Chapter 173-201A WAC (Human Health Criteria)

Comments are accepted from 12 a.m. on Sept. 17, 2024, until 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 25, 2024.

We are starting this rulemaking at the rule proposal phase, which opens the formal public comment period. We are starting at the proposal phase because this proposed rule adopts, without change, federal regulations.

Ecology will review all comments received and plans for adoption in November or December of 2024. See above for documents related to the Proposal Phase of the rulemaking.

You can submit comments through one of the following ways:

• Submit comments online
• Mail to: 
     For standard US Mail:
       Marla Koberstein
       Department of Ecology
       Water Quality Program
       PO Box 47696
       Olympia, WA 98504-7696
  
     For Parcel Service:
       Deparment of Ecology
       Water Quality Program
       Marla Koberstein
       300 Desmond Dr SE
       Lacey, WA 98503

• Attend a public hearing - see below

The hearings will begin with a short presentation and question and answer session, followed by the opportunity to provide testimony. The hearing will conclude once everyone who wants to provide testimony has had the opportunity to do so. Written comments will receive the same consideration as oral testimony.

Public hearing

• Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, 5:30 p.m. - Register for the webinar

Webinars are an online meeting forum that you can attend from any computer using internet access.

Information meetings

Sept. 25, 2024 - Spokane River Toxics Advisory Committee Meeting

We will present information about the rulemaking and provide an opportunity for questions at the September Spokane River Toxics Advisory Committee Meeting. This is an informational webinar only and we will not be taking formal comments during this event.

• Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, 2:10 pm 
  Join online Zoom meeting
  Meeting ID: 898 3528 6602
  Passcode: 728465
• Join in person at Spokane County Water Resource Center: 1004 N Freya St., Spokane, WA 99202

Oct. 23, 2024 - Environmental justice listening session

We want to learn from community members about their environmental justice considerations related to this rule. This listening session is part of our community engagement commitment under the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act.

We are particularly interested in hearing from:

• People who are not usually involved with Ecology’s work
• Community members who are directly affected by this topic.
• Individuals who are especially vulnerable to pollution risks in the water.
• Those who consume fish or drink untreated water from local sources.

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2024, 3 p.m
Register for the online Zoom meeting

Any information (e.g., personal or contact) you provide may be publicly disclosed and posted on the Internet.

To request ADA accommodations, contact Ecology’s ADA Coordinator by Oct. 15, 2024, at:

• Phone: 360-407-6831 (voice)
• TTY: 877-833-6341 or 711 relay service
• Email:ecyadacoordinator@ecy.wa.gov