PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 173-98 WAC, Uses and limitations of the water pollution control revolving fund.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 90.50A RCW, Water pollution control facilities -- Federal capitalization grants.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Chapter 173-98 WAC, which guides the state revolving fund program, became effective in 1989. The rule was amended in 1998 and again in 2000. Because the water pollution control revolving fund and the centennial clean water fund programs are managed together, minor changes are proposed to chapter 173-98 WAC to improve coordination and consistency, where possible, between the programs.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Environmental Protection Agency has a role in regulation of this program and will be closely involved in the amendment process. No other state or federal agencies regulate this subject but many have an interest in the issue and will be consulted with, coordinated with, and communicated with during the entire rule-making process.
Process for Developing New Rule: Public meetings, mailings, hearings, close work with an advisory council that includes representation of a wide range of stakeholders.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Much work will be accomplished early through the meetings of the Financial Advisory Council and a series of workshops held state-wide. The council will continue their work through the entire development process, and at the appropriate times ecology will hold public hearings. For more information, contact Tim Hilliard, (360) 407-6429 or by e-mail thil461@ecy.wa.gov, Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600.
May 9, 2000
Megan White, PE
Program Manager