The Washington State Department of Ecology has taken a significant stride towards reissuing the Industrial Stormwater General Permit (ISGP). This essential permit plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our environment, particularly our invaluable water resources. The process of permit reissuance frequently introduces alterations and novel challenges that permittees need to confront. In this article, we will delve into the key information you should be aware of as you prepare for the new permit effective in 2025.
Cycle of Progress
General permits play a pivotal role in safeguarding our natural ecosystems. They operate on a five-year cycle, and the current ISGP is set to expire on December 31, 2024. Ecology is planning to make a permit reissuance decision in December 2024.
Your Voice Matters
Collaboration is at the heart of responsible decision-making. To ensure that your perspectives and insights are an integral part of the reissuance process, Ecology is hosting a series of informal listening sessions. These sessions, designed for both the public and permittees, present an invaluable opportunity to gain insights into Ecology’s preliminary thoughts on permit modifications and provide your invaluable feedback.
Understanding the Listening Sessions
It’s important to note that these listening sessions are a platform for early feedback. While the draft permit language is not yet available, Ecology are keen to gather insights from the public to enhance the permit’s effectiveness. The formal hearings for the draft permit are scheduled for 2024, providing another avenue for in-depth discussions. The informal listening sessions are scheduled in September 2023. Four of the informal listening sessions are virtual, and one session is hosted in person at Ecology’s headquarters in Lacey.
Join the Conversation
Duty to Reapply
It is important to remember that as a part of the current ISGP, permittees have a duty to reapply a minimum of 180 days before the current permit expires on December 31, 2024. This will put the reapplication deadline in early July 2024. We are expecting Ecology to publish more guidance on the reapplication process as the deadline gets closer.
How Trinity can Support
If you have any questions regarding your ISGP reapplication or applicable water permits, Trinity can help you evaluate the permit applicability and prepare the reapplication for permit coverage. Trinity can also assist you with routine compliance support and managing any deviations that may arise.
If you are interested in learning more about stormwater or wastewater management in Washington State, please email or call
Andrea Shi in Trinity’s Seattle office at
253.480.3121.
