The Washington state department of ecology (ecology) proposes to reissue the aquatic plant and algae management (APAM) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and state waste discharge general permit. The current permit was last issued in March 2021, and is scheduled to expire March 21, 2026. The draft general permit, fact sheet explaining the legal and technical basis for the permit, economic impact analysis, and a copy of the proposed application for coverage are now available on the permit web page.1 The public is invited to review and comment on the draft general permit from 9:00 a.m., September 10, 2025, through 11:59 p.m., October 24, 2025. Ecology staff will host two virtual public meetings and hearings on the draft permit.

Purpose of the Permit: The APAM general permit provides coverage for the chemical treatments of aquatic noxious weeds, native nuisance plants, algae, and phosphorous. This permit protects Washington's waters and aquatic life by controlling the discharge of pollutants into fresh water (lakes, streams, and rivers) or along shorelines, roadsides, dikes/levees, and ditch banks. Under the authority of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, Title 33 U.S.C. Section 1251, and the State Water Pollution Control Act, chapter 90.48 RCW, a permit is required for the discharge of wastewaters either directly or indirectly to waters of the state.

Economic Impact: Ecology evaluated the potential economic impacts of this permit, specifically looking at whether it disproportionately affects small businesses. Current permittees are a mix of small businesses, individuals, and public entities. The report concluded that the permit does not impose disproportionate costs on small versus large aquatic pesticide permittee businesses. The full economic impact analysis document is available on the permit web page.1

Applying for Coverage Under the Permit: Facilities that are covered under the existing permit, and have submitted a renewal for their coverage by September 22, 2025, will have coverage 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 requirements (WAC 173-226-200). Access to the application is available online.1

Copies of the Draft Permit and Fact Sheet: The draft permit, fact sheet, and related documents are available online.1 You may also request hard copies from Jackie Lince, jackie.lince@ecy.wa.gov, 360-407-6600.

Submitting Comments: Ecology will accept comments on the draft permit from 9:00 a.m. September 10, 2025, until 11:59 p.m., October 24, 2025. Ecology prefers online comment submission. Written comments by mail must be postmarked by October 24, 2025. Comments should reference specific permit text when possible.


•	Online2 (preferred method).
•	By U.S. mail (postmarked by October 24, 2025) to Shawn Ultican, Washington Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47696, Olympia, WA 98504-7696.
•	At one of our hearings.

Public Meetings and Hearings: Ecology staff will host two online public meetings in October. During these meetings, an informational presentation will help explain the draft permit's proposed changes. A question and answer session will follow, then ecology will host a formal public hearing. The public hearing is an opportunity for formal spoken testimony on the draft permit. It will end when testimony is done. Spoken testimony will receive the same consideration as written comments.

Evening Public Meeting and Hearing: On October 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., via Zoom webinar. Register in advance at https://waecy-wa-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/4vZcTtvATjG0erY12KvOvg.

Afternoon Public Meeting and Hearing: On October 16, 2025, at 2:30 p.m., via Zoom webinar. Register in advance at https://waecy-wa-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/auGvrV1ZQZea11TNsWmN0Q.

After ecology receives and considers all public comments, we will make a final decision on permit issuance. Ecology expects to make a decision on the general permit in February 2026.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility: To request an ADA accommodation, contact ecology at 360-407-6600, email shawn.ultican@ecy.wa.gov, or visit https://ecology.wa.gov/accessibility. For relay service or TTY call 711 or 877-833-6341.

Translation: To request this document in another language, please contact Shawn Ultican, at 360-407-6600 (water quality program reception) and ask for an interpreter, or email shawn.ultican@ecy.wa.gov.

1	https://ecology.wa.gov/aquaticplants
2	https://wq.ecology.commentinput.com?id=cD78kmbT9