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Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY OF PERMIT REPORTS & SUBMITTALS ..............................................................1

SUMMARY OF REQUIRED ONSITE DOCUMENTATION ......................................................1

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ................................................................................................................3

S1. PERMIT COVERAGE ........................................................................................................3

A. Facilities Required to Seek Coverage under This General Permit ............................... 3

B. Significant Contributors of Pollutants .......................................................................... 5

C. Facilities Not Required to Obtain Coverage ................................................................. 5

D. Facilities Excluded from Coverage ............................................................................... 6

E. Discharges to Ground ................................................................................................... 7

F. Conditional "No Exposure" Exemption ........................................................................ 8

S2. APPLICATION FOR COVERAGE ....................................................................................8

A. Obtaining Permit Coverage ........................................................................................... 8

B. Modification of Permit Coverage ................................................................................. 8

C. Permit Coverage Timeline ............................................................................................ 9

D. Transfer of Permit Coverage ....................................................................................... 10

S3. STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN (SWPPP) ..................................10

A. General Requirements ................................................................................................. 10

B. Specific SWPPP Requirements................................................................................... 11

S4. GENERAL SAMPLING REQUIREMENTS....................................................................19

A. General Requirements ................................................................................................. 19

B. Sampling Requirements .............................................................................................. 19

C. Analytical Procedures for Sampling Requirements .................................................... 21

D. Laboratory Accreditation ............................................................................................ 22

S5. BENCHMARKS, EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS, AND SPECIFIC SAMPLING 

REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................................22

A. Benchmarks and Sampling Requirements .................................................................. 22

B. Additional Sampling Requirements for Specific Industrial Groups ........................... 23

C. Landfills and Airports Subject to Effluent Limitation Guidelines .............................. 25

D. Conditionally Authorized Non-Stormwater Discharges ............................................. 27

E. Prohibited Discharges ................................................................................................. 28

F. General Prohibitions ................................................................................................... 28

S6. DISCHARGES TO IMPAIRED WATERS ......................................................................28

A. General Requirements for Discharges to Impaired Waters ........................................ 28

B. Eligibility for Coverage of New Discharges to Impaired Waters ............................... 29

C. Additional Sampling Requirements and Effluent Limits for Discharges to Certain 

Impaired Waters and Puget Sound Sediment Cleanup Sites ...................................... 29

D. Requirements for Discharges to Waters with Applicable TMDLs ............................. 34
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S7. INSPECTIONS ..................................................................................................................35

A. Inspection Frequency and Personnel .......................................................................... 35

B. Inspection Components ............................................................................................... 35

C. Inspection Results ....................................................................................................... 35

D. Reports of Non-Compliance ....................................................................................... 36

S8. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS ................................................................................................36

A. Implementation of Source Control and Treatment BMPs from Previous Permit ....... 36

B. Level One Corrective Actions – Operational Source Control BMPs ......................... 36

C. Level Two Corrective Actions – Structural Source Control BMPs ............................ 37

D. Level Three Corrective Actions – Treatment BMPs .................................................. 37

S9. REPORTING AND RECORDKEEPING .........................................................................39

A. Discharge Monitoring Reports .................................................................................... 39

B. Annual Reports ........................................................................................................... 40

C. Records Retention ....................................................................................................... 41

D. Additional Sampling by the Permittee ........................................................................ 41

E. Reporting Permit Violations ....................................................................................... 42

F. Public Access to SWPPP ............................................................................................ 43

S10. COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARDS .............................................................................43

S11. PERMIT FEES...................................................................................................................44

S12. SOLID AND LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT ...........................................................44

S13. NOTICE OF TERMINATION (NOT) ..............................................................................44

A. Conditions for a NOT ................................................................................................. 44

B. Procedure for Obtaining Termination ......................................................................... 44

GENERAL CONDITIONS ...........................................................................................................45

G1. DISCHARGE VIOLATIONS ...........................................................................................45

G2. SIGNATORY REQUIREMENTS.....................................................................................45

G3. RIGHT OF INSPECTION AND ENTRY .........................................................................46

G4. GENERAL PERMIT MODIFICATION AND REVOCATION ......................................46

G5. REVOCATION OF COVERAGE UNDER THE PERMIT .............................................46

G6. REPORTING A CAUSE FOR MODIFICATION ............................................................47

G7. COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER LAWS AND STATUTES .............................................47

