The Washington State Department of Ecology is accepting comments on a proposed Bridge and Ferry Terminal Washing General Permit (permit).
Proposed Permit
The Bridge and Ferry Terminal Washing General Permit is a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit that allows for the regular maintenance cleaning, preparatory washing, and painting of bridge and ferry terminals and associated over water metal structures. Cleaning of over water structures, such as bridges, is necessary to assess their structural integrity. Additionally, cleaning, washing, and painting prolong the integrity and safety of these structures. This permit would apply to both WSDOT and local jurisdictions.
Copies of the Draft Permit
You may download copies of the draft permit and the fact sheet from the following website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/permits/bridgewashing/index.html. You may also request copies of the documents from Foroozan Labib at foroozan.labib@ecy.wa.gov or (360) 407-6439.
Submitting Written Comments
Ecology will accept written comments on the draft permit and fact sheet until 5 pm, December 2, 2016. Ecology prefers comments be submitted by email or in a letter format mailed directly to Ecology. Comments should reference specific permit text when possible.
Submit comments by email to: foroozan.labib@ecy.wa.gov
Submit written comments to: Foroozan Labib
Washington State Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696
Olympia, WA 98504-7696
You must provide comments before 5 pm, December 2, 2016. Written comments must be postmarked no later than 5 pm, December 2, 2016.
Public Workshop and Hearing
The workshop and hearing will be an event at which you may learn about and provide formal comments on the draft NPDES Bridge and Ferry Terminal Washing General Permit.
The purpose of the workshop is to explain the general permit and answer questions prior to the formal public hearing. The purpose of the hearing is to provide an opportunity for people to give formal oral testimony and comments on the proposed draft permit. Written comments will receive the same consideration as oral testimony. The public workshop will begin at 1 pm on November 22, 2016. The public hearing will begin immediately following the public workshop and will conclude when public testimony is complete.
November 22, 2016 – 1 pm
Washington State Department of Ecology
300 Desmond Drive
Lacey, WA 98503
The workshop and hearing may also be attended as a webinar where individuals may view the presentation and provide testimony via computer. To register for the webinar go to: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/permits/bridgewashing/index.html. Once the host approves your request, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the meeting.
Issuing the Permit
The final decision on the permit will be made after Ecology receives and considers all public comments. Ecology expects to issue the general permit in early 2017. If you have any questions, please contact Foroozan Labib at foroozan.labib@ecy.wa.gov or (360) 407-6439.