WSR 98-01-098

DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY

[Filed December 16, 1997, 12:34 p.m.]

Introduction: Ecology has issued the final general boatyard wastewater permit for Washington state boatyards on December 8, 1997. The original permit was issued November 4, 1992, and expired on November 4, 1997. Ecology has determined that the changes and modifications to the draft permit based on the public comment received do not constitute substantive changes. The final permit does not become effective until March 1, 1998. The purpose of the permit is to control the discharge of pollutants from boatyard[s] into waters of the state. The permit contains best management practices and monitoring requirements necessary to protect state water quality.

The new permit implements the Federal Clean Water Act and the State Water Pollution Control Act. Dischargers who require coverage under this permit include all public 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 sixty-five feet or less in length.

Summary of Public Involvement Process: Notice of the draft permit was published in the State Register on August 19, 1997. The notice was also published in eighteen newspapers of general circulation around the state. These notices opened the formal public comment period for the draft permit. Public workshops and hearings on the draft general boatyard permit were held on October 7-8, 1997. The purpose of the workshops was to explain the permit conditions, answer questions and facilitate meaningful testimony during the hearing. The purpose of the hearings was to provide interested parties an opportunity to give formal oral testimony and comment on the proposed general permit. The workshops and hearings were 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 formal public comment period closed on October 10, 1997.

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, was 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 Permit or Receive Additional Information: Requests for copies of the permit, fact sheet, and the responsiveness summary or information on how to apply for coverage under the new permit may be made by contacting Paul Stasch through the address noted below.

Appeal Procedures: Pursuant to RCW 43.21B.310, the terms and conditions of the permit may be appealed on or before February 7, 1998. An appeal must be filed with the Pollution Control Hearings Board at: