Sand & Gravel Permit for Non-Portable Facilities

Sand & Gravel Permit for Non-Portable Facilities

(A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and State Waste Discharge General Permit)

What is the Purpose of this Permit?

To provide coverage for industries located in Washington State that discharge process water, stormwater and mine dewatering water associated with mining and mineral processing activities.

This permit is required under federal and state water quality law (Federal Clean Water Act and (State Water Pollution Control Act).

Who issues this Permit?

Department of Ecology

What Activities Require this Permit?

The discharge of wastewater, including process water, stormwater or mine dewatering water from industrial activities.

How Much Will this Permit Cost?

Permit fees are set by rule and are found in Chapter 173-224 WAC. Fee amounts can change, so please consult the WAC or call your Ecology Regional Office for the current amount.

The fee rule also includes a provision for fee reduction based on economic hardship. Criteria for fee reduction and the amount of the reduction may change over time. We encourage you to consult the fee rule referenced above or call your Ecology Regional Office to determine if your operation is eligible for an economic hardship fee reduction.

Where Can I Get the Application for this Permit?

The application which is called 'The Application for Coverage', is online and can be downloaded at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/ecy07031.html.

Do I Need to Include Anything with my Application?

Yes, on a separate sheet of paper include a sketch map that identifies:

Each point of discharge
Major site features such as active mining areas, stockpiles, maintenance shops, processing areas, nearby surface water bodies
The direction of stormwater flow.

One of your options for filling out section IV legal description of the site, is to submit a US Geological Survey 7.5 minute or 15 minute topographic quadrangle map.

Is the Decision on my Permit Dependent on Anything Besides the Information in my Application?

Yes. Counties usually require additional permits. In some cases, the county may issue an exemption after the county and other agencies complete a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review for all of your planned activities. This process can take additional time if the reviewing agencies require an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?

Unless Ecology notifies the applicant in writing to the contrary, coverage under this general permit will begin on the latter of the following:

The 31st day after Ecology receives the completed application for coverage
The 31st day after the last day of the 30 day public comment period (61 days)
The effective date of the general permit.

Where do I Submit my Application?

To the Ecology Regional Office based on the location of the facility.

Schematic:

View the schematic

How Long is my Permit Valid?

Ecology reissues all sand and gravel permits every 5 years. All facilities with permit coverage must reapply for coverage 180 days before the expiration date. The current permit expires on February 4, 2010.

What is the Appeal Process for the Permit?

Ecology will only consider an appeal that is:

Limited to the applicability or non-applicability of the sand and gravel permit to your facility's operations and discharges.
Filed within 30 days of the date of receipt of the permit coverage.

The procedures and requirements for the appeal process are contained in RCW 43.21B.310. See link below.

Notes / Comments:

Generally if you have a city or county permit and your permit application is complete (e.g. site map, city or county permit number, and a properly filled out application), Ecology will issue and mail your permit in about 45 days.

Ecology may need additional time to review the application if:

The application is incomplete
An appeal has been filed
Public comments have been received
More information is necessary to determine whether a facility requires coverage under the general permit.

When Ecology needs more time to review your application, Ecology will notify you in writing and identify the issues that must be resolved before a decision can be reached.

If your facility has an individual permit but applies for coverage under the general permit, the individual permit will remain in effect until terminated in writing by Ecology. However, an expired individual permit, pursuant to WAC 173-220-180(5), will terminate upon coverage by the general permit.

If you have additional questions, please contact your Ecology Regional Office

Statewide Contact:

Department of Ecology
Headquarters
300 Desmond Drive
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
Telephone: (360) 407-6000
Website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/

* Permit information last updated 12/2/2008.

Permit Handbook > Water Quality Permits