Department of Ecology News Release - June 28, 2000
00-129
Ecology Dept. warns companies that haven't renewed their stormwater permits
OLYMPIA -- Some 500 industries and construction companies are opening letters this week that say "sign up or pay up" for not renewing stormwater permit coverage.
The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) sent certified letters informing the companies for the second and final time that they need to apply for coverage for a stormwater-management permit or face up to a $10,000 penalty every day their application is late.
"Stormwater from construction sites can carry many different pollutants, so it poses a significant water-quality challenge in our state," said Megan White, manager for Ecology's Water Quality Program. "Companies that fail to renew their permit coverage drop off our information and inspection screens.
That is an unacceptable risk to the environment."
White said that 76 percent of the stormwater permit-holders in Washington reapplied by the May 23 deadline. She said it is important that the remaining 24 percent do the same.
Stormwater runoff from urban areas carries dirt, bacteria, chemicals and other contaminants. Snow and rain carry the contaminants into streams, lakes, estuaries and ground water and make the waters unhealthy for drinking, swimming and fish habitat.
Federal and state laws require industries such as manufacturers involved in work that exposes pollutants to stormwater, hazardous-waste treatment facilities, storage or disposal facilities and transportation facilities to get coverage under the stormwater industrial permit if the company has stormwater runoff. The permit directs industries to reduce stormwater pollution by storing chemicals in a covered area, preventing runoff and taking precautions against spills.
The same laws require construction activities, such as housing developments and retail centers, to have stormwater permits when the construction site involves more than five acres of land. The permit directs construction companies to implement a plan to prevent stormwater pollution by controlling erosion and sediment runoff.
The permit requires the approximately 1,400 industries and 800 construction projects that currently have coverage under the stormwater permit to renew the coverage 180 days prior to the expiration of the permit, which is Nov.
18, 2000. The companies should have applied by May 23. Ecology plans to re-issue the permits in November 2000. The companies that reapplied will be covered under the re-issued permit.
Meanwhile, the 527 companies that have yet to reapply for the permit coverage have until July 10 to re-apply or face a penalty by Ecology.
This page created and maintained by Chehalis River Council
Send comments or questions to the: Chehalis River Council