WSR 04-12-085

DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY


[ Filed June 2, 2004, 10:07 a.m. ]


ANNOUNCEMENT OF ISSUANCE OF GENERAL PERMIT FOR WATER TREATMENT PLANTS


     Introduction: On June 16, 2004, ecology reissued the wastewater discharge general permit for water treatment plants located in Washington state. This permit becomes effective on July 16, 2004. The proposed permit implements the Federal Clean Water Act and State Water Pollution Control Act. The purpose of the permit is to control the discharge of pollutants from water treatment plants into waters of the state. Water treatment plants are facilities that produce drinking water.

     All water treatment plants that discharge to surface water and meet the following criteria require coverage under this general permit:

• Produce potable water or "industrial” water (primary treatment/settled water);
• Are not part of a larger, permitted facility (e.g., pulp and paper mill);
• Discharge wastewater from water treatment filtration processes (filter backwash, sedimentation/presedimentation basin washwater, filter-to-waste); and
• Have a maximum production capacity of 50,000 gallons a day or more of treated drinking water.
     Summary of Public Involvement Process: Notice of the proposed permit was published in the state register and in six newspapers of general circulation around the state on April 21, 2004. A public workshop and hearing on the proposed permit were held at the ecology headquarters' building in Lacey, Washington on May 24, 2004. The public comment period closed May 27, 2004.

     Summary of Revisions Based on Public Comments and Testimony: Ecology received public comment and testimony. A minor revision was made to the permit as a result of the comments received during the formal public comment period. The revision added language to S3.C., Compliance with Standards. The additional language emphasizes that the prohibition to violate water quality standards applies to the addition of treatment chemicals. The complete text of the comments and the responsiveness summary is available upon request or on the internet at www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/wtp.      Permit Coverage: Facilities with coverage under the previous permit do not need to apply for coverage. They will automatically receive coverage under the revised permit. Facilities that do not have coverage but meet the requirements for coverage must complete and submit an application for coverage. You can obtain additional information and download an application form from the internet address above or by contacting Carey Cholski.

• By mail: Carey Cholski

Washington State Department of Ecology

P.O. Box 47775

Olympia, WA 98504-7775
• By phone: (360) 407-6279
• By e-mail: cgru461@ecy.wa.gov
     Appeal Procedures: Pursuant to RCW 43.21B.310, the terms and conditions of the permit may be appealed within thirty days of the issuance of the general permit. An appeal must be filed with the Pollution Control Hearings Board, P.O. Box 40903, Olympia, WA 98504-0903. In addition, a copy of this appeal must be served on the Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600. The procedures and requirements for the appeal process are contained in RCW 43.21B.310.

     The terms and conditions of a general permit, as they apply to an individual discharger, are appealable within thirty days of the effective date of coverage of that discharger, in accordance with chapter 43.21B RCW. This appeal is limited to the general permit's applicability or nonapplicability to a specific discharger.

     Ecology is an equal opportunity agency. If you have special accommodation needs or require this document in an alternative format, please contact Carey Cholski at (360) 407-6279 or TTY for hearing impaired at 711 or 1-800-833-6388.

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