NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit

NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit

What is the Purpose of this Permit?

Federal law under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requires this permit. The permit requires construction site operators to install and maintain erosion and sediment control measures to prevent stormwater from washing soil, nutrients, chemicals and other harmful pollutants into local water bodies.

Who issues this Permit?

Department of Ecology

What Activities Require this Permit?

Ecology requires any construction activity which disturbs one acre or more and which may result in a discharge of stormwater to surface waters of the state, which includes storm drains, ditches, wetlands, creeks, rivers, lakes and marine waters to obtain permit coverage. For more information, please go to the construction stormwater homepage

How Much Will this Permit Cost?

Permit fees for the Fiscal Year 2008 (7/1/07 to 6/30/08) range from $409 to $1,526 depending on the number of disturbed acres. Permit fees for Fiscal Year 2009 are subject to change as well as each year thereafter.

Where Can I Get the Application for this Permit?

The application which is called 'Construction Stormwater General Permit Application', is online and can be downloaded at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/construction/#Application.

Do I Need to Include Anything with my Application?

No, Ecology requires only a completed application in order to issue permit coverage. The application must include certification that the public notice and SEPA requirements have been met. The applicant must prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) prior to starting construction, but you do not need to submit it with the application.

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

The applicant must submit the application for coverage on or before the first newspaper publication date of the public notice. Information provided in the public notice must coincide with the application. If applicable, State Environmental Policy Act review must be completed before your permit coverage will be issued.

How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?

Once Ecology receives a completed application, it will take a minimum of 38 days before permit coverage can be issued. This includes two public notices (7 days apart) in the local newspaper, followed by a 30 day public comment period. Site coverage under this permit cannot be issued any sooner than 31 days from the 2nd public notice date. Ecology will issue coverage under the general permit within 30 days of receiving a completed application or 31 days after the second public notice, whichever is later.

Schematic:

View the schematic

How Long is my Permit Valid?

Site coverage under this permit is effective until coverage is revoked or terminated, or the expiration date of the general permit (12/16/2010), whichever is sooner.

What is the Appeal Process for the Permit?

The permittee and/or a third party may appeal coverage under the General Permit within 30 days of issuance. The appeal must be filed in accordance with RCW 43.21B.310.

Notes / Comments:

General permits have a duration of 5 years. The permittee is required to submit a renewal application to Ecology 180 days prior to the permit expiration date in order to receive continued permit coverage under the revised re-issued general permit. The current general permit is due to expire 12/16/2010.

Legal Authority:

Statewide Contact:

Department of Ecology
Water Quality Program
Headquarters
300 Desmond Drive
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
Telephone: (360) 407-6400
Fax: (360) 407-6426
Website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/wqhome.html

* Permit information last updated 11/30/2009.

Permit Handbook > Water Quality Permits