.

70A.15.6000 - Air pollution episodes—Legislative finding—Declaration of policy.

70A.15.6010 - Air pollution episodes—Episode avoidance plan—Contents—Source emission reduction plans—Authority—Considered orders.

70A.15.6020 - Air pollution episodes—Declaration of air pollution emergency by governor.

70A.15.6030 - Air pollution episodes—Restraining orders, temporary injunctions to enforce orders—Procedure.

70A.15.6040 - Air pollution episodes—Orders to be effective immediately.

70A.15.6050 - Plans approved pursuant to federal clean air act—Enforcement authority.

70A.15.6200 - Legislative declaration—Intent.

70A.15.6210 - Definitions.

70A.15.6220 - Monitoring by department of ecology.

70A.15.6230 - Emission credits banking program—Amount of credit.

70A.15.6240 - Department of ecology may accept delegation of programs.

70A.15.6250 - Evaluation of information on acid deposition in Pacific Northwest—Establishment of critical levels—Notification of legislature.

70A.15.6260 - Establishment of critical deposition and acidification levels—Considerations.

70A.15.6270 - Carbon dioxide mitigation—Fees.

70A.15.6400 - Clean fuel matching grants for public transit, vehicle mechanics, and refueling infrastructure.

70A.15.6440 - Stationary natural gas engines used in combined heat and power systems—Permitting process—Emission limits.

70A.15.6450 - Boiler or process heaters—Assessment and reporting requirements.

70A.15.9001 - Construction—1967 c 238.

70A.15.9002 - Construction, repeal of RCW 70.94.061 through 70.94.066—Saving.

70A.15.9003 - Effective dates—1991 c 199.

70A.15.9004 - Severability—1967 c 238.