G8. DUTY TO REAPPLY .......................................................................................................47
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G9. REMOVED SUBSTANCES .............................................................................................47

G10. DUTY TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ...........................................................................47

G11. OTHER REQUIREMENTS OF 40 CFR ...........................................................................48

G12. ADDITIONAL SAMPLING .............................................................................................48

G13. PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING PERMIT CONDITIONS .............................................48

G14. UPSET ...............................................................................................................................48

G15. PROPERTY RIGHTS ........................................................................................................49

G16. DUTY TO COMPLY ........................................................................................................49

G17. TOXIC POLLUTANTS.....................................................................................................49

G18. PENALTIES FOR TAMPERING .....................................................................................49

G19. REPORTING PLANNED CHANGES .............................................................................49

G20. REPORTING OTHER INFORMATION ..........................................................................50

G21. REPORTING ANTICIPATED NON-COMPLIANCE .....................................................50

G22. REQUESTS TO BE EXCLUDED FROM COVERAGE UNDER THE PERMIT ..........50

G23. APPEALS ..........................................................................................................................50

G24. SEVERABILITY ...............................................................................................................51

G25. BYPASS PROHIBITED ....................................................................................................51

APPENDIX 1 - ACRONYMS .......................................................................................................53

APPENDIX 2 - DEFINITIONS.....................................................................................................54

APPENDIX 3 - SWPPP CERTIFICATION FORM .....................................................................63

APPENDIX 4 - EXISTING DISCHARGERS TO IMPAIRED WATERS ..................................64

APPENDIX 5 - DISCHARGERS SUBJECT TO TMDL REQUIREMENTS .............................64
Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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SUMMARY OF PERMIT REPORTS & SUBMITTALS

Permit 

Section Submittal Frequency Due Date(s)

S1.F Conditional “No Exposure” 

Certification Form As necessary As necessary, with renewals every 5 years

S2.B Application for Permit Coverage As necessary As necessary

S2.B. Request Modification of Permit 

Coverage As necessary As necessary

S2.D Request Transfer of Coverage As necessary As necessary

S8.D Level 3 Engineering Report As necessary May 15th, prior to Level 3 

deadline1

 

S8.D Level 3 O&M Manual As necessary 30 days after Level 3 installation 

S9.A Discharge Monitoring Reports 

(DMRs) 1/quarter

February 15th; 

May 15th; 

August 15th; 

November 15th

S9.B Annual Report 1/year May 15th 

S9.C. SWPPP, if requested by Ecology Per Ecology

request Within 14 days of request 

S9.E Noncompliance Notification As necessary Within 30 days of noncompliance 

event

G8 Duty to Reapply 1/permit cycle July 3, 2019

SUMMARY OF REQUIRED ONSITE DOCUMENTATION2

Permit 

Condition(s)

Document Title

S3.A.4.a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)3

S9.B Copies of Annual Reports

S9.C.1.a Copy of Permit 

S9.C.1.b Copy of Permit Coverage Letter 

S9.C.1.c Original Sampling Records (Field Notes and Laboratory Reports) 

S7.C & S9.C.1.d Site Inspection Reports 

S9.C.1.j Copies of Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs)

 

1 Unless an alternate due date is specified in an order.

2 A complete list is contained in Condition S9.C. The Permittee shall make all plans, documents and records 

required

 by this permit immediately available to Ecology or the local jurisdiction upon request. 3 With signed and completed SWPPP Certification Form(s) – see Appendix 3. 
Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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S1.A 

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SPECIAL CONDITIONS

S1. PERMIT COVERAGE

A. Facilities Required to Seek Coverage under This General Permit 

This statewide permit applies to facilities conducting industrial activities that discharge

stormwater to a surface waterbody or to a storm sewer system that drains to a surface 

waterbody. Beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting through its 

expiration date, the Permittee is authorized to discharge stormwater and conditionally 

approved non-stormwater discharges to waters of the state. All discharges and activities 

authorized by this permit shall be consistent with the terms and conditions of this permit.

