WSR 16-20-077

[Filed October 4, 2016, 9:43 a.m.]

Proposed Permit: The Washington state department of ecology (ecology) is proposing to issue the bridge and ferry terminal washing general permit (permit).

State and federal water quality statutes and regulations do not allow the discharge of pollutants to waters of the state without permit coverage. The activities allowed in the proposed permit present a potential risk for the discharge of pollutants into waters of the state, and therefore require a discharge permit before conducting bridge or ferry terminal washing activities. Ecology issues general permits in place of a series of individual permits when the permitted activities are similar.

Purpose of the Permit: The bridge and ferry terminal washing general permit is a national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit that allows for the regular maintenance cleaning, preparatory washing, and painting of bridge and ferry terminals and associated over water metal structures, over waters of the state. The activities permitted in the draft permit are to aid bridge inspectors with the Washington state department of transportation (WSDOT) preform indepth inspections to assess the structural integrity of bridges and ferry terminals across the state. Additionally, cleaning, washing, and painting prolong the integrity and safety of these structures, and this permit allows both WSDOT and local jurisdictions to conduct those activities.

Copies of the Draft Permit: You may download copies of the draft permit and the fact sheet from the following web site http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/permits/bridgewashing/index.html. You may also request copies of the documents from Foroozan Labib at foroozan.labib@ecy.wa.gov or (360) 407-6439.

Ecology Contact: Foroozan Labib, Washington State Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47696, Olympia, WA 98504-7696, phone (360) 407-6439, e-mail foroozan.labib@ecy.wa.gov.

Workshop and Public Hearing: The purpose of the workshop is to explain the general permit to answer questions prior to the formal public hearing. The purpose of the hearing is to provide an opportunity for people to give formal oral testimony and comments on the proposed draft permit. Written comments will receive the same consideration as oral testimony. The public workshop will begin at 1:00 p.m. on November 22, 2016, at the Washington State Department of Ecology, 300 Desmond Drive, Lacey, WA 98503-1274. The public hearing will begin immediately following the public workshop and will conclude when public testimony is complete.

The workshop and hearing may also be attended as a webinar where individuals may view the presentation and provide testimony via computer or mobile device. To register for the webinar go to http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/permits/bridgewashing/index.html. Once the host approves your request, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with instructions for joining the meeting.

Submitting Written Comments: Ecology will accept written comments on the draft permit and fact sheet until 5 p.m., December 2, 2016. Ecology prefers comments be submitted by e-mail or in a letter format mailed directly to ecology. Comments should reference specific permit text when possible.

Submit comments by e-mail to foroozan.labib@ecy.wa.gov.

Submit comments by mail to Foroozan Labib, Washington State Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47696, Olympia, WA 98504-7696.

You must provide comments before 5 p.m., December 2, 2016. Written comments must be postmarked no later than 5 p.m., December 2, 2016.

Issuing the Permit: The final decision on permit issuance will be made after ecology receives and considers all public comments. If public comments cause a substantial change in the permit conditions from the original draft permit, another public notice of draft and comment period may ensure [ensue]. Ecology expects to issue the general permit in winter 2017.