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Permit Handbook -> Water Quality Permits -> State Wastewater Discharge Permit |
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State Wastewater Discharge Permit
What is the Purpose of this Permit?
State waste discharge permits either prevent pollution of groundwater or prevent the upset of wastewater treatment systems by limiting the discharge of pollutants. Facilities that discharge wastewater pollutants to land must apply for a state waste discharge permit. Industrial facilities that discharge wastewater to privately or publicly owned wastewater treatment plants must also obtain a state waste discharge permit unless it has obtained a pretreatment discharge permit issued by a delegated municipality.
For more information see permits.
Who issues this Permit?
Department of Ecology
What Activities Require this Permit?
A discharge of wastewater to the ground or a discharge of industrial process wastewater to a privately or publicly owned wastewater treatment plant.
How Much Will this Permit Cost?
The fees are variable and set by regulation (Chapter 173-224 WAC). A typical fee for a discharge to ground is from $200 to $1500 per year.
Where Can I Get the Application for this Permit?
The application which is called 'State Waste Discharge Permit Application', is online and can be downloaded at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/permits/forms.html#state_forms.
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 comments received upon public notice.
How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?
Any person not exempt under WAC 173-216-050, who proposes to discharge waste materials into waters of the state or into a municipal sewerage system, must file an application with the department at least 60 days prior to discharging, or in the case of an expiring permit, at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the permit. See WAC 173-216-070(1).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.
Schematic:
View the schematic
.
How Long is my Permit Valid?
Ecology typically issues this permit for five years, which is the maximum duration. The temporary permit is effective for five years or until Ecology issues an actual permit.
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 new 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:
Statewide Contact:
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 2/1/2013.
Department of Ecology Environmental Permitting Project Questionnaire © ORA