Draft Release and Public Review

The draft permit and supporting documents are available for review on the Washington Department of Transportation Municipal Stormwater General Permit webpage.

We ask that comments reference specific text, permit condition(s), and page number(s) in your comments whenever possible. It is also helpful if you describe the nature of your concern and propose any potential solutions or changes to permit language. Please provide references or other supporting documentation in support of your comments when appropriate and available. For tips and instructions on submitting comments visit: How to submit comments to us.

The permit provides coverage for discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) owned or operated by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Under the Federal Clean Water Act – Title 33 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 1251 – and the State Water Pollution Control Act – Chapter 90.48 Revised Code of Washington (RCW) – we require the agency to manage and control stormwater runoff to protect water quality in Washington. In addition to covering state highways and transportation-related facilities, this permit also covers stormwater discharges from rest areas, park and ride lots, ferry terminals, and maintenance facilities within urban areas of Washington.

The current permit went into effect April 5, 2019 and expired April 5, 2024. After Ecology receives and considers all public comments, we will prepare a response to comments and describe any changes to the draft permit. Ecology expects to make a final decision on the general permit in fall 2026.