Bridge & Ferry Terminal Washing Permit
Due in part to the May 23, 2013, collapse of the Skagit River Bridge, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and local governments developed a robust schedule to inspect and repair bridges and ferry terminals statewide. Bridges must be washed prior to inspection to help detect cracks and other problems.
To make this important work easier for governments, we developed a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and State Waste Discharge general permit to set guidelines for bridge and ferry terminal washing across the state. The permit serves to protect water quality while supporting inspection and maintenance of bridges — and protecting the safety of Washington commuters.
The Bridge and Ferry Terminal Washing general permit was issued June 29, 2022, and has an effective date of Aug. 1, 2022. This permit will remain effective until July 31, 2027.
Current permit documents
- 2022 general permit (effective Aug. 1, 2022)
- Fact Sheet for the draft 2022 general permit
Monitoring guidance documents
- Monitoring Protocols for Bridge Maintenance Washing (updated December 2019)
- Monitoring Protocols for Ferry Terminal Routine Maintenance
Permit reissuance
The current permit expires July 31, 2027. We are starting the reissuance process one year early to address the wastewater discharge from bridge platform hydro-demolition activities.
The permit reissuance process includes collaboration with subject matter experts, working with current permittees and interested parties, and a formal public comment period on the draft permit with informational presentations and public hearings. We plan to make a permit reissuance decision in Spring 2026.
Anticipated timeline
Winter 2025: Formal public comment period on the draft permit
Early 2026: Informational presentations and public hearings
Spring 2026: Decision on reissuance
Historical permit documents
2017 general permit (June 21, 2017 - July 31, 2022)
- Permit (expired July 31, 2022)
- Fact Sheefor the 2017 draft general permit
Related links
Contact information
Questions about the permit and implementation:
James Hovis
Water Quality General Permit Writer
james.hovis@ecy.wa.gov
564-999-3244
Foroozan Labib
Water Quality General Permit Writer
foroozan.labib@ecy.wa.gov
564-669-4292
For assistance with applications, transfers, termination, and WQWebPortal:
General Permit Administrator
wqgpunit@ecy.wa.gov
564-233-9135