Chapter 173-224 WAC, Water Quality Permit Fees
On July 30, 2026, we began a rulemaking to amend chapter 173-224 WAC - Water Quality Permit Fees. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a permit fee system for state waste discharge and National Pollutant Discharge Elimintation System (NPDES) permits issued by us pursuant to RCW 90.48.160, 90.48.162, or 90.48.260.
Chapter 173-224 WAC implements RCW 90.48.465 that requires us to establish, by rule, annual fees to recover the cost of administering the wastewater and stormwater permit programs. The rule amendment considers the economic impact of our fees on small permitted businesses, individuals, and public entities, and provides adjustments where applicable.
Rulemaking timeline
Announcement phase (CR-101)
Filing date:
July 30, 2026
Announcement documents
Rule development phase
July 2026 – Spring 2027Related links
Contact information
Matthew Tietjen
Rulemaking Coordinator
wqfeeunit@ecy.wa.gov
360-280-3697
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To request ADA accommodation for disabilities, or printed materials in a format for the visually impaired, contact Ecology's ADA Coordinator by email at ecyadacoordinator@ecy.wa.gov, or call 360-407-6831. People with impaired hearing may call Washington Relay Service at 711. People with speech disability may call TTY at 877-833-6341.