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Regulatory Handbook -> Water Quality Permits -> State Wastewater Discharge Permit – Industrial to Ground Water

State Wastewater Discharge Permit – Industrial to Ground Water

What is the Purpose of this Permit?
State waste discharge permits prevent pollution of groundwater by limiting the discharge of pollutants. Facilities that discharge wastewater pollutants to land must apply for a state waste discharge permit.

For more information see permits
Who Issues this Permit?
Department of Ecology
How Much Will this Permit Cost?
Fees are determined according to chapter 173-224 WAC at https://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=173-224
Where Can I Get the Application for this Permit?
The application which is called 'State Application - Industrial Wastewater to Groundwater (Form 040-179)' is online and can be accessed at https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Water-quality/Water-quality-permits/Water-Quality-individual-permits#forms.
Is the Decision on my Permit Dependent on Anything Besides the Information in my Application?
When making the decision on your order/permit, Ecology will consider the applicable laws and rules, the contents of your application, and the background environmental conditions.

In addition, the permitting process includes public review. This means that the public may submit comments to Ecology during the 30 day public comment period to support or oppose your proposed activity. If any comments are received, Ecology must review and respond to the comments and take them into consideration when making the decision to issue or deny permit coverage.
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).

See the Permit Timeliness Results above for average processing times.
Where do I Submit my Application?
Contact the permit coordinator in your region at https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Water-quality/Water-quality-permits.
Schematic:
View the schematic
How Long is my Permit Valid?
Permits are typically valid for five years.
What is the Appeal Process for the Permit?
You have a right to appeal this permit coverage to the Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB) within 30 days of the date of receipt of your decision. This appeal is limited to the general permit's applicability or non-applicability to an individual discharger (WAC 173-226-190(2)). The appeal process is governed by Chapter 43.21B RCW and Chapter 371-08 WAC. "Date of receipt" is defined in RCW 43.21B.001(2). To appeal, you must do the following within 30 days of the date of receipt of notice of coverage:

  • File your appeal and a copy of the permit cover page with the PCHB (see addresses below). Filing means actual receipt by the PCHB during regular business hours.
  • Serve a copy of your appeal and the permit cover page on Ecology in paper form - by mail or in person (see addresses below). E-mail is not accepted.

You must also comply with other applicable requirements in Chapter 43.21B RCW and Chapter 371-08 WAC.

    Mailing Addresses:
    Pollution Control Hearings Board
    PO Box 40903
    Olympia, WA 98504-0903

    Department of Ecology
    Attn: Appeals Processing Desk
    PO Box 47608
    Olympia, WA 98504-7608

    Physical Addresses:
    Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB)
    1111 Israel Road SW, Suite 301
    Tumwater, WA 98501

    Department of Ecology
    Attn: Appeals Processing Desk
    300 Desmond Drive SE
    Lacey, WA 98503
Legal Authority:
Links:
Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: Unable to report agency Permit Timeliness results
Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: Unable to report agency Permit Timeliness results

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: Unable to report agency Permit Timeliness results
Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: Unable to report agency Permit Timeliness results

Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL:https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Water-quality/Water-quality-permits
Subject matter expert phone: Subject Matter Expert
Statewide Contact:
Department of Ecology
Headquarters
300 Desmond Drive
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
Telephone: (360) 407-6000
Website: http://www.ecology.wa.gov/
* Permit information last updated 7/15/2021
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