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Permit Handbook -> Water Quality Permits -> NPDES Individual Permit

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NPDES Individual Permit

What is the Purpose of this Permit?

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Individual Permits include permit limits and conditions designed to protect water quality and prevent the pollution of the States surface waters such as estuaries, lakes, rivers, and streams.

Who issues this Permit?

Department of Ecology

What Activities Require this Permit?

Any discharge of wastewater and/or stormwater into surface waters through a conveyance system for which Ecology has not developed a general permit requires an individual NPDES permit.

How Much Will this Permit Cost?

The fees for this permit are variable and set by regulation. Refer to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-224 for more information on fees.

Where Can I Get the Application for this Permit?

The application is online and can be downloaded at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/permits/forms.html.

Do I Need to Include Anything with my Application?

The application may require attachments and Ecology may request additional information after a preliminary review of the application.

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

Ecology bases the decision to issue a permit on the information in the application and from any public comment received upon public notice.

How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?
For a new permit, Ecology will inform permit applicants in writing whether their application is complete within 60 days of receipt. If the application is deemed incomplete, Ecology will itemize what is needed to make the application complete.

Ecology will work with applicants to develop a permit issuance schedule that recognizes the applicants' business needs.

Is public notice required for this permit?
Yes, public notice is required for this permit.
Where do I Submit my Application?

The application is submitted to the appropriate Ecology Regional Office. You can find the appropriate regional office at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/org.html or call the statewide contact noted below.

Schematic:
View the schematic .
How Long is my Permit Valid?

Ecology typically issues individual permits for five years, which is the maximum duration.

What is the Appeal Process for the Permit?

The permit may be appealed to the Pollution Control Hearings Board within 30 days of issuance.

Notes / Comments:
A facility applying for this permit must conduct a public notice announcement in the newspaper. The applicant must publish public notice once each week for two consecutive weeks (twice), at least seven days apart, in a newspaper of general circulation within the county in which the discharge is proposed.

A one-time application fee for new facilities must be submitted with the application of 25% of the annual permit fee or $250.00, whichever is greater.
Legal Authority:
Links:
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 12/18/2012.

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