The Washington state department of ecology (ecology) proposes to reissue the concentrated animal feeding operation National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and state waste discharge general permits (permits). The current permits were last issued in January 2017 and expired in March 2022. The revised draft permits and fact sheet, which explains the legal and technical basis for the permits, are available for review and public comment from June 22 through August 3, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. Ecology will host informational workshops and a public hearings on the draft permits.

Purpose of the Permits: The permits provide coverage for medium and large-scale operations that confine livestock for long periods of time in pens or barns and discharge pollution to surface or groundwater. Under federal and state water quality law (Federal Clean Water Act and State Water Pollution Control Act), a permit is required for businesses that discharge to surface or groundwaters of the state. The permits require specific practices of facilities, such as collecting runoff and storing manure, applying nutrients to croplands, and adapting practices based on soil test results to protect water quality.

Applying for Coverage under the Permit: Facilities that reapplied for coverage by September 4, 2021, 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 notice of intent application is available at https://ecology.wa.gov/CAFO.

Copies of the Draft Permits and Fact Sheet: The draft permits and fact sheet are available at https://ecology.wa.gov/CAFO by end of day on June 22, 2022. You may also request physical 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 permits from June 22, through August 3, 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 August 3, 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 permits 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 permits. 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 concentrated animal feeding operation general permit workshops and hearings will occur at the dates and times shown below:

July 26, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Register for the webinar* at https://waecy-wa-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIud-CspzMpHNEqE8B1Bh4ckdnmfBugkDPb, Call-in only 253-215-8782, Meeting ID 863 0949 8365.

July 28, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. Register for the webinar* at https://waecy-wa-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIodOupqTkvGtcMdIlRZaUEhai8rmcMstHK, Call-in only 253-215-8782, Meeting ID 865 3217 2503.

*Workshops and hearings offered via webinar allow individuals to view the presentation and provide testimony via computer or mobile device.

Issuing the Permits: 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 permits by the end of 2022.