2024 Permit Reissuance - request for early input
We are in the early stages of planning the 2024 permit reissuance. We are welcoming early input to help develop the proposed draft permits. This early input is informal, we will not respond to comments. We will conduct formal comment periods on the draft permits in late 2023 and additional opportunities to provide input will be available.
Submit early input ideas by Feb. 25, 2022 to help inform the scope of significant issues to be addressed in our reissuance of the 2024 permits. If there are suggestions for minor changes or improvements (i.e. would not create significant revisions or change in policy) these may be submitted at a later time.
Submit your early input and informal comments online.
Considerations for initial reissuance input
We recognize that there is much to consider in a short timeframe. The following provides some guidance, questions, or principles to consider when submitting helpful input:
- Do not violate the anti-backsliding provisions of the Clean Water Act.
- Provide suggestions on permit changes that will:
- Improve understanding/clarity of the requirement.
- Improve implementation.
- Lead to better water quality results.
- Provide rationale or justification for any proposed changes or suggestions, this includes relevant data sources or literature to support revisions.
- Provide input about existing permit language that you view as an impediment to implementation.
- While always helpful, exact permit language is not necessary.
- Suggestions for how to implement Stormwater Management Action Plans or incorporate implementation of projects that enhance water quality in already developed areas (e.g. retrofit opportunities).
- Regarding the EWA Permit:
- Thoughts on incorporating the S.8. Effectiveness study requirements into the Stormwater Action Monitoring (SAM) program, as implemented for the western WA permits.
Ultimately, Ecology is responsible for administering and issuing the permits and will make final decisions on permit language. This early (and continuing) input will help to inform those decisions.
Suggested format for comments
There are many ways to provide input on proposed changes to the permits. We offer this template for convenience and to help guide you in providing useful information.
- Name:
- Date:
- Agency/Organization:
- Issue: Description of issue raised by permit language
- Proposed solution/recommendation:
- Justification/rationale for proposed change:
Collaboration opportunities
Structural Stormwater Control Policy Advisory Committee
This fall/winter we will begin hosting the Structural Stormwater Control (SSC) Policy Advisory Committee – which will focus on recommendations regarding the Phase I SSC program requirements, and will also provide recommendations on whether this SSC approach is appropriate for WWA Phase II Permit. If you are interested in participation, please read the solicitation letter, and fill out the notice of interest survey by Sept. 9, 2021.
Stakeholder-run collaboration – Ad-Hoc Groups
Some Phase I and Phase II Permittees are engaging in a collaborative process to discuss and create a list of recommended permit changes. Permittees are engaging one another, as well as environmental stakeholders, and other interested parties. Currently, there are groups forming, these efforts are known as the Ad-hoc Groups. One group will focus on Western Washington permits and another group for the Eastern Washington Permit. Other regional groups in Eastern Washington may work together as well. This is not an Ecology led effort so please contact the Stormwater Center below for more information.
Contact for Ad-Hoc Groups:
More information regarding the Ad-hoc Groups will be available soon on the Washington Stormwater Center’s website.
Regarding the Public Education and Outreach permit requirements, STORM (Stormwater Outreach for Regional Municipalities) is working with municipal permittees to develop early recommendations. For additional information, contact Katherine Straus.