The Washington state department of ecology (ecology) proposes to reissue the aquatic plant and algae management (APAM) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and state waste discharge general permit (permit). The permit was last issued in March 2016, was modified in June 2019, and is scheduled to expire at the end of March 2021. The revised draft permit and fact sheet, which explains the technical basis for the permit, are available for review and public comment from October 21, 2020, through 11:59 p.m. on December 7, 2020. Ecology will host informational workshops and public hearings on the draft permit.

Purpose of the Permit: The permit provides coverage for the use of pesticides and other products applied to manage aquatic nuisance plants, noxious weeds, quarantine-listed weeds, algae, and phosphorus in fresh surface waters of the state of Washington. Under federal and state water quality laws (Federal Clean Water Act and State Water Pollution Control Act), a permit is required for the discharge of these chemicals. Private individuals or businesses with a pesticide applicator license that apply pesticides, other aquatic plant management products, and phosphorous sequestration products either directly or indirectly to waters of the state, must obtain permit authorization for their discharge.

Applying for Coverage under the Permit: Facilities that have already applied for coverage by October 2, 2020, and are covered under the existing permit will be covered 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 at https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Aquatic-pesticide-permits/Aquatic-plant-algae-management.

Copies of the Draft Permit and Fact Sheet: The draft permit and fact sheet will be available online by the end of day on October 21, 2020 (https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Aquatic-pesticide-permits/Aquatic-plant-algae-management). You may also request copies from Dena Jaskar at 360-407-6401, or by email at dena.jaskar@ecy.wa.gov.

Submitting Written Comments: Ecology will accept written comments on the draft permit, fact sheet, and related documents from October 21, 2020, through 11:59 p.m. on December 7, 2020. Ecology prefers comments to be submitted online via the eComment form (link provided below) on the permit webpage. Comments should reference specific permit text when possible.

You may submit comments: Online via the eComment form:http://wq.ecology.commentinput.com/?id=ftQDP (preferred method). By mail: Send to Danielle Edelman (see address information below).

Public Workshops and Hearings: The purpose of the workshop is to explain the general permit and to answer questions prior to the formal public hearing. The purpose of the hearing is to provide an opportunity for people to give formal oral testimony and submit written comments on the proposed draft permit. Oral testimony will receive the same consideration as written comments. The public hearing will begin immediately following each workshop and will conclude when testimony is complete.

On Thursday, December 3, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. Webinar*. Join the webinar at https://watech.webex.com/watech/onstage/g.php?MTID=eb8480911442440992374c97fe6415313.

*The workshops and hearings offered via webinar allow individuals to view the presentation and provide testimony via computer or mobile device. Ecology will not be offering in-person hearings due to safety concerns regarding COVID-19.

Issuing the Permit: 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 draft general permit in early March 2020.

Ecology Contact: Danielle Edelman, Washington State Department of Ecology, Water Quality Program, P.O. Box 47696, Olympia, WA 98504-7696, email danielle.edelman@ecy.wa.gov, phone 360-407-7118.

To request ADA accommodation, visit https://ecology.wa.gov/accessibility, call ecology at 360-407-6831, relay service 711, or TTY 877-833-6341.