The Washington state department of ecology (ecology) proposes to reissue the Industrial Stormwater National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and state waste discharge general permit (permit). The current permit was last issued in November 2019 and is scheduled to expire December 31, 2024. The revised draft permit and fact sheet, which explains the legal and technical basis for the permit, are available with any associated documents for review and public comment from May 15, 2024, through June 28, 2024, 11:59 p.m. Ecology will host informational workshops and public hearings on the draft permit.

Purpose of the Permit: The permit addresses various legal requirements and responsibilities, and regulates the discharge of pollutants to protect water quality in Washington state. The proposed industrial stormwater general permit 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). Stormwater may become contaminated by industrial activities as a result of contact with materials stored outside, spills and leaks from equipment or materials used onsite, contact with materials during loading, unloading or transfer from one location to another, and from airborne contaminants and therefore require a discharge permit. When the permitted activities conducted by a specific class of industries are similar, ecology issues a general permit to cover all of them, rather than issuing a series of individual permits.

Applying for Coverage Under the Permit: Facilities that have already applied for coverage by July 5, 2024, 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 (SEPA) requirements (WAC 173-226-200). Access to the application is available online at https://ecology.wa.gov/IndustrialStormwaterPermit.

Copies of the Draft Permit and Fact Sheet: The draft permit and fact sheet are available online at https://ecology.wa.gov/IndustrialStormwaterPermit by end of day on May 15, 2024. You may request hard copies from Jackie Lince at jackie.lince@ecy.wa.gov or 360-407-6600.

Submitting Written Comments: Ecology will accept written comments on the draft permit from May 15, 2024, through June 28, 2024, 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 July 12, 2024. 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 Workshops and Hearings: The purpose of the workshops is to explain the general permit and to answer questions prior to the formal public hearings. The purpose of the hearings 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.