The permit requires coverage for private entities, state, and local government facilities, 

and includes existing facilities and new facilities. Facilities conducting industrial 

activities listed in Table 1 or referenced in S1.A.3 shall apply for coverage under this 

permit or apply for a Conditional No Exposure exemption, if eligible (Condition S1.F). 

The Department of Ecology (Ecology) may also require permit coverage for any facility

on a case-by-case basis in order to protect waters of the state (Condition S1.B). 

1. Facilities engaged in any industrial activities in Table 1 shall apply for coverage if 

stormwater from the facility discharges to a surface waterbody, or to a storm sewer

system that discharges to a surface waterbody. The Standard Industrial Classification 

(SIC) groups generally, but not always, associated with these activities are listed in

Table 1. 

Table 1: Activities Requiring Permit Coverage and the Associated SIC Groups 

Industrial Activities SIC 

Groups 

Metal Mining 10xx

Coal Mining 12xx

Oil and Gas Extraction 13xx

Mining and Quarrying of Nonmetallic Minerals, except Fuels (except facilities in SIC 

Codes 1411, 1422, 1423, 1429, 1442, 1446, 1445, 1459, and 1499; these facilities are 

covered under the Sand and Gravel General Permit) 14xx

Food and Kindred Products 20xx

Tobacco Products 21xx

Textile Mill Products 22xx

Apparel and Other Finished Products Made from Fabrics and Similar Material 23xx

Lumber and Wood Products 24xx

Furniture and Fixtures 25xx

Paper and Allied Products 26xx

Printing, Publishing and Allied Industries 27xx

Chemicals and Allied Products (including Compost Facilities) 28xx

Petroleum Refining and Related Industries (Except facilities in SIC 2951; these 

facilities are covered under the Sand and Gravel General Permit) 29xx

Rubber and Miscellaneous Products 30xx

Leather and Leather Products 31xx
S1.A 

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Industrial Activities SIC 

Groups 

Stone, Clay, Glass, and Concrete Products (Except facilities in SIC 3271-3273; these 

facilities are covered under the Sand and Gravel General Permit)

32xx

Primary Metal Industries 33xx

Fabricated Metal Products 34xx

Industrial and Commercial Machinery and Computer Equipment 35xx

Electronic and Other Electrical Equipment and Components 36xx

Transportation Equipment 37xx

Measuring, Analyzing, and Controlling Instruments; Photographic, Medical, and 

Optical Goods; Watches and Clocks 38xx

Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries 39xx

Farm Product Storage 4221

Refrigerated Storage 4222

General Storage 4225

Recycling facilities involved in the recycling of materials, including but not limited to, 

metal scrap yards, battery reclaimers, salvage yards, auto recyclers, and automobile 

junkyards.

5015 and 

5093

Steam Electric Power Generation N/A

Refuse Systems, including, but not limited to, landfills, transfer stations, open dumps, 

and land application sites, except as described in S1.C.6 or C.7. 4953

Hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) facilities, and recycling 

facilities regulated under Chapter 173-303 WAC. 

N/A

Treatment works treating domestic sewage, or any other sewage sludge, or wastewater 

treatment device or system, used in the storage, recycling, and reclamation of 

municipal or domestic sewage (including land dedicated to the disposal of sewage 

sludge that are located within the confines of the facility) with the design flow capacity 

of 1 million gallons per day (MGD) or more, or required to have a pretreatment 

program under 40 CFR §403. 4952

Transportation facilities which have vehicle maintenance activity, equipment cleaning 

operations, or airport deicing operations:

• Railroad Transportation 40xx

• Local and Suburban Transit and Interurban Highway Passenger Transportation 41xx

• Motor Freight Transportation (except SIC 4221–25) 42xx

• United States Postal Service 43xx

• Water Transportation 44xx

• Air Transportation 45xx

• Petroleum Bulk Stations and Terminals 5171
S1.A.2

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2. Any facility that has an existing National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System 

(NPDES) permit which does not address all stormwater discharges associated with 

industrial activity [40 CFR Subpart 122.26(b)(14)] shall obtain permit coverage. 

3. Any inactive facility which is listed under 40 CFR Subpart 122.26(b)(14) where 

significant materials remain onsite and are exposed to stormwater shall obtain permit 

coverage.

