We issue this permit to state government agencies. It allows chemical treatments to control fish, animals, and insects. The chemicals can be used in freshwater (lakes, streams, and rivers) or salt water. This permit does not cover chemical treatments for noxious weeds or aquatic plants. Those activities will continue to be regulated under either the Aquatic Noxious Weed Control permit or the Aquatic Plant and Algae Management permit.
The new Aquatic and Invasive Species Control permit (AISC) combines three previous permits that were also issued to state agencies: Aquatic invasive species management and Fisheries resource management general permits for WDFW and the Invasive moth control general permit for WSDA. The three previous permits have expired and are being replaced.
We will issue the new AISC combined state agency general permit for aquatic and invasive organisms, so applicators of chemicals and other control products comply with the Federal Clean Water Act and with state law (RCW 90.48.080). This new permit is a combined National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and State Waste Discharge general permit.
The permits we are combining
Aquatic Invasive Species Management general permit
We issued this permit to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. It allowed the treatment of early infestations and small localized projects that may lead to the eradication or containment of invasive species. This included in-water treatment of aquatic invasive animal species and non-native invasive marine algae. Visit the Aquatic invasive species management general permit webpage for more information.
Fisheries Resource Management general permit
We issued the Fisheries Resource Management permit to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The permit allowed the agency to restore habitat, native species, and recreational fisheries in Washington waters. Visit the Fisheries resource management general permit webpage to learn more.
Invasive moth control general permit
This permit was designed to protect water quality during efforts by the Washington State Department of Agriculture to eradicate Asian and European gypsy moths. Visit the Invasive moth control general permit webpage for more about this permit.
New Permit Issuance
We initially invited comments on the draft permit and SEPA documents beginning Dec. 21, 2022, until 11:59 p.m., Feb. 6, 2023. We then extended the deadline for comments until 11:59 p.m., Feb. 21, 2023 in response to stakeholder requests. We will publish a Response to Comments as an appendix to the fact sheet to address comments submitted during the public comment period.
Draft permit documents
Companion and reference documents
Comment period
The comment period was open from Dec. 21, 2022, through Feb. 21, 2023. We accepted comments online, by mail, and during our public hearings.
Comments are available for viewing through our online comments form.
Workshops and hearings
During the workshops in late January, we explained the proposed changes to the permit and answered questions. The hearing began immediately following the public workshop.
View the Aquatic & Invasive Species Control Workshop and Hearing presentation.
Timeline
Dec. 21, 2022 - Feb. 21, 2023: Formal public comment period on the draft permit
Winter 2023: Reviewing comments from formal Public Comment period
Spring 2023: Decision on reissuance