Introduction: Ecology is proposing to reissue a wastewater discharge permit for the upland fin-fish hatching and rearing industry. The last permit was issued February 3, 1995, and will expire on April 1, 2000. The purpose of the permit is to control the discharge of pollutants from hatcheries into waters of the state. The permit contains best management practices; and effluent limitations and monitoring requirements necessary to protect state water quality. Interested persons and Indian Nations are encouraged to submit comments on the proposed permit and attend the public workshop and hearing described below. Written comments must be postmarked by February 11, 2000.
The proposed 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 that produce more than 20,000 pounds of fish per year or feed more than 5,000 pounds per month.
Public Workshop/Hearing: Public workshop and hearing on the proposed reissuance of the upland fin-fish hatching and rearing permit will be held on February 10, 2000. The purpose of the workshops are to explain the permit conditions, answer questions and facilitate meaningful testimony during the hearing. The purpose of the hearings are to provide interested parties an opportunity to give formal oral testimony and comment on the proposed general permit. The workshop and hearing will be held at the Washington State Department of Ecology, Main Auditorium, 300 Desmond Drive, Lacey, WA 98503.
The public workshop will begin at 7:00 p.m. and last until 8:00 p.m. The formal public hearing will begin at 8:00 p.m.
Small Business Economic Impact Statement: Ecology has determined that the small business economic impact statement, prepared for the initial issuance of the upland fin-fish hatching and rearing permit, 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 Proposed Permit: Requests for copies of the proposed permit, fact sheet and the small business economic impact statement may be made by contacting Paul Stasch through the address noted below or by telephoning him at (360) 407-6446.
Where to Submit Written Comments: If you wish to comment on the proposed permit you may send your written comments to Paul Stasch, Water Quality Program, Washington Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600, e-mail Psta461@ecy.wa.gov.
Written comments must be postmarked no later than February 11, 2000.
Final Determination: A final determination to reissue this permit will not be made until ecology evaluates all the public testimony and written comments received pursuant to this notice. If ecology reissues the upland fin-fish hatching and rearing permit, a copy of the final determination and the responsiveness summary will be sent to all parties who submitted written comments or gave public testimony.
Ecology is an equal opportunity agency. If you have special accommodation needs or require this document in an alternative format, please contact Paul Stasch at (360) 407-6446 or (360) 407-6006 (TDD).