Chapter 20.57
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Sections:
20.57.020 Environmental performance standards.
20.57.050 Ground and soil contamination.
20.57.010 Intent.
It is the intent of this chapter to:
A. Protect public health and general welfare;
B. Establish minimum standards for the control of environmental pollution;
C. Minimize the adverse effects of contaminants which may result from the use of land by any activity or person. (Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008: Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999).
20.57.020 Environmental performance standards.
A. It shall be the responsibility of the operator and/or the proprietor of any permitted use to provide such reasonable evidence and technical data as the enforcing officer may require to demonstrate that the use or activity is or will be in compliance with the performance standards of this chapter.
B. Failure of the enforcing officer to require such information shall not be construed as relieving the operator and/or proprietor from compliance with the environmental performance standards of this title. (Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008: Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999).
20.57.030 Noise.
A. The maximum allowable noise levels as measured at the property line of noise-impacted uses or activities shall be those set forth in Chapter 173-60 WAC, entitled “Maximum Environmental Noise Levels,” which chapter is incorporated by reference.
B. The “Environmental Designation for Noise Abatement” (EDNA) for the several land use classifications of this title shall be as follows:
1. All living areas (single-family, multifamily, etc.): A;
2. All commercial areas: B;
3. All public/institutional areas: A;
4. Light industrial, industrial, mineral extraction: C.
C. Noise levels of any sound source, when measured in the manner and locations prescribed in Chapter 173-60 WAC shall not exceed the values shown in Table N. (Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008: Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999).
20.57.040 Emissions.
A. Air Pollution.
1. Air pollution shall be controlled by the operator and/or proprietor of any land use or activity permitted by this chapter.
2. The ambient air quality standards specified in Regulations of the Southwest Washington Pollution Control Agency (SWPCA) shall apply to all air contaminants listed therein.
B. Toxic Substances.
1. Toxic substances shall be kept to concentrations not exceeding one-fiftieth of interior standards by use of the best available control methods and technology in all phases of plant operation and handling of materials, and by an active commitment to good housekeeping practices.
2. Toxic substances not listed in the regulations of the SWPCA, but released into the air, shall be limited in accordance with the most current publication entitled “Threshold Limit Values,” of the American Conference of Governmental Hygienists.
C. Sewer Use. Liquid wastes shall be disposed of through local sanitary sewer systems only upon approval of affected public sewer authorities.
D. Waste Disposal. Liquid or solid wastes unacceptable to public sewer authorities shall be disposed of on a regular basis in keeping with the best operating characteristics of the industry, and in compliance with the regulation and requirements of local, regional, state or federal agencies having jurisdiction in waste disposal and environmental health and safety.
E. Heat and Glare. Any operation producing intense heat or glare shall be performed within an enclosure so as to completely obscure such operating from view from any point along the property line.
F. Radioactive Materials and Radiation Devices. The use, storage, transportation and disposal of all radioactive materials and radiation machines shall be subject to the regulatory jurisdiction and control of the Radiation Control Agency of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services as amended.
G. Vibration and Concussion. No use shall cause earth vibrations or concussions detectable without the aid of instruments beyond its lot lines, with the exception of the temporary vibration produced as a result of construction activity. Such temporary construction activity shall be restricted to the hours between seven a.m. and six p.m. (Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008: Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999).
20.57.050 Ground and soil contamination.
Materials used or produced in any manufacturing process shall be handled in such a manner as to prevent ground or soil pollution which destroys or endangers the support of natural vegetation or which may contaminate underground aquifers or other natural drainage systems. (Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008: Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999).
20.57.060 Storage.
In the conduct of any business, the storage of merchandise, raw materials, equipment, fixtures, scraps or solid wastes shall comply with the following requirements:
A. Every reasonable effort shall be made by persons operating a business to store all such materials within an enclosed building, with the following exceptions:
1. Where such inside storage is not practical or desirable for reasons related to health, fire or safety codes;
2. Where the outside storage of merchandise, manufactured products or raw materials is normal and standard practice, such as in the sale of automotive equipment, mobile homes, lumber, gardening materials, nursery stock and the like, or on the site of construction projects;
3. When materials or products are temporarily stored outside incidental to shipping, delivery, loading or unloading thereof.
B. Outside storage shall be maintained in an orderly manner consistent with good housekeeping practices and shall create no:
1. Visual offense to the premises, adjacent properties or the public right-of-way;
2. Fire, safety, health or sanitary hazard.
C. Storage in residential areas shall comply with the same requirements as those specified for business establishments and shall, in addition to the requirements of subsections (A) and (B) of this section, comply with the following:
1. Motor vehicles, appliances, and any other mechanical equipment which is no longer operable shall not be stored outside for a period exceeding fourteen days.
2. Operable motor vehicles, boats, trailers, recreational vehicles and the like may be stored on the premises; provided, that they do not obstruct the use of public right-of-way or interfere with traffic visibility, especially the visibility of and at intersections of streets. Vehicles so stored shall not be used as living quarters.
D. Storage in or on the public right-of-way is prohibited. (Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008: Ord. 2173 § 1, 2006: Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999).
20.57.070 Enforcement.
In the enforcement of this chapter, the enforcing officer may require the operator or owner of an existing or proposed activity or use to submit evidence and technical data to demonstrate that use or activity is or will be in compliance with the performance standards of this chapter. (Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008: Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999).