WSR 17-07-098

[Filed March 20, 2017, 4:51 p.m.]

The Washington state department of ecology (ecology) modified the construction stormwater national pollutant discharge elimination system and state waste discharge general permit (permit) as a result of an appeal. The current permit issued November 18, 2015, was appealed December 21, 2015. The draft permit modification was available for public comment December 21, 2016, to February 10, 2017, and ecology hosted a draft permit modification informational public workshop and public hearing on February 10, 2017. Ecology prepared a fact sheet addendum and response to comments for the draft permit modification. The final permit modification goes into effect May 5, 2017.

Permit Changes: The permit changes are to dust control (S1.C.3.i), pH sampling requirements (S4.D), engineering calculation requirements (S9.B.1.f), and concrete washout (S9.D.9.h).

Purpose of the Permit: The permit authorizes the discharge of stormwater and authorized nonstormwater associated with construction activity. The permit covers all areas of Washington state, except most tribal lands (the permit does cover most of the Puyallup Reservation).

The construction stormwater general permit (CSWGP) limits the discharge of pollutants to surface waters under the authority of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251) and limits the discharge of pollutants to surface and groundwater under the authority of the State Water Pollution Control Act, chapter 90.48 RCW.

Applying for Coverage under the Permit: New or unpermitted construction sites may obtain coverage under CSWGP by submitting a complete notice of intent (permit coverage application) to ecology and satisfying all applicable public notice and State Environmental Policy Act requirements (WAC 173-226-200). The application is available online at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/construction/enoi.html.

Copies of the Final Permit Modification: Copies of the final permit modification, fact sheet addendum, and response to comments are available online at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/construction/index.html. Additionally, you may request copies from Dena Jaskar at dena.jaskar@ecy.wa.gov, or (360) 407-6401.

Modified Permit Effective Date: The final permit modification will be effective May 5, 2017.