Fresh Fruit Packing General Permit
This permit outlines uniform conditions and treatment, discharge, and disposal methods for fresh fruit packing wastewater based on the similarities of wastewater characteristics among facilities.
The combined State Waste Discharge Permit and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES) provides assurance that fruit packers are protecting nearby lakes, rivers, and groundwater when managing the wastewater coming from their facilities.
The current permit went into effect on Jan. 1, 2022, and expires on Dec. 31, 2026. It underwent a minor modification on Sept. 14, 2022.
Para más información sobre la permiso general, contacte a Marcia Porter al 509-406-6624.
Current permit documents
- 2022 general permit (with minor modification Sept. 14, 2022)
- Fact sheet for the draft 2022 general permit
- Addendum to Fact Sheet: Minor Modification of the Fresh Fruit Packing General Permit (Sept. 14, 2022)
- Application for coverage (Notice of Intent / NOI)
- Small Business Economic Impact Analysis (SBEIA) for the Fresh Fruit Packing Industry
Permit reissuance
We've started the process of reissuing the permit and are reviewing the current permit. We asked for early feedback in November and December 2025, as well as at a Nov. 13, 2025, in-person listening session.
Anticipated timeline
Nov. 13 – Dec. 1, 2025: Early public feedback on the current permit and public listening session
Fall 2025 – Spring 2026: Draft permit development
Summer 2026: Formal comment period on the draft permit and public hearing(s)
Fall 2026: Decision on reissuance
Dec. 31, 2026: Current permit expires
Public involvement & next steps
We plan to open a formal public comment period on the draft permit in summer 2026.
Right now, we are reviewing the comments we received during the early feedback period. Once we complete the draft permit, we will issue a public notice and invite formal public comments. During the comment period, we will hold at least one public meeting and hearing where people can share comments for the official record.
After the comment period closes, we will review and respond to all comments received. We expect to make a decision on the final permit language in late 2026.
Contact your permit administrator for assistance
For facilities located in the following counties:
Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, Yakima
Marcia Porter
Central Regional Office
1250 West Alder Street
Union Gap, WA 98903
marcia.porter@ecy.wa.gov
509-406-6624
For facilities located in the following counties:
Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman
David Ennis
Eastern Regional Office
4601 N Monroe
Spokane, WA 99205
509-220-9194
david.ennis@ecy.wa.gov
Contact information
Marcia Porter
Permit Writer and Statewide Manager
marcia.porter@ecy.wa.gov
509-406-6624