Ecology seeks public input on wastewater permit fee changes

August 28, 2009 7:28 pm

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) seeks public comments about a rule making proposal to increase fees for wastewater discharge permits in fiscal years 2010 and 2011. The state Legislature approved this move in Substitute House Bill 1413.

Ecology administers state and federal permits to regulate wastewater and stormwater discharges into Washington’s surface and underground waters. In accordance with state water pollution control law (RCW 90.48.465), all permit holders are required to pay annual permit fees. Ecology uses the fee money to recover eligible costs associated with operating Ecology’s wastewater discharge permit program.

The move would affect dairies, boatyards, aquatic pest control operators, and municipal, industrial, and construction stormwater permits.

Ecology is working with a broad-based task force comprised of business, local, state, and federal governments, and environmental interests to identify alternatives to Ecology’s existing permit fee structure.

Wastewater and stormwater permits are the state’s primary tool to prevent pollution to the surface and ground waters of the state.

Ecology will hold workshops about the proposal, immediately followed by public hearings, at the following locations, dates and times:

• August 25 in Spokane at 12:30 p.m., Spokane Regional Library, South Hill Branch, 3324 S. Perry.

• August 26 in Ellensburg at 12:30 p.m., Hal Holmes Community Center, 201 Ruby St.

• August 27 in Lacey at 12:30 p.m., Ecology Headquarters Building, 300 Desmond Dr. S.E., Room ROA-34.

The proposed rule language is listed on Ecology’s Web site at www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/permits/permit_fees/index.htm and there is additional information about the change in the following document: www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0910059.html.

Ecology will accept written comments about the proposal until 5 p.m. Sept. 9. Send comments to Department of Ecology, Attn: Bev Poston,

P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600, or email them to bev.poston@ecy.wa.gov. Poston can answer questions via email or by phone at 360-407-6425.