Department of Ecology Accepting Comments on Stormwater Permit Revisions for Western Washington

Published May 23, 2016
Water Quality

The Department of Ecology has published proposed modifications of the municipal stormwater permit that covers the most populous cities and counties in the state. The public comment period on the modifications begins May 18 and ends on June 30, 2016. The proposed changes, if adopted, would apply to Clark, King, Pierce and Snohomish counties as well as Seattle and Tacoma.  The proposed changes incorporate stormwater programs for new development and redevelopment, and includes a new appendix describing Seattle’s stormwater pollution plan for the Lower Duwamish River. The proposed modifications, appendices, supporting documents, and additional details on how to submit comments are posted on Ecology’s website.

Ecology plans to hold two workshops on the modifications to be immediately followed by public hearings: June 23 at 9:00 a.m. in Seattle and June 29 at 2:30 p.m. at the Department of Ecology’s Lacey office. The hearings provide an opportunity for public testimony and comment on the proposed modified draft permit. After Ecology receives and considers all public comments, Ecology will issue the final permit and a response to comments. Ecology expects to issue the final modified permit in July 2016, and the permit would become effective in August 2016. If the Department of Ecology receives significant comments on the new Appendix 13, Ecology may delay including the Appendix until Ecology addresses those comments. According to the Department, Ecology would incorporate the appendix through a second modification and supplemental response to comments. For more information, contact Brad Doll at doll@tmw-law.com.

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