(1) Any person presently discharging pollutants to surface waters of the state must file an application with the department on a form prescribed by the department. For the purpose of satisfying the requirements of this subsection, any completed application filed with the Environmental Protection Agency prior to the approval by the administrator under section 402(b) of the FWPCA of this state permit program shall constitute a filing with the department.

(2) Any person proposing to commence a discharge of pollutants to surface waters of the state must file an application with the department on a form prescribed by the department, (a) no less than one hundred eighty days in advance of the date on which it is desired to commence the discharge of pollutants, or (b) in sufficient time prior to commencement of the discharge of pollutants to insure compliance with the requirements of section 306 of the FWPCA and any other applicable water quality standards or effluent standards and limitations.

(3) The applicant must pay any applicable fees required pursuant to RCW 90.48.610.

(4) The requirement for permit application will be satisfied if the discharger files:

(a) A complete application form which is appropriate for the type, category, or size of discharge per 40 C.F.R. 122.21; or

(b) A complete request for coverage under a general permit; and

(c) Any additional information required by the department pertaining to pollutant discharge.

(5) The application form shall bear a certification of correctness to be signed:

(a) In the case of corporations, by a responsible corporate officer.

(b) In the case of a partnership, by a general partner.

(c) In the case of sole proprietorship, by the proprietor.

(d) In the case of a municipal, state, or other public facility, by either a principal executive officer or ranking elected official.

(6) Applications for permits for domestic wastewater facilities that are either owned or operated by, or under contract to, a public entity shall be submitted by the public entity.

(7) No discharge of pollutants into the surface waters of the state is authorized until such time as a permit has been issued consistent with the terms and conditions of this chapter.