National Standards Adopted by Reference for Sources of Radionuclide Emissions Rule Revision

What Happened?

On April 20, 2026, the Department of Health (department) adopted changes to WAC 246-247-035 - National standards adopted by reference for sources of radionuclide emissions. The change updated the publication date of the federal rules adopted by reference under 40 C.F.R. Part 61 from 2025 to the most recently adopted 2026 version. The amendment made no changes to any requirements previously adopted but was required for the department to receive full delegation of the Radionuclide Air Emissions Program from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). No comments were received during the public comment period. The updated rule will be effective beginning May 21, 2026.

Why?

The EPA updates the federal code each year, even when no amendments to the requirements are made. EPA requires us to adopt the annual updated publication date into the state rule to receive full delegation of the Radionuclide Air Emissions Program.

The Department of Ecology or a local air pollution control authority administers Title V of the federal Clean Air Act and issues all Air Operating Permits. When a facility emits radionuclides, we issue an Air Emissions License under RCW 70A.388.040. To obtain full delegation for regulation of radionuclide air emissions from the EPA, we must adopt rules that are at least as stringent as the applicable federal requirements.

Rulemaking Files

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Contacts

Brian Sayrs, Rules Coordinator

Crystal Mathey, Office of Radiation and Protection

Randell Utley, Office of Radiation and Protection