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 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 21, 2017, and has an effective date of Aug. 1, 2017. This permit will remain effective until July 31, 2022.
Current permit documents
Permit reissuance
We invited comments on the draft general permit documents beginning Feb. 16, 2022 until April 1, 2022. We will publish a Response to Comments as an appendix to the fact sheet to address comments submitted during the public comment period. Comments are available for viewing on our online comment form.
Draft Permit Documents
Workshop and hearing
During the workshop in April, 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
Timeline
Spring 2022: Formal Public Comment period on the draft permit
Summer 2022: Decision on reissuance
July 2022: Current permit expires