B. Significant Contributors of Pollutants

Ecology may require a facility to obtain coverage under this permit if Ecology determines 

the facility: 

1. Is a significant contributor of pollutants to waters of the state, including ground 

water; 

2. May reasonably be expected to cause a violation of any water quality standard; or 

3. Conducts industrial activity, or has a SIC code, with stormwater characteristics 

similar to any industrial activity or SIC code listed in Table 1 in S1.A.1. 

C. Facilities Not Required to Obtain Coverage 

Ecology does not require the types of facilities listed below to obtain coverage under this 

permit, unless determined to be a significant contributor of pollutants. 

1. Industrial facilities that submit an application and qualify for a Conditional “No 

Exposure” Exemption. (Condition S1.F) 

2. Industrial facilities that discharge stormwater only to a municipal combined sewer or 

sanitary sewer. Discharge of stormwater to sanitary or combined sewers shall only 

occur as authorized by the municipal sewage authority. 

3. Industrial facilities that discharge stormwater only to groundwater (e.g., on-site 

infiltration) with no discharge to surface waters of the state under any condition. 

4. Office buildings and/or administrative parking lots from which stormwater does not 

commingle with stormwater from areas associated with industrial activity. 

5. Any part of a facility with a discharge that is in compliance with the instructions of an 

On-Scene-Coordinator pursuant to 40 CFR part 300 (The National Oil and Hazardous 

Substances Pollution Contingency Plan) or 33 CFR 153.10(e) (Pollution by Oil and 

Hazardous Substances), in accordance with 40 CFR 122.3(d). 

6. Any land application site used for the beneficial use of industrial or municipal 

wastewater for agricultural activities or when applied for landscaping purposes at 

agronomic rates.

7. Any farmland, domestic garden, or land used for sludge management where domestic 

sewage sludge (biosolids) is beneficially reused (nutrient builder or soil conditioner) 

and which is not physically located in the confines of domestic sewage treatment 

works, or areas that are in compliance with Section 405 (Disposal of Sewage Sludge) 

of the Clean Water Act (CWA). 
S1.C.8 

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8. Any inactive coal mining operation if: 

a. The performance bond issued to the facility by the appropriate Surface Mining 

Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) authority has been released from 

applicable state or federal reclamation requirements after December 17, 1990. 

b. The mine does not have a discharge of stormwater that comes in contact with any 

overburden, raw material, intermediate products, finished products, byproducts, or 

waste products located on the site of the facility. 

9. Inactive mining, inactive oil and gas operations, or inactive landfills where neither an 

owner nor an operator can be identified. 

10. Closed landfills that are capped and stabilized, in compliance with Chapter 173-304 

WAC, and in which no significant materials or industrial pollutants remain exposed 

to stormwater. Permittee's with existing coverage may submit a Notice of 

Termination in accordance with Special Condition S13.A.1. 

D. Facilities Excluded from Coverage

Ecology will not cover the following facilities or activities under this permit:

1. If any part of a facility, in the categories listed below, has a stormwater discharge 

subject to stormwater Effluent Limitations Guidelines, New Source Performance 

Standards (NSPS) Under 40 CFR Subchapter N, or Toxic Pollutant Effluent 

Standards under 40 CFR Subchapter D Part 129; the operator of the facility must 

apply for an individual NPDES permit or seek coverage under an industry-specific 

general permit for those stormwater discharges. 

Below is a list of categories of industries specified in 40 CFR Subchapter N for which 

at least one subpart includes stormwater effluent limitations guidelines or NSPS. 

Industries included in this list should review the Subchapter N guidelines to 

determine if they are subject to a stormwater effluent limitation guideline for 

activities which they perform at their site.

40 CFR 411 Cement manufacturing 40 CFR 423 Steam electric power generating

40 CFR 412 Feedlots 40 CFR 434 Coal mining

40 CFR 418 Fertilizer manufacturing 40 CFR 436 Mineral mining and processing

40 CFR 419 Petroleum refining 40 CFR 440 Ore mining and dressing

40 CFR 422 Phosphate manufacturing 40 CFR 443 Paving and roofing materials (tars 

& asphalt)

40 CFR 449.11(a) Airports with more 

than 10,000 annual jet departures.

