Port of Tacoma PUBLIC NOTICE DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE FOR A NONPROJECT ACTION WAC 197-11-970 Project Name: Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy Update Description of Proposal: The Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy Update (Strategy Update) is collaboration between Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma in Washington State and Port Metro Vancouver in British Colombia (Ports) to reduce maritime and port-related impacts to air quality and climate change in the Pacific Northwest region. The Ports' tenants and customers often utilize diesel engines in ships, trains, trucks, and other equipment to provide the primary power for the maritime goods and passenger movement industries. As port-related activity increases, so does the demand for power. Achieving both improved air quality and economic growth requires strategic planning. The focus of the Strategy Update is to reduce diesel particulate matter (DPM) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the region in advance of, beyond, and/or complementary to applicable regulations. This Strategy Update contains shared goals and targets for the three major ports in the region, but allows each port to implement appropriate actions based on its own unique development plans and opportunities with a focus on continuous improvement. As an update to the 2007 Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, this Strategy Update sets new objectives, strategies, goals, and targets that build on the success and momentum of previous actions accounting for new emission inventory information, regulatory changes, and emerging issues. The strategies identified address three primary objectives: 1) Reduce maritime and port-related air quality impacts from DPM on human health, the environment, and the economy; 2) Reduce contribution to climate change; and 3) Help the Georgia Basin-Puget Sound airshed meet air quality standards and objectives. The regulatory agencies of Environment Canada, Metro Vancouver, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) are responsible for protecting air quality within the Georgia Basin-Puget Sound airshed. In 2007, and again in 2012, the Ports worked with these regulatory agencies to develop this Strategic Update. These agencies support a collaborative approach to achieve significant air emissions reductions. In addition to the collaboration and participation in emissions reduction activities by the Ports, the success of the Strategy Update also relies on the significant contributions of their tenants, customers, and other stakeholders who manage equipment and operations that contribute to air emissions. Proponent: Port of Tacoma Location of proposal, including street address, if any: In general, the Strategy Update study area includes the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the greater Puget Sound area, the Strait of Georgia, Haro Strait, Boundary Pass, Rosario Strait and other relevant nearby waterways. Lead agency: Port of Tacoma, the lead agency for this proposal, has determined that the project does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 43.21C.030(2)(c). This decision was made after review of a completed environmental checklist and other information on file with the lead agency. Additional project and/or State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) information is available upon request at the Port of Tacoma's Administrative building, located at One Sitcum Plaza, Tacoma, WA 98421 or at the Port's website at http://www.portoftacoma.com/sepa. Comments and Request for Reconsideration: This Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) is issued under Chapter 197-11-340(2) Washington Administrative Code (WAC). Pursuant to Port policy, all interested parties shall have 14 calendar days to comment on the proposed SEPA threshold determination. Only those who commented within the 14 day comment period shall have standing to file a Request for Reconsideration. Any challenge to a SEPA threshold determination shall be initiated by filing a Request for Reconsideration with the Responsible Official or designee no later than seven calendar days following the end of the 14 day comment period for the SEPA determination. The lead agency will not act on this proposal for 14 days from the start date of the comment period described below. Comments shall be submitted to the Port of Tacoma, Environmental Programs, C/O Diana Meister at One Sitcum Plaza, Tacoma, WA 98421 or at the Port's website at http://www.portoftacoma.com/sepa. Comment Start Date: June 28, 2013 Comment End Date: July 12, 2013 Request for Reconsideration End Date: July 19, 2013 June 28