Demystifying the Objection Procedure for an Environmental Permit under WABO
Environmental permits are essential for businesses, organizations, and individuals that plan to engage in activities that may affect the environment. In Washington State, the issuance of environmental permits is governed by the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and the Washington Administrative Building Official (WABO).
What is the WABO?
The Washington Administrative Building Official (WABO) is a program created by the Washington State Legislature in 1980. The program is responsible for ensuring that buildings in the state comply with the state building code. The WABO also oversees the issuance of environmental permits, which are required for activities that may impact the environment.
What is the Objection Procedure for an Environmental Permit under WABO?
The objection procedure is a process that allows individuals or organizations to object to the issuance of an environmental permit. The procedure is governed by the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and the Washington Administrative Building Official (WABO). The procedure is designed to ensure that the public has an opportunity to raise concerns about the potential environmental impact of a proposed activity.
When an individual or organization wants to object to the issuance of an environmental permit, they must file an objection in writing with the WABO within 20 days of the permit being issued. The objection must include specific information, such as the name and address of the individual or organization filing the objection, a description of the proposed activity, and the reasons why the individual or organization believes the activity will have an adverse environmental impact.
What Happens After an Objection is Filed?
After an objection is filed, the WABO will review the objection and determine whether it has merit. If the WABO determines that the objection has merit, it will schedule a hearing to allow the individual or organization filing the objection to present their case. The hearing is typically held within 30 days of the objection being filed.
During the hearing, the individual or organization filing the objection has the opportunity to present evidence and testimony to support their claim that the proposed activity will have an adverse environmental impact. The individual or organization proposing the activity also has the opportunity to present evidence and testimony to refute the objections.
What Happens After the Hearing?
After the hearing, the WABO will issue a written decision either upholding the issuance of the environmental permit or denying it. If the WABO upholds the issuance of the permit, the individual or organization filing the objection may appeal the decision to the Washington State Pollution Control Hearings Board.
Overall, the objection procedure for an environmental permit under WABO is an important process that allows the public to voice concerns about potential environmental impacts of proposed activities. By understanding this procedure, individuals and organizations can play a more active role in protecting the environment and ensuring that development is done in a sustainable manner.
Conclusion
The objection procedure for an environmental permit under WABO is a process that allows individuals and organizations to object to the issuance of an environmental permit. The procedure is designed to ensure that the public has an opportunity to raise concerns about the potential environmental impact of a proposed activity. After an objection is filed, the WABO will review the objection and determine whether it has merit. If the objection has merit, a hearing will be scheduled to allow the individual or organization filing the objection to present their case. After the hearing, the WABO will issue a written decision either upholding the issuance of the environmental permit or denying it. By understanding this procedure, individuals and organizations can play a more active role in protecting the environment and ensuring that development is done in a sustainable manner.