Facilities, which are subject to effluent standards in 40 CFR Subchapter D Part 129: 

Aldrin/Dieldrin; DDT; Endrin; Toxaphene; Benzidine; or Polychlorinated Biphenyls 

(PCBs), shall apply for an individual NPDES permit. 

2. Nonpoint source silvicultural activities with natural runoff that are excluded in 40 

CFR Subpart 122.27. 
S1.D.3 

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3. Industrial activities operated by any department, agency, or instrumentality of the 

executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Federal Government of the United 

States, or another entity, such as a private contractor, performing industrial activity 

for any such department, agency, or instrumentality. 

4. Facilities located on “Indian Country” as defined in 18 U.S.C. §1151, except portions 

of the Puyallup Reservation as noted below. 

Indian Country includes: 

a. All land within any Indian Reservation notwithstanding the issuance of any 

patent, and, including rights-of-way running through the reservation. This 

includes all federal, tribal, and Indian and non-Indian privately owned land 

within the reservation. 

b. All off-reservation Indian allotments, the Indian titles to which have not been 

extinguished, including rights-of-way running through the same. 

c. All off-reservation federal trust lands held for Native American Tribes. 

Puyallup Exception: Following the Puyallup Tribes of Indians Land Settlement Act of 

1989, 25 U.S.C. §1773; the permit does apply to land within the Puyallup Reservation 

except for discharges to surface water on land held in trust by the federal government. 

5. Any facility authorized to discharge stormwater associated with industrial activity

under an existing NPDES individual or other general permit. 

6. All construction activities. Operators of these construction activities shall seek 

coverage under the Construction Stormwater General Permit or an individual NPDES 

permit for stormwater associated with construction activity. 

7. Facilities that discharge to a waterbody with a control plan, unless this general 

permit adequately provides the level of protection required by the control plan. 

8. New dischargers to a waterbody listed pursuant to Section 303(d) of the CWA, unless 

the Permittee meets the requirements of Condition S6.B. 

9. Hazardous waste landfills subject to 40 CFR Part 445, Subpart A. 

E. Discharges to Ground

1. For sites that discharge to both surface water and ground water, the terms and 

conditions of this permit shall apply to all ground water discharges. However,

Permittees are not required to sample on-site discharges to ground (e.g., infiltration), 

unless specifically required by Ecology (Condition G12). 

2. Facilities that discharge to ground water through an underground injection control 

well shall comply with any applicable requirements of the Underground Injection 

Control (UIC) regulations, Chapter 173-218 WAC. 
S1.F 

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F. Conditional "No Exposure" Exemption 

1. Any industrial activity identified for coverage under Condition S1.A. that is eligible 

for a “No Exposure” exemption from the permit under 40 CFR 122.26 (g), may 

submit a No Exposure Certification Form to Ecology, either in writing or 

electronically. 

a. A Permittee is automatically granted a No Exposure exemption 90 days from 

Ecology’s receipt of a complete and accurate No Exposure Certification Form, 

unless Ecology informs the applicant in writing or electronically within 90 days 

that it has denied or approved the request. 

b. Ecology will automatically terminate permit coverage when it grants the No 

Exposure exemption to a permitted facility. 

c. Facilities which are granted a No Exposure exemption must submit a No 

Exposure Certification Form to Ecology once every five years. 

d. No Exposure exemptions are conditional. If there is a change at the facility that 

results in the exposure of industrial activities or materials to stormwater, the 

facility is required to immediately apply for and obtain a permit. 

S2. APPLICATION FOR COVERAGE

A. Obtaining Permit Coverage 

1. Unpermitted facilities that require coverage under this permit shall submit a complete 

and accurate permit application to Ecology as follows: 

a. Existing Facilities

i. Unpermitted existing facilities that require coverage under this permit shall 

submit a complete and accurate permit application to Ecology. 

ii. Existing facilities are facilities in operation prior to the effective date of this 

permit, January 2, 2015. 

b. New Facilities

New facilities are facilities that begin operation on or after the effective date of 

this permit, January 2, 2015. All unpermitted new facilities shall: 

i. Submit a complete and accurate permit application to Ecology at least 60 days 

before the commencement of stormwater discharge from the facility. 

ii. The application shall include certification that the facility has met the 

applicable public notice and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)

requirements in WAC 173-226-200(f). 

