WSR 05-08-026

DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY


[ Filed March 30, 2005, 9:26 a.m. ]


Announcement of Issuance of General Permit for Upland Fin-fish Hatching and Rearing Facilities


     Introduction: The Department of Ecology is reissuing the upland fin-fish hatching and rearing general permit. The previous permit was issued on April 17, 2000. The purpose of the permit is to control the discharge of pollutants from upland hatcheries into waters of the state. The permit implements the Federal Clean Water Act, the State Water Pollution Control Act and chapter 173-221A WAC, Wastewater discharge standards and effluent limitations. Dischargers who require coverage under this permit include all state and private hatcheries not located on tribal or federal land that produce more than 20,000 pounds of fish per year or feed more than 5,000 pounds per month. The permit also contains best management practices and effluent limitations and monitoring requirements necessary to protect state water quality. The public comment period closed April 1, 2005.

     Summary of Public Involvement Process: On October 6, 2004, an announcement was published in WSR 04-19-088 to inform the public of the intention to update and reissue the upland fin-fish hatching and rearing general permit.

     On February 2, 2005, the announcement was published in WSR 05-03-100 to inform the public that the revised draft permit and fact sheet were available for review and comment; and to specify the date and location of the public workshop and hearing on the proposed permit. The public notice was also published in five major newspapers and on ecology's website to inform the public that a draft of the proposed permit and fact sheet was available for review. These newspapers included the Vancouver Columbian, the Daily Journal of Commerce, the Bellingham Herald, the Yakima Herald Republic, and the Spokane Spokesman Review. An announcement was also mailed to all interested parties. A public workshop and hearing on the proposed permit was held in Lacey on March 22, 2005. The public comment period closed April 1, 2005.

     Final Determination: A final determination to reissue this permit was made after Ecology evaluated all the written comments received during the public comment period. Minor modifications to the draft permit resulted from the written public comments. A copy of the final upland fin-fish hatching and rearing general permit will be sent to all permittees and all parties who submitted written comments.

     Appeal Procedures: Pursuant to chapter 43.21B RCW, the terms and conditions of the permit may be appealed within thirty days of receipt. An appeal must be filed with the Pollution Control Hearings Board, P.O. Box 40903, Olympia, WA 98504-0903. In addition, a copy of this appeal must be served on the Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600. The procedures and requirements for the appeal process are contained in RCW 43.21B.310.

     The terms and conditions of a general permit, as they apply to an individual discharger, are appealable within thirty days of the effective date of coverage of that discharger, in accordance with chapter 43.21B RCW. This appeal is limited to the general permit's applicability or nonapplicability to a specific discharger.

     How to Request Copies of the Permit: Requests for copies of the final permit, fact sheet and responsiveness summary may be made by contacting Tricia Miller at the address below or by telephone at (425) 649-7201, or you can download copies from the website listed below:

Internet: www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/permits/
Contact Ecology: Lori LeVander

Water Quality Program

Washington State Department of Ecology

3190 160th Avenue S.E.

Bellevue, WA 98008-5452

(425) 649-7039

e-mail LLEV461@ecy.wa.gov

     To Apply for Permit Coverage or Obtain Additional Information:

Southwest Regional Office

Water Quality Program

P.O. Box 47775

Olympia, WA 98504-7775

Phone: (360) 407-6280

Central Regional Office

Water Quality Program

15 West Yakima Avenue, Suite 200

Yakima, WA 98902-3401

Phone: (509) 454-7869

Northwest Regional Office

Water Quality Program

3190 160th Avenue S.E.

Bellevue, WA 98008-5452

Phone: (425) 649-7201

Eastern Regional Office

Water Quality Program

North 4601 Monroe, Suite 202

Spokane, WA 99205-1295

Phone: (509) 456-6310

     If you need this information in an alternate format, please contact ecology at (360) 407-6404. If you are a person with a speech or hearing impairment, call 711 or 1-800-833-6388 for TTY.

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