WAC 173-160-406   How do I apply for a variance on a resource protection well?  (1) When strict compliance with the requirements and standards of this chapter are impractical, any person may submit a variance request to the department from a regulation or regulations. The application for variance must propose a comparable alternative specification that will provide equal or greater human health and resource protection than the minimum standards. Application for a variance shall be made in writing and approved prior to the construction or decommissioning of the well.

     (2) The variance application shall contain at least the following information:

     (a) Name, address, and phone number of the person requesting the variance;

     (b) Address of well site;

     (c) 1/4, 1/4, section, township, range;

     (d) The specific regulation(s) that cannot be followed;

     (e) The comparable alternative specification;

     (f) Justification for the request.

     (3) The variance application will be evaluated, and a response will be given within fourteen days. In a public health emergency or other exceptional circumstance, verbal notification for a variance may be given. An emergency usually consists of a drilling situation, which if left unaddressed, could harm the groundwater resource. Driller convenience does not constitute an emergency.

     (4) The emergency variance recipient must immediately follow up with a written notification to the department so that a permanent record is made of the variance.

     (5) Local health districts or counties with delegated authority may grant variances under the provision of chapter 18.104 RCW delegated authority.



[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW and RCW 43.21A.080. 98-08-032 (Order 97-08), § 173-160-406, filed 3/23/98, effective 4/23/98.]