B. Modification of Permit Coverage 

A Permittee anticipating a significant process change, or otherwise requesting a 

modification of permit coverage, shall submit a complete Modification of Coverage Form 

to Ecology. The Permittee shall: 
S2.B.1 

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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1. Apply for modification of coverage at least 60 days before implementing a significant 

process change; or by May15th prior to a Corrective Action deadline, if requesting a 

Level 2 or 3 time extension or waiver request per Condition S8.B-D.

2. Complete the public notice requirements in WAC 173-226-130(5) as part of a 

complete application for modification of coverage. 

3. Comply with SEPA as part of a complete application for modification of coverage if 

undergoing a significant process change. 

C. Permit Coverage Timeline

1. If the applicant does not receive notification from Ecology, permit coverage 

automatically commences on whichever of the following dates occurs last:

a. The 31st day following receipt by Ecology of a completed application for 

coverage.

b. The 31st day following the end of a 30-day public comment period. 

c. The effective date of the general permit. 

2. Ecology may need additional time to review the application: 

a. If the application is incomplete. 

b. If it requires additional site-specific information. 

c. If the public requests a public hearing. 

d. If members of the public file comments. 

e. When more information is necessary to determine whether coverage under the 

general permit is appropriate. 

3. When Ecology needs additional time:

a. Ecology will notify the applicant in writing within 30 days and identify the issues 

that the applicant must resolve before a decision can be reached. 

b. Ecology will submit the final decision to the applicant in writing. If Ecology

approves the application for coverage, coverage begins the 31st day following 

approval, or the date the approval letter is issued, whichever is later. 
S2.D 

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D. Transfer of Permit Coverage

Coverage under this general permit shall automatically transfer to a new discharger, if all 

of the following conditions are met: 

1. The Permittee (existing discharger) and new discharger submit to Ecology a 

complete, written, signed agreement (Transfer of Coverage Form) containing a 

specific date for transfer of permit responsibility, coverage, and liability. 

2. The type of industrial activities and practices remain substantially unchanged.

3. Ecology does not notify the Permittee of the need to submit a new application for 

coverage under the general permit or for an individual permit pursuant to Chapters 

173-216, 173-220, and 173-226 WAC. 

4. Ecology does not notify the existing discharger and new discharger of its intent to 

revoke coverage under the general permit. The transfer is effective on the date 

specified in the written agreement unless Ecology gives this notice. 

S3. STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN (SWPPP)

A. General Requirements 

1. All Permittees and applicants for coverage under this permit shall develop and 

implement a SWPPP for the permitted facility as follows: 

2. The SWPPP shall specify the Best Management Practices (BMPs) necessary to: 

a. Provide all known, available, and reasonable methods of prevention, control, and 

treatment (AKART) of stormwater pollution. 

b. Ensure the discharge does not cause or contribute to a violation of the Water 

Quality Standards.

c. Comply with applicable federal technology-based treatment requirements under 

40 CFR 125.3. 

3. Proper Selection and Use of Stormwater Management Manuals (SWMM): 

BMPs shall be consistent with:

a. Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington (2012 edition), for 

sites west of the crest of the Cascade Mountains; or 

b. Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern Washington (2004 edition), for sites 

east of the crest of the Cascade Mountains; or 

c. Revisions to the manuals in S3.A.3.a & b., or other stormwater management 

guidance documents or manuals which provide an equivalent level of pollution

prevention, that are approved by Ecology and incorporated into this permit in 

accordance with the permit modification requirements of WAC 173-226-230. For 

purposes of this section, the documents listed in Appendix 10 of the August 1, 

2013 Phase I Municipal Stormwater Permit are hereby incorporated into this 

permit; or 
S3.A.3.d

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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d. Documentation in the SWPPP that the BMPs selected are demonstrably 

equivalent to practices contained in stormwater technical manuals approved by 

Ecology, including the proper selection, implementation, and maintenance of all 

applicable and appropriate best management practices for on-site pollution

control. 

