WSR 14-13-080

[Filed June 16, 2014, 12:40 p.m.]

The Washington state department of ecology (ecology) is proposing to issue a general permit for the application of piscicides for management of fish populations in waters of the state of Washington.

These management activities may result in the discharge of chemicals to the surface waters of the state of Washington. Ecology is soliciting comments as to whether or not it is appropriate for ecology to develop a permit for this activity. This comment period ends August 1, 2014, at 5 p.m.

Please direct comments to Nathan Lubliner, Washington State Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47696, Olympia, WA 98504-7696, phone (360) 407-6563, e-mail nathan.lubliner@ecy.wa.gov.

Purpose of the General Permit: The fisheries resource management general permit (permit) will regulate the use of piscicides and other products applied to manage warm water fish species where piscicides or other products may enter the surface waters of the state of Washington. The permit will cover activities that result in a discharge of piscicide, and potassium permanganate into waters of the state of Washington for the purpose of rehabilitating trout fisheries and native fish populations.

Under the Washington State Water Pollution Control Act, a permit is required for the discharge of pollutants which may alter the biological or chemical characteristics of a water body. The proposed permit addresses these legal requirements and regulates the discharge of pollutants to protect surface water quality in Washington state.

Ecology issues general permits in place of a series of individual permits when the permitted activities are similar. The agency that receives coverage under the general permit must comply with the terms and conditions of the permit.

For more information: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/pesticides/final_pesticide_permits/fish/fish_index.html.