Chapter 173-224 WAC – Water Quality Permit Fees
On August 7, 2024, 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 Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by Ecology pursuant to RCW 90.48.160, 90.48.162, or 90.48.260
Chapter 173-224 WAC implements RCW 90.48.465 that requires Ecology 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 on small discharges and public entities, and provides appropriate adjustments where applicable.
Rulemaking timeline
Announcement phase (CR-101)
Filing date:
Aug. 7, 2024
Announcement documents
Rule development phase
Aug. 7, 2024 - Spring 2025Public input & involvement
On Oct. 21, 2024, we hosted an online session to learn from community members about environmental justice considerations that may be connected to this rule. This was not a formal public hearing. We will schedule formal public hearings later in the rule process.
We provided a brief presentation on the purpose and function of the rule and sought feedback from participants.
This session was focused on hearing from:
- People who are not usually involved with Ecology’s work.
- Community members who are directly affected by this topic.
- Individuals who are especially vulnerable to pollution risks in the water.
- Those who consume fish or drink untreated water from local sources.
Rule proposal phase (CR-102)
March 27, 2025
Focus Sheets
- Water Quality Permit Fees
- Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
- Municipal Wastewater - Reclaimed Water Facilities
- Ore Mining
- Reduced Fee Rate
- Seafood Processing
Comment period
Comments are accepted from 12 a.m. March 27, 2025 until 11:59 p.m. May 20, 2025.
We will review and respond to all comments received. We plan to adopt the rule in June 2025.
You can submit comments one of the following ways:
- Submit comments online (preferred)
- Mail to:
Department of Ecology
Water Quality Program
Matthew Tietjen
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
For Parcel Service -
Department of Ecology
Water Quality Program
Matthew Tietjen
300 Desmond Dr SE
Lacey, WA 98503 - Attend a Public Hearing - see below
Public Hearings
The hearings will begin with a short presentation and question and answer session, followed by the opportunity to provide testimony.
-
May 12, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
Join the evening webinar -
May 13, 2025 at 1 p.m.
Join the afternoon webinar
To request ADA accommodations, contact Ecology’s ADA Coordinator by May 5, 2025 at:
- Phone: 360-407-6831 (voice)
- TTY: 877-833-6341 or 711 relay service
- Email:ecyadacoordinator@ecy.wa.gov
Related links
Contact information
Matthew Tietjen
Rulemaking Coordinator
wqfeeunit@ecy.wa.gov
360-280-3697
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Accessibility
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.