(1) A person may not operate a WRF without a current operating permit, issued by the department or local health officer.

(2) To obtain an operating permit, owners of a WRF shall provide the department or local health officer information showing the WRF is in compliance with this chapter.

(3) Operating permits are:

(a) Valid for one year;

(b) Subject to annual renewal; and

(c) Nontransferable without written department or local health officer consent. For purposes of this section, a change in management of a corporation, partnership, association, or other nonindividual business entity creates a new person requiring either consent for a permit transfer or issuance of a new permit upon proper application.

(4) The department or local health officer issuing the operating permit may revoke or suspend the permit if the WRF is not operating in accordance with chapter 70.90 RCW or chapter 246-260 WAC.