The Washington state department of ecology (ecology) proposes to reissue the vessel deconstruction national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) and state waste discharge general permit (permit). The permit was last issued in October 2014, and is scheduled to expire at the end of November 2019. The new draft permit and fact sheet, which explains the technical bases for the permit, are available for review and public comment from August 21, 2019, through 11:59 p.m. on September 27, 2019. Ecology will host informational workshops and public hearings on the draft permit.

Purpose of the Permit: The permit provides statewide coverage for the deconstruction of vessels over water, including deconstruction activities that occur on a drydock, barge, or pier. The vessel deconstruction general permit does not provide coverage to facilities that are covered under the boatyard general permit or an individual permit that allows this activity. Vessel deconstruction does not include disturbances incidental to vessel retrieval. The purpose of the permit is to control the discharge of pollutants from stormwater, drydock floodwater, and nonstormwater discharges associated with vessel deconstruction activities into waters of the state. Under federal and state water quality laws (Federal Clean Water Act and State Water Pollution Control Act), a permit is required for the discharge of these wastewaters. Entities that conduct vessel deconstruction activities over water and that discharge wastewater either directly or indirectly to waters of the state must obtain permit authorization for their discharge.

Applying for Coverage under the Permit: Facilities that have already applied for coverage by June 3, 2019, and are covered under the existing permit will be covered under the new permit. New or unpermitted facilities may obtain coverage under the permit by submitting a complete permit application to ecology and satisfying all applicable public notice and State Environmental Policy Act requirements (WAC 173-226-200). Access to the application is available online at https://ecology.wa.gov/vesseldeconstruction.

Copies of the Draft Permit and Fact Sheet: The draft permit and fact sheet will be available online by the end of day on August 21, 2019 (https://ecology.wa.gov/vesseldeconstruction). You may also request copies from Dena Jaskar at 360-407-6401, or email dena.jaskar@ecy.wa.gov.

Submitting Written Comments: Ecology will accept written comments on the draft permit and fact sheet from August 21, 2019, through 11:59 p.m. on September 27, 2019. Ecology prefers comments to be submitted online via the eComment form on the permit web page (link provided below). Comments should reference specific permit text when possible.

Public Workshops and Hearings: The purpose of the workshop is to explain the general permit and 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 written comments on the proposed draft permit. Oral testimony will receive the same consideration as written comments. The public hearing will begin immediately following each workshop and will conclude when testimony is complete.

On Monday, September 23, at 6:00 p.m., Webinar*, join the webinar at https://bit.ly/2MpkqSU; and on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at 1:30 p.m., South Seattle College, Georgetown Campus, Gene C. Colin Education Hall, Room C110, 6737 Corson Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98108, there is a $3 parking fee at this location.

Issuing the Permit: After ecology receives and considers all public comments, we will make a final decision on permit issuance. Ecology expects to make a decision on the draft general permit in November 2019.