WSR 97-17-083

DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY

[Filed August 19, 1997, 12:35 p.m.]

Introduction: Ecology is proposing to reissue a wastewater discharge permit for Washington state boatyards. The original permit was issued November 4, 1992, and will expire on November 4, 1997. The purpose of the permit is to control the discharge of pollutants from boatyards into waters of the state. The permit contains best management practices and monitoring requirements necessary to protect state water quality. Interested persons and Indian Nations are encouraged to submit comments on the proposed permit and attend the workshop and hearing described below. Written comments must be postmarked by Monday, September 15, 1997.

The proposed permit implements the Federal Clean Water Act and the State Water Pollution Control Act. Dischargers who require coverage under this permit include all state and private boatyards which fall under the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes 3731 and 3732, that are engaged in new construction or repair of small vessels 65 feet or less in length. Ecology is also proposing to cover commercial divers performing in-water hull cleaning and maintenance.

Public Workshop/Hearing: Public workshops and hearings on the proposed reissuance of the general boatyard permit will be held on October 7-8, 1997. The purpose of the workshops are to explain the permit conditions, answer questions and facilitate meaningful testimony during the hearing. The purpose of the hearings are to provide interested parties an opportunity to give formal oral testimony and comment on the proposed general permit. The workshops and hearings will be held at the following locations:

October 7, 1997

Everett Community College

Jackson Conference Room

801 Wetmore Avenue

Everett, WA

October 8, 1997

Tacoma Central WW Treatment Facility

Transmission Room

2201 Portland Avenue

Tacoma, WA

The public workshops will begin at 5:45 p.m. and last until 7:45 p.m. The formal public hearing will begin at 8:00 p.m. Locational maps may be obtained by calling Paul Stasch at (360) 407-6446.

Small Business Economic Impact Statement: Ecology has determined that the small business economic impact statement, prepared for the initial issuance of the general boatyard permit, remains valid and satisfies the requirements for an economic impact analysis under the provisions of WAC 173-226-120, for the reissuance of this permit.

How to Request Copies of the Proposed Permit: Requests for copies of the proposed permit, fact sheet, and the small business economic impact statement may be made by contacting Paul Stasch through the address noted below, or by calling him at (360) 407-6446.

Where to Submit Written Comments: If you wish to comment on the proposed permit you may send your written comments to the following address:

Paul Stasch

Water Quality Program

Washington Department of Ecology

P.O. Box 47600

Olympia, WA 98504-7600

Written comments must be postmarked no later than Friday, October 10, 1997.

Final Determination: A final determination to reissue this permit will not be made until ecology evaluates all the public testimony and written comments received pursuant to this notice. If ecology reissues the general boatyard permit, a copy of the final determination and the responsiveness summary will be sent to all parties who submitted written comments or gave public testimony.