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Registrations and filings required for businesses - Department of Ecology
- Coverage under the Fresh Fruit Packing General Permit
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Purpose
To monitor pollutants discharge of every new or existing fresh fruit packing facility which receives, packs, stores, and/or ships either hard or soft fruit and discharges wastewater, including non-contact cooling water.
How to submit
Submit signed form (electronic or paper) to Ecology. Applicant must certify that it has met SEPA (new facilities) and public notice requirements.
Processing time
60 days (per ORIA website as noted in WAC 173-226-200).
Fees
Annual Discharge Permit Fees are identified in WAC 173-224 (amended every two years).
License renewals
Valid until the expiration date, a maximum of five years.
- Coverage under the Industrial Stormwater General Permit (ISGP)
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Purpose
The permit authorizes industrial stormwater discharges to waters of the state.
How to submit
Submit online application form or signed paper form. For new facilities, applicant must certify that it has met SEPA and public notice requirements.
Processing time
60 days (as noted in WAC 173-226-200).
Fees
Annual Discharge Permit Fees are identified in WAC 173-224 (amended every two years).
License renewals
Valid until the expiration date, a maximum of five years. The permittee must reapply for coverage under this general permit at least one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the specified expiration date of this general permit. As long as a facility submits a renewal application in a timely manner, an expired permit remains in effect until Ecology reissues permit.
- Permit to Burn Storm & Flood Debris
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Purpose
To regulate the burning of flood and storm debris in areas where burning is not generally allowed (for example, urban growth areas). Any business planning to burn natural vegetation that is directly related to a declared storm or flood. The declaration is issued by a government entity.
How to submit
Submitted to Ecology by mail, fax, or electronically.
Processing time
Approximately seven days (per application).
Fees
None
License renewals
Valid for six months or less.
- Permit to Construct a Reservoir and to Store for Beneficial Use Waters of the State of Washington
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Purpose
To allow construction of a barrier across a stream, channel, or water course that will retain a portion of the runoff for a beneficial use.
How to submit
The application, fee, and supporting engineering documentation should be sent to:
The Department of Ecology Cashiering Unit
PO Box 47611
Olympia WA 98504-7611Processing time
Varies depending on project complexity (as noted on ORIA website).
Fees
Statutory examination fee: $50.00
This fee must accompany all applications for a reservoir permit. This basic fee applies to applications involving the storage of up to 1,000 acre-feet of water.
For larger impoundments, additional examination fees are required and will be requested.License renewals
Reservoir Permits are issued for the life of the project, subject to extensions during the construction phase.
- Upland Fin-Fish Hatching and Rearing General Permit
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Purpose
To control the discharge of pollutants from upland hatcheries into state waters.
How to submit
Submit signed form (electronic or paper). Applicant must certify that it has met SEPA (new facilities) and public notice requirements.
Processing time
60 days (as noted in WAC 173-226-200).
Fees
Annual Discharge Permit Fees are identified in WAC 173-224 (amended every five years).
License renewals
Valid until expiration date, a maximum of five years.
- Wastewater Operator Certification (WW)
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Purpose
To ensure operators have the knowledge and experience to operator a wastewater treatment plant.
How to submit
Submit completed application and fee to Ecology's fiscal office.
Processing time
No average. Certification is issued when applicant passes the exam.
Fees
Annual Certification Fees are described in WAC 173-230 (amended every two years).
License renewals
Every year by Dec. 31.
- Water Right Permit (Permit to Withdraw or Divert Surface or Ground Water)
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Purpose
To legally authorize use of a defined quantity of public water for a designated purpose. Any commercial or industrial use in excess of 5,000 gallons per day groundwater; any quantity surface water
How to submit
Send the application, fee, and supporting documentation to:
The Department of Ecology Cashiering Unit
PO Box 47611
Olympia WA 98504-7611Processing time
Varies depending on project complexity and order received (as noted in WAC 173-152-030).
Fees
Minimum: $50
Cubic foot per second (cfs): $1/.01
Per acre-foot of storage for new water-storage projects: $2
Maximum fee to appropriate or store water: $25,000License renewals
Water Rights are property rights issued in perpetuity, subject to requirements of diligence and beneficial use.
