EPA Passes Sewage Incinerator Oversight to Local Washington Agency
Published Date: 5/14/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA is handing over the job of enforcing air pollution rules for sewage sludge incinerators to the Northwest Clean Air Agency in parts of Washington, including Island, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties. This change starts May 14, 2026, and helps local folks keep the air cleaner by making sure pollution limits are followed. No new costs for businesses, just smoother local control of pollution rules!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Local Agency Now Enforces SSI Rules
If you operate a sewage sludge incineration (SSI) unit in Island, Skagit, or Whatcom Counties, Washington, the Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) is now the agency that implements and enforces the Federal SSI plan. The EPA signed a Memorandum of Agreement on December 11, 2018, and the final rule updating the Code of Federal Regulations is effective May 14, 2026.
No New Costs or Requirements Added
This rule codifies delegation but does not add new requirements or information-collection burdens and will not impose additional costs on businesses. The EPA states the action does not impose requirements beyond the already applicable Federal plan and certifies no significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Which SSI Units Are Covered
The delegation and Federal plan coverage apply to sewage sludge incineration (SSI) units that began construction on or before October 14, 2010, and that are located at wastewater treatment plants designed to treat domestic sewage sludge. Subpart LLL does not apply to units not at such wastewater treatment plants.
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