Rule and SIP Adoption Notice

Publication Number: 13-02-026 1

Air Quality Program January 2014

MORE INFORMATION

On the Web:

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/progra

ms/air/rules/rules_laws.html

Effective date: 

February 23, 2014

Contact information:

Richelle Pérez

(360) 407-7528

richelle.perez@ecy.wa.gov

Special accommodations:

For special accommodations or 

documents in alternate format, 

call 360-407-6800, 711 (relay 

service), or 877-833-6341 

(TTY).

Solid Fuel Burning Devices, Chapter

173-433 WAC

The Department of Ecology adopted amendments to its Solid 

Fuel Burning Devices rule, Chapter 173-433 WAC. Ecology 

submitted this rule to the Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA) for inclusion into the Washington State Implementation 

Plan (SIP). The SIP is a statewide plan for meeting air quality 

standards.

What is Chapter 173-433 WAC?

Solid fuel burning devices include wood stoves, fireplaces, pellet 

stoves, and masonry heaters. This rule establishes the following 

for solid fuel burning devices:

• Emission standards.

• Certification standards and procedures.

• Fuel restrictions.

• Operation restrictions during impaired air quality burn 

bans.

• Criteria for prohibiting the use of solid fuel burning 

devices that are not certified.

Summary of the rule changes adopted on January 

23rd, 2014

The changes to this rule help reduce Washington’s wood smoke 

emissions to meet federal ambient air quality standards. The 

focus of this rule making was to:

• Modify thresholds for calling burn bans in areas at risk for 

nonattainment as outlined in law.

• Align the rule with other law changes.

• Meet EPA requirements.

• Help Washington’s efforts to improve air quality in areas 

affected by pollution from wood stoves.

• Include housekeeping changes that improve rule clarity 

and consistency.
Publication Number: 13-02-026 2 Please reuse and recycle

Air Quality Program January 2014

What is the purpose of the SIP revision?

Including the revised Solid Fuel Burning Devices rule in the SIP does the following:

• Supports the maintenance plan for the Tacoma-Pierce County Nonattainment Area. The 

maintenance plan outlines how Washington will ensure that the area continues to meet 

the national ambient air quality standard for fine particles.

• Helps reduce levels of fine particle pollution in other areas of Washington.

• Makes the rule federally enforceable.

EPA will publish a notice in the Federal Register and accept public comments before deciding 

whether or not to approve our SIP submission.

Response to comments 

Ecology’s response to comments received during the public comment period is now available. 

Download a copy at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/laws-rules/wac173433/1204.html

Whom does this rule affect?

This rule and SIP revision affects:

 Washington residents who own or operate a solid fuel burning device.

 Local air agencies implementing this rule.

 Sensitive populations including children, elderly, and people with heart and lung 

disease.

More information

Richelle Perez

Air Quality Program 

P.O. Box 47600

Olympia, WA 98504-7600

(360) 407-7528

richelle.perez@ecy.wa.gov

To get updates on Ecology’s rule-making activities, sign-up forthe WACTrack e-mail list at

www.ecy.wa.gov/maillist.html.

Appeal procedures 

This adoption can be appealed under procedures described in the Administrative Procedure Act 

(RCW 34.05.330). For more information about appealing this rule adoption, please contact Bari 

Schreiner, Agency Rules Coordinator, at (360) 407-6998 or bari.schreiner@ecy.wa.gov.