WAC 197-11-960 Environmental checklist.

ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST

Purpose of checklist:

The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), chapter 43.21C RCW, requires all governmental agencies to consider the 

environmental impacts of a proposal before making decisions. An environmental impact statement (EIS) must be prepared for all 

proposals with probable significant adverse impacts on the quality of the environment. The purpose of this checklist is to provide 

information to help you and the agency identify impacts from your proposal (and to reduce or avoid impacts from the proposal, if 

it can be done) and to help the agency decide whether an EIS is required.

Instructions for applicants:

This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Governmental agencies 

use this checklist to determine whether the environmental impacts of your proposal are significant, requiring preparation of an 

EIS. Answer the questions briefly, with the most precise information known, or give the best description you can.

You must answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. In most cases, you should be 

able to answer the questions from your own observations or project plans without the need to hire experts. If you really do not 

know the answer, or if a question does not apply to your proposal, write "do not know" or "does not apply." Complete answers to 

the questions now may avoid unnecessary delays later.

Some questions ask about governmental regulations, such as zoning, shoreline, and landmark designations. Answer 

these questions if you can. If you have problems, the governmental agencies can assist you.

The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of time or on 

different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your proposal or its environmental effects. 

The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to explain your answers or provide additional information reasonably 

related to determining if there may be significant adverse impact.

Use of checklist for nonproject proposals:

Complete this checklist for nonproject proposals, even though questions may be answered "does not apply." IN 

ADDITION, complete the SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS (part D).

For nonproject actions, the references in the checklist to the words "project," "applicant," and "property or site" should 

be read as "proposal," "proposer," and "affected geographic area," respectively.

A. BACKGROUND

1. Name of proposed project, if applicable:

Amendments to Chapter 174-400 WAC, General Regulation for Air Pollution Sources. 

2. Name of applicant: Washington State Department of Ecology

3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:

Air Quality Program

Washington State Department of Ecology

PO BOX 47600

Olympia WA 98504-7600

Contact: Linda Whitcher, Phone: (360) 407-6875

4. Date checklist prepared: August 2, 2010

5. Agency requesting checklist: Washington State Department of Ecology

6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):

 Ecology will file the CR102 with the Code Reviser on October 6, 2010, hold public hearings in 

November 2010 and file the CR103 after the public comment period is complete. These are the 

next steps required by the Administrative Procedures Act, Ch. 34.05 RCW, to complete the rule 

adoption process. It is Ecology’s goal to have the revised rule effective by January 2, 2011.
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7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, 

explain.

 Yes. Once this rule is final, the Air Quality Program will submit a request to EPA for its 

inclusion in the Washington State Implementation Plan for Air Quality, in compliance with 

requirements of the Federal Clean Air Act. A State Implementation Plan (SIP) is a United States 

state plan for complying with the federal Clean Air Act, administered by the Environmental 

Protection Agency. The SIP consists of narrative, rules, technical documentation, and 

agreements that an individual state will use to clean up polluted areas.

8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this 

proposal.

 Ecology will prepare an economic impact analysis for this rule revision. The draft is available

from Ecology’s Air Quality Program.

 Ecology Source Test Manual – Procedures for Compliance Testing. September 20, 2004

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/Source_Test/sourcetesthome.html

 Technical document – Emergency Engines – Air Quality Program (Gary Palcisko) September

2010

 Development of a General Order is being explored by Air Quality for asphalt plants. If the Air 

Quality Program goes forward with the general order, it will be adopted in compliance with 

WAC 173-400-560.

9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly affecting the property 

covered by your proposal? If yes, explain.

 Not applicable. This rule is not project specific, it is a regulation implemented by Ecology and 

local air pollution control authorities. Any site specific application that is currently pending will 

be processed under the rules in effect at the time that the permit request was submitted.

10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.

 Not applicable.

11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the project and site. There are 

several questions later in this checklist that ask you to describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those 

answers on this page. (Lead agencies may modify this form to include additional specific information on project description.)

 This programmatic action updates Chapter 173-400 WAC to bring it into compliance with the 

federal Clean Air Act; establishes new requirements for excess emissions, major stationary 

source and major modification in nonattainment areas, portable sources and emergency engines. 

Emission standards are established for particulate matter, PM-2.5, in compliance with EPA’s 

2006 revision of the 24-hour national ambient air quality standard, NAAQS. Emission levels are 

established for greenhouse gases below which permitting is not required.

 Each of these revisions is intended to advance the three focal points of this rule making program: 

 Development of non-attainment area New Source Review (NSR) rules.

 Correcting State Implementation Plan deficiencies.
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 General housekeeping issues. 

12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location of your proposed 

project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and range, if known. If a proposal would occur over a range of 

area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic map, if 

reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you are not required to duplicate maps or 

detailed plans submitted with any permit applications related to this checklist.

 The result of this proposal is an update of Washington State regulations as enforced by the 

Department of Ecology and local air pollution control authorities. It is not a site-specific

proposal.

TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR

AGENCY USE ONLY

B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

1. Earth

a. General description of the site (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous,

other . . . . . .

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, 

muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any prime

farmland.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, 

describe.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities of any filling or grading proposed.

Indicate source of fill.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR

AGENCY USE ONLY

f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 
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g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project 

construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)?

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

a. Air

a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal (i.e., dust, automobile,

odors, industrial wood smoke) during construction and when the project is completed? If 

any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known.

