WSR 10-04-105

DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY


[ Filed February 3, 2010, 10:18 a.m. ]


PUBLIC NOTICE

Announcing a Proposed Modification of the Washington State Department of Transportation Municipal Stormwater General Permit for Review and Comment



     Proposed Permit Modification: The department of ecology (ecology) issued a general permit to the Washington state department of transportation (WSDOT) on January 21, 2009. The permit covers discharges from its municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). MS4s are conveyances or a system of conveyances including roads with drainage systems, streets, catch basins, ditches, manmade channels, and storm drains. The effective date of this permit was February 21, 2009.

     This proposed modification adds substantive language to the permit as a result of a settlement agreement between the departments of ecology and transportation and Puget Soundkeeper Alliance. Permit sections modified include: S6.C, S7. E.2.d., S8.E., Appendix 7, Stormwater Management Program Plan, Sections 3 and 3.1, 5.4, 6.2, and Appendix 3, Applicable TMDL Requirements.

     Purpose to the Permit: State and federal regulations require WSDOT to have national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit coverage in areas covered by Phase I and Phase II of the municipal stormwater permit program. This permit covers stormwater runoff from state highways, rest areas, park and ride lots, ferry terminals, and maintenance facilities. The permit addresses these legal requirements and regulates the discharge of pollutants to protect water quality in Washington state.

     Copies of the Draft Permit: You may download a copy of the permit and fact sheet at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/municipal/wsdot.html.

     Or you may request a copy of the permit or fact sheet from Julie Robertson at (360) 407-6575 or by e-mail at julie.robertson@ecy.wa.gov.

     Ecology Contact: Kathleen Emmett, Washington State Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600, phone (360) 407-7386, fax (360) 407-6426, e-mail kathleen.emmett@ecy.wa.gov.

     Submitting Written and Oral Comments: Ecology will accept written and oral comments on the proposed changes to the Washington state department of transportation municipal stormwater general permit and fact sheet until 5 p.m., March 31, 2010. Ecology prefers comments be submitted by e-mail. Comments should reference specific text when possible.

     Submit written comments to Kathleen Emmett, Washington State Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600, e-mail kathleen.emmett@ecy.wa.gov.

     If you submit written comments, they must be postmarked no later than 5 p.m., March 31, 2010. You must send e-mail comments before 5 p.m., March 31, 2010. You may provide oral comments by testifying at the public hearing in Lacey, Washington.

     Hearing and Workshop: A public workshop and hearing will be held on March 29, 2010, at 3 p.m., at the Department of Ecology, 300 Desmond Drive S.E., Lacey, WA. The purpose of the hearing is to provide an opportunity for people to give formal oral testimony and comments on the proposed permit.

     Issuing the WSDOT Municipal Stormwater General Permit: After ecology receives and considers all public comments it will make necessary changes and issue the permit. Ecology expects to issue the permit in May 2010.

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