Asphalt Advisory Task Force

Companies that intend to build asphalt plants, gravel mines, or conduct any other type of mineral-extraction activities must get a special-use permit from the Thurston County Permit Assistance Center.  Currently, the ability to get a special-use permit is limited under Ordinance 13030.  Approved by the Thurston County Board of Commissioners in 2003, this ordinance is an interim measure that grants Thurston County time to update its permitting ordinance.  This interim ordinance has been renewed several times and remains in effect today.

Status

A work session was held on July 12, 2012 with the Board, where the Asphalt Advisory Task Force and the Planning Commission recommendations were reviewed. Click here for a copy of this briefing.

The Board held two pubic hearings on this issue on August 7, 2012. Click here for a copy of the hearing notice.

• The purpose of the first hearing was to accept public comment on regulations relating to the permitting of new asphalt plants, and establishing asphalt plants as a primary use separate from a mineral extraction operation. Changes were proposed to the Mineral Extraction Code (Chapter 17.20 TCC), to the special use permit chapter (Chapter 20.54 TCC), and other sections of the Thurston County (Rural) Zoning Ordinance (Title 20). The Board may decide to strike Residential LAMRID 1/2, and Residential LAMRID 1/1 from areas under consideration for asphalt plants. The Board may make take action following the public hearing. The draft regulations are available for review at the Thurston County Permit Assistance Center and by clicking the links below in the Status section.
• The purpose of the second public hearing was to accept comment on a renewal of Interim Ordinance No. 13030, as affirmed by Resolution No. 13061-A, amended by Ordinance No. 13797, affecting asphalt production activities. The renewal period was proposed to be six months pursuant to RCW 36.70A.390.
• A follow up work session with the Board will be held on August 9, 2012 at 9:00 to review comments received during the hearing.  The Board may make take action at the close of the work session.

 Click here for a work program timeline.)
Click here for the draft regulations regarding asphalt plants.
Click here for the draft updates to Chapter 20.54 Mineral Extraction Special Use Permit.
Click here for draft updates to Chapter 17.20 Mineral Extraction Code.

Background

In August 2007, Thurston County Board of Commissioners established an Asphalt Advisory Task Force of citizens, agency and industry representatives to study and make recommendations regarding the siting and permitting of asphalt plants in Thurston County. (Click here for meeting notes.) This Task Force was appointed to build upon the work of the Mineral Lands Task Force (MLTF) appointed in October, 2003 when Interim Ordinance No. 13030 was established to prohibit the designation of new mineral lands, the permitting of new gravel mining operations, and the permitting of new asphalt plants. This interim ordinance was established as the county reviewed the designated mineral lands of long term commercial significance as part of a seven-year review of the Thurston County Comprehensive Plan, as required by the WA State Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.050).

The 9-member AATF included representatives first from those who participated in the MLTF and then from referrals from those members and solicitation from the public. The AATF met for ten facilitated work sessions, toured two asphalt plants and invited an expert panel for a question and answer session so they could gain perspective on the current technology and state-of-the-knowledge regarding asphalt processing, operation, environmental permitting, and regulation. The ultimate objective of this group was development of a report with recommendations for the siting and permitting of asphalt plants and use of recycled asphalt in these plants.

The members of the asphalt advisory task force met for a final meeting on March 16, 2009 to review their past work, and agree on the recommendations that will be presented to the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners. The recommendation report is available below.

Asphalt Advisory Task Force Final Report of Recommendations   (PDF 97KB)

The Thurston County Planning Commission reviewed the final recommendations report from the Asphalt Advisory Task Force in 2009. They then formed a Sub-committee in April 2009, and made their final recommendation to the remaining members of the Planning Commission on October 21, 2009. They held many work sessions since 2009, as well as a public hearing on June 20, 2012. The Planning Commission considered the merits of the Asphalt Advisory Task Force and other information provided by staff and the public during the work sessions and hearing, and has made its recommendation accordingly.

Contact Us

Interested Parties: If you would like to be added to our Web Mail list, please click here. Staff contact: Christy Osborn, Associate Planner. Phone: (360) 754-3355, x4465 E-mail: osbornc@co.thurston.wa.us 

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