 This proposal establishes emission limit levels for toxic air pollutants. It regulates new and 

modified toxic air pollutant sources.

b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, 

generally describe.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:

 Both of these regulations implement Washington’s Clean Air Act, RCW 70.94. They control 

emissions of criteria and toxic air pollutants.

3. Water

a. Surface:

1) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including

year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe type

and provide names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described

waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed

from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected. 

Indicate the source of fill material.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 
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TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR

AGENCY USE ONLY

4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general 

description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so, 

describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

b. Ground:

1) Will ground water be withdrawn, or will water be discharged to ground water? Give

general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or 

other sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the

following chemicals. . . ; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the

number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals or humans 

the system(s) are expected to serve.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

c. Water runoff (including stormwater):

1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection

and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow? 

Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts, if any:

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 
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4. Plants

a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site:

deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other

evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other

shrubs

grass

pasture

TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR

AGENCY USE ONLY

crop or grain

wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other

water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other

other types of vegetation

b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.

Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance

vegetation on the site, if any:

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

5. Animals

a. Circle any birds and animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or near the site:

birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other: 

mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: 

fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other: 

b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. c. Is the site part of a migration 

route? If so, explain.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

6. Energy and natural resources

a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet

the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating, 

manufacturing, etc.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 
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b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? 

If so, generally describe.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR

AGENCY USE ONLY

c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal?

List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any:

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

7. Environmental health

a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk

of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal? 

If so, describe.

 These rules regulate emissions from new or modified sources of air pollutants. 

1) Describe special emergency services that might be required.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

b. Noise

1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example:

traffic, equipment, operation, other)?

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a 

short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? 

Indicate what hours noise would come from the site.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action

3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

8. Land and shoreline use

a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties?

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 
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b. Has the site been used for agriculture? If so, describe.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

c. Describe any structures on the site.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR

AGENCY USE ONLY

d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site?

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

h. Has any part of the site been classified as an "environmentally sensitive" area? If so, specify.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?

Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land 

uses and plans, if any:

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 
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9. Housing

a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, 

or low-income housing.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high,

middle, or low-income housing.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR

AGENCY USE ONLY

c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

10. Aesthetics

a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is

the principal exterior building material(s) proposed?

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

11. Light and glare

a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly

occur?

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 
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12. Recreation

a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR

AGENCY USE ONLY

c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

13. Historic and cultural preservation

a. Are there any places or objects listed on, or proposed for, national, state, or local preservation registers known to be on or next to the site? If so, generally describe.

Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

b. Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic, archaeological, scientific, or

cultural importance known to be on or next to the site.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any:

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

14. Transportation

a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site, and describe proposed access to the

existing street system. Show on site plans, if any.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

b. Is site currently served by public transit? If not, what is the approximate distance to the

nearest transit stop?

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

c. How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How many would the

project eliminate?

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 
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d. Will the proposal require any new roads or streets, or improvements to existing roads or

streets, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or

private).

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

e. Will the project use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR

AGENCY USE ONLY

f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project? If known, indicate when peak 

volumes would occur.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

15. Public services

a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire 

protection, police protection, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

16. Utilities

a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 

b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service,

and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which might

be needed.

 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. 
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C. SIGNATURE

The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the lead 

agency is relying on them to make its decision.

Signature: Linda Whitcher......................................................................................................................................................

Date Submitted: October 1, 2010 ...........................................................................................................................................
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D. SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS

Because these questions are very general, it may be helpful to read them in conjunction 

with the list of the elements of the environment.

When answering these questions, be aware of the extent the proposal, or the types of 

activities likely to result from the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity or 

at a faster rate than if the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in general

terms.

1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; production, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise?

 These rules will not increase the discharge of air emissions; rather they require compliance with 

standards and permits that regulate facility operations and emission rates.

Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are:

 Chapter 173-400 WAC contains the permit process for both criteria and toxic air pollutants in 

areas of attainment, nonattainment and unclassified areas. It establishes permit procedures for 

major and minor sources of air emissions. The rule requires control of emissions to the air and 

will result in improved air quality and lower health risk.

2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life?

 Plants, animals, fish and marine life may benefit from better air quality.

Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are:

 Air pollution control measures are intended to protect human health and the environment.

3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources?

 This proposal will not deplete energy or natural resources.

Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are:

 None

4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or 

areas designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks, 

wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or 

cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands?

 Chapter 173-400 WAC does not generally differentiate between environmentally sensitive areas 

except for in WAC 173-400-118, Designation of Class I, II, and III areas. This subsection was 

not amended as part of this rule making process. The protection of these state, tribal and federal 

lands has not changed as a result of this rule amendment.

Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are:

 Ecology will continue to enforce the existing rules that protect Class I, national parks, Indian 

reservations and wilderness areas, and Class II areas, wildlife refuges, primitive areas and national 

monuments.
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5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it 

would allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans?

 Adjacent land uses are taken into consideration in the permit review process for new or 

modified sources.

Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are:

 Permit conditions can be tailored to ameliorate impacts between incompatible land uses.

6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public

services and utilities?

 Not applicable.

Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are:

 Not applicable.

7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirements for the 

protection of the environment.

 These rules implement the Washington Clean Air Act and the federal Clean Air Act. They do 

not conflict with local, state or federal laws.