Fresh Fruit Packing General Permit
This permit outlines uniform conditions and treatment, discharge, and disposal methods for fresh fruit packing wastewater based on the similarities of wastewater characteristics among facilities.
The combined State Waste Discharge Permit and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES) provides assurance that fruit packers are protecting nearby lakes, rivers, and groundwater when managing the wastewater coming from their facilities.
The current permit went into effect on Jan. 1, 2022, and expires on Dec. 31, 2026. It underwent a minor modification on Sept. 14, 2022.
Para más información sobre la permiso general, contacte a Marcia Porter al 509-406-6624.
Current permit documents
- 2022 general permit (with minor modification Sept. 14, 2022)
- Fact sheet for the draft 2022 general permit
- Addendum to Fact Sheet: Minor Modification of the Fresh Fruit Packing General Permit (Sept. 14, 2022)
- Application for coverage (Notice of Intent / NOI)
- Small Business Economic Impact Analysis (SBEIA) for the Fresh Fruit Packing Industry
Permit reissuance
We are starting the process of reissuing the permit and are reviewing the current permit. We are seeking early feedback from 9 a.m. Nov. 13 to 11:59 p.m. Dec. 1, 2025 – or in-person during the Nov. 13 listening session.
Anticipated timeline
Nov. 13 – Dec. 1, 2025: Early public feedback on the current permit and public listening session
Fall 2025 – Spring 2026: Draft permit development
Summer 2026: Formal comment period on the draft permit and public hearing(s)
Fall 2026: Decision on reissuance
Dec. 31, 2026: Current permit expires
Public involvement
We are seeking input on what you would like to see in the draft permit. This is the first opportunity for feedback, we will hold a formal public comment period on the official draft permit later in summer 2026.
Listening Session
During the in-person listening session, we will briefly share information about the permit, the reissuance process, and our ideas of potential changes to the permit. The goal of the listening session is to answer questions and discuss your feedback and suggestions for other changes you would like to see in the permit.
Nov. 13, 2025, 5 p.m.
1250 W. Alder Street
Union Gap, WA
map
- Spanish interpreter will be available
- Free parking
- Registration is not required
Submit written feedback
You can submit feedback starting November 13, in the following ways:
- Provide feedback on our comment website before Dec. 1, 2025, 11:59 p.m. (preferred method)
- Submit by U.S. mail (postmarked by Dec. 1, 2025)
Marcia Porter
Washington State Department of Ecology, Central Region
1250 West Alder Street
Union Gap, WA 98903
Next steps
We will consider comments we receive during this early feedback period as we develop the draft permit however, we will not officially respond to comments received during this period.
After we write the draft permit – anticipated summer 2026 – we will issue a public notice and ask for formal feedback on that draft. During this period, we will host at least one public meeting and hearing where spoken comments can be shared for official consideration. After the formal comment period we consider and respond to each comment received. We anticipate making a decision on final permit language in late 2026.
Contact your permit administrator for assistance
For facilities located in the following counties:
Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, Yakima
Marcia Porter
Central Regional Office
1250 West Alder Street
Union Gap, WA 98903
marcia.porter@ecy.wa.gov
509-406-6624
For facilities located in the following counties:
Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman
David Ennis
Eastern Regional Office
4601 N Monroe
Spokane, WA 99205
509-220-9194
david.ennis@ecy.wa.gov
Contact information
Marcia Porter
Permit Writer and Statewide Manager
marcia.porter@ecy.wa.gov
509-406-6624