The Washington state department of ecology (ecology) proposes to reissue the Bridge and Ferry Terminal Washing National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit (permit). The current permit was last issued in June of 2017 and is scheduled to expire at the end of July 2022. The revised draft permit and fact sheet, which explains the legal and technical basis for the permit, are available for review and public comment from February 16, 2022, through April 1, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. Ecology will host an informational workshop and a public hearing on the draft permit.

Purpose of the Permit: The permit provides coverage 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. 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. Washington state department of transportation and local jurisdictions that clean for bridge inspections and perform maintenance to prolong the integrity and safety of these structures 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 January 31, 2022, and are covered under the existing permit, are 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 at https://ecology.wa.gov/bridgewashingpermit.

Copies of the Draft Permit and Fact Sheet: The draft permit and fact sheet are available online at https://ecology.wa.gov/bridgewashingpermit by end of day on February 16, 2022. You may also request copies from Matthew Tietjen at 360-407-6401 or by email at matthew.tietjen@ecy.wa.gov.

Submitting Written Comments: Ecology will accept written comments on the draft permit and fact sheet from February 16, 2022, through April 1, 2022, by 11:59 p.m. Ecology prefers online comment submission via the eComment form (link below) on the permit web page. Written comments by mail must be postmarked by April 1, 2022. Comments should reference specific permit text when possible.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: To request ADA accommodation for disabilities, call ecology at 360-407-7285 or visit https://ecology.wa.gov/accessibility. People with impaired hearing may call Washington relay service at 711. People with speech disability may call TTY at 877-833-6341.

Public Workshop(s) and Hearing(s): 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 the public workshop and will conclude when public testimony is complete.

The Bridge and Ferry Terminal Washing workshop and hearing will occur online on March 24, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., webinar*. Find webinar information here https://ecology.wa.gov/bridgewashingpermit.

*Webinars allow individuals to view the presentation and provide testimony via computer or mobile device. Ecology is not currently offering in-person hearings due to COVID-19 safety concerns.

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 general permit in June 2022.

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