Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Environment Committee |
SB 5407
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning electronic filing of pollutant discharge elimination permit system applications.
Sponsors: Senator Ericksen.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date:
Staff: Jacob Lipson (786-7196).
Background:
The federal Clean Water Act establishes the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which regulates discharges of wastewater. The NPDES wastewater permits cover discharges from municipal sewers systems, industrial wastewater dischargers, stormwater, and other point source dischargers. The NPDES permitting authority is delegated to the state, allowing the Department of Ecology (DOE) to issue NPDES permits to cities and counties, and permits are required for anyone who discharges to state surface waters. Water discharge permits can either be an individual permit issued to a single regulated facility, or a general permit for a group of similar dischargers at diverse locations.
The NPDES discharge permits are valid for five years. Permits may be reopened or modified at the instigation of the DOE or the permit holder as the result of new information or a change in facility operations. After a permit has been issued and becomes effective, the permit holder may be periodically required to submit certain data and other information to the DOE, including discharge monitoring results.
Summary of Bill:
The DOE must develop electronic forms and otherwise provide for the electronic filing of NPDES permit applications, updates, revisions, and reported data.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.