Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery

EPA is modifying their general permit for federal fish hatchery facilities to add the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery to their general permit with site specific criteria. This facility is located in Chelan County. We are seeking feedback on which water quality conditions we should consider for our 401 Certification, to make sure EPA’s permit meets Washington state’s water quality standards.

EPA is holding a separate comment period on the draft permit, so please direct any comments you have on the content of the draft permit to them.

The federal Clean Water Act grants states and Tribal governments the authority to review and: approve, condition, or deny proposed Federal projects, actions, and activities directly affecting waters of the United States. These are called Section 401 water quality certifications and in Washington for state land, Ecology is the certifying authority. Tribal governments and the EPA have this authority on Tribal and nonstate lands.

Under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, federal agencies cannot issue a license or permit before we make a determination on a water quality certification request or waive our right to review. Any conditions that the agency sets then become conditions of the federal permit or license.