Section 173-443-155 - Leak rate thresholds and notification requirements(1) The owner or operator of a facility that has a refrigeration or air conditioning system with a full charge greater than or equal to 50 pounds and that uses a refrigerant with a GWP of 150 or more must ensure that the leak rate of the system is calculated during each leak inspection and each time refrigerant is added to the system.(2) The leak rate must be calculated using the 12-month rolling average method, as defined in WAC 173-443-030, and the results of each calculation must be kept on file in accordance with WAC 173-443-195.(3) The owner or operator of a facility that has a refrigeration or air conditioning system that exceeds the applicable leak rate threshold, based on the 12-month rolling average, must notify ecology, through the WA RMP data reporting system, within 30 days of determination of each exceedance. The leak rate thresholds are as follows: (a) Sixteen percent for a retail food refrigeration system, or cold storage warehouse;(b) Twenty-four percent for an industrial process refrigeration system; or(c) Eight percent for an air conditioning system.(4) Following the notification required by subsection (3) of this section, the owner or operator of a facility that has a refrigeration or air conditioning system that exceeds the applicable leak rate threshold must also notify ecology of the following information by the specified deadlines: (a) The results of a verification test required under WAC 173-443-165(5), no later than 30 days after expiration of the leak repair time frame under WAC 173-443-165 (7)(a);(b) The results of a follow-up verification test, if required under WAC 173-443-165(6), no later than 30 days after completing the follow-up verification test; and(c) Within 30 days of completion of all work described in a retrofit or retirement plan prepared in accordance with WAC 173-443-175.Wash. Admin. Code § 173-443-155
Adopted by WSR 23-24-041, Filed 11/30/2023, effective 12/31/2023