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 in order for cracks and other problems to be detected.

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 on June 29, 2022, and has an effective date of Aug. 1, 2022. This permit will remain effective until July 31, 2027.

Permit reissuance

We are pleased to announce that we are reissuing the Bridge and Ferry Terminal Washing General Permit.

Current Permit Documents

General Permit (2022)
- Fact Sheet (for the 2022 Draft Permit)
- Appendix E: Response to Comment
Documents from the Draft General Permit
- Draft General Permit (2022)
- Draft Fact Sheet (for the 2022 Draft Permit)
Permit applications (Notice of Intent, NOI)
- For Single Structure: Please apply electronically, eNOI Application Instructions (paper NOI no longer accepted)
- For Multiple Structures: Available after July 1, 2023 fee rule adoption (Preview of NOI for Multiple Structure)
Monitoring Protocols for Bridge Maintenance Washing
Monitoring Protocols for Ferry Terminal Routine Maintenance

Public process

We invited comments on the draft general permit documents beginning Feb. 16, 2022 until April 1, 2022. We also held an online workshop and public hearing. During the workshop in March, we explained the proposed changes to the permit and answered questions. The hearing began immediately following the public workshop.

Bridge and Ferry Terminal Washing workshop presentation

Historical permit documents

New permit application

To submit an electronic permit application, also known as a "Notice of Intent" (NOI), through the WQWebPortal:

Sign up for a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account. SecureAccess Washington or SAW is the state of Washington’s secure portal to access and submit applications.
Add the WQWebPortal Service to your SAW account to apply for coverage.

This step-by-step instruction document includes screenshots.

Contact information

Foroozan Labib
Water Quality Permit Writer
foroozan.labib@ecy.wa.gov
360-407-6439

Were you able to find what you were looking for today?*:	Yes No Not sure
What were you trying to find?*:
Please describe your experience. What was challenging? What was helpful? *:	Please include details that will help us address any issues you're reporting. NOTE: There is a 1,500 character limit (including spaces) on this form field.
Was the search tool helpful to you? *:	Yes No I didn't use Search.
How can we improve our website?:	Optional. If you have suggestions, we'd like to hear them! NOTE: There is a 1,500 character limit (including spaces) on this form field.
Your name:	Please include contact information if you'd like a reply.
Email:	If you’d like a reply, please provide an email address.
Phone number:	( ) - Second three digits Last four digits If you’d like us to call you, please provide a phone number.
Which best describes your role in visiting our site today?*:	Business / Consultant / Contractor Government - Local Government - State Government - Federal Government - Tribal Scientist / Researcher Non-profit Washington resident / Public Educator Student Job seeker Ecology employee
PleaseLeaveBlank:	Are you a robot? If not, please do not enter anything in this field.
	ignore
	ignore