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FSEC to post NPDES and air operating permit materials for Grays Harbor Energy Center renewal and public comment
Summary
FSEC staff told the council they intend to publish documents for public comment for Grays Harbor Energy Center’s NPDES renewal (proposed comment period Sept. 29–Oct. 28) and for the air operating permit (anticipated public comment starting Oct. 6 and EPA review if no substantive comments), with final council action to follow.
FSEC staff on Sept. 17 updated the council on renewal processes for Grays Harbor Energy Center’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and its Title V air operating permit (AOP).
"Staff recommend that the comment period begins on September 29 and continue for 30 days ending at close of business on October 28," Sarah Randolph, site specialist, told the council about the NPDES renewal. FSEC received the NPDES renewal application Dec. 17, 2023 and continued operations under an administrative extension; staff approved an engineering report April 2 and have worked with Ecology contractors to develop the draft renewal.
On the air permit, staff said the Title V renewal and associated acid rain elements were submitted Dec. 11, 2024 and are operating under administrative extension. Staff intend to put air permit documents out for public comment on Oct. 6. If no substantive comments are received, the materials will be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency for a 45‑day review, after which staff will return permit documents and comments to the council for a vote on issuance.
Staff emphasized that contractors from Ecology and the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCA) are available to answer technical questions during the comment periods. No public meeting is planned for the NPDES comment period unless requested; staff noted historically such meetings have seen low attendance.
No council vote was taken Sept. 17; staff will publish documents for public comment and then present comments and draft permits to the council for final action following the comment and, if applicable, EPA review.