4. Update of the SWPPP

a. The Permittee shall modify the SWPPP if the owner/operator or the applicable 

local or state regulatory authority determines during inspections or investigations 

that the SWPPP is, or would be, ineffective in eliminating or significantly 

minimizing pollutants in stormwater discharges from the site. The Permittee shall 

modify the SWPPP:

i. As necessary to include additional or modified BMPs designed to correct 

problems identified. 

ii. To correct the deficiencies identified in writing from Ecology within 30 days of 

notice.

b. The Permittee shall modify the SWPPP whenever there is a change in design, 

construction, operation, or maintenance at the facility that significantly changes 

the nature of pollutants discharged in stormwater from the facility, or significantly 

increases the quantity of pollutants discharged. 

c. If a Permittee covered under the 2010 ISGP needs to update their SWPPP to be 

consistent with the 2015 ISGP, the update shall be completed by January 30, 

2015. 

5. Other Pollution Control Plans

The Permittee may incorporate by reference applicable portions of plans prepared for 

other purposes at their facility. Plans or portions of plans incorporated by reference 

into a SWPPP become enforceable requirements of this permit and must be available 

along with the SWPPP as required in S9.F. A Pollution Prevention Plan prepared 

under the Hazardous Waste Reduction Act, Chapter 70.95C RCW, is an example of 

such a plan. 

6. Signatory Requirements 

The Permittee shall sign and certify all SWPPPs in accordance with General 

Condition G2, each time it revises or modifies a SWPPP to comply with Conditions 

S3.A.4 (Update of the SWPPP), S7 (Inspections) or S8 (Corrective Actions). The 

SWPPP Certification Form is contained in Appendix 3 of this permit and on 

Ecology’s industrial stormwater website. 

B. Specific SWPPP Requirements

The SWPPP shall contain a site map, a detailed assessment of the facility, a detailed 

description of the BMPs, Spill Prevention and Emergency Cleanup Plan, and a sampling 

plan. The Permittee shall identify any parts of the SWPPP which the facility wants to 

claim as Confidential Business Information.
S3.B.1

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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1. The site map shall identify: 

a. The scale or include relative distances between significant structures and drainage 

systems.

b. Significant features. 

c. The stormwater drainage and discharge structures and identify, by name, any 

other party other than the Permittee that owns any stormwater drainage or 

discharge structures. 

d. The stormwater drainage areas for each stormwater discharge point off-site 

(including discharges to ground water) and assign a unique identifying number 

for each discharge point. 

e. Each sampling location by unique identifying number. 

f. Paved areas and buildings. 

g. Areas of pollutant contact (actual or potential) associated with specific industrial 

activities.

h. Conditionally approved non-stormwater discharges (Condition S5.D). 

i. Surface water locations (including wetlands and drainage ditches).

j. Areas of existing and potential soil erosion that could result in the discharge of a 

significant amount of turbidity, sediment or other pollutants. 

k. Vehicle maintenance areas. 

l. Lands and waters adjacent to the site that may be helpful in identifying discharge 

points or drainage routes. 

2. The facility assessment shall include a description of the facility; an inventory of 

facility activities and equipment that contribute to or have the potential to contribute 

any pollutants to stormwater; and, an inventory of materials that contribute to or have 

the potential to contribute pollutants to stormwater. 

a. The facility description shall describe: 

i. The industrial activities conducted at the site. 

ii. Regular business hours and seasonal variations in business hours or industrial 

activities. 

iii. The general layout of the facility including buildings and storage of raw 

materials, and the flow of goods and materials through the facility. 

b. The inventory of industrial activities shall identify all areas associated with 

industrial activities (see Table 1) that have been or may potentially be sources of 

pollutants, including, but not limited to, the following: 

i. Loading and unloading of dry bulk materials or liquids. 

ii. Outdoor storage of materials or products. 

iii. Outdoor manufacturing and processing. 
S3.B.2.b.iv

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 13

iv. On-site dust or particulate generating processes.

v. On-site waste treatment, storage, or disposal. 

vi. Vehicle and equipment fueling, maintenance, and/or cleaning (includes 

washing). 

vii. Roofs or other surfaces exposed to air emissions from a manufacturing 

building or a process area. 

viii. Roofs or other surfaces composed of materials that may be mobilized by 

stormwater (e.g., galvanized roofs, galvanized fences).

c. The inventory of materials shall list:

i. The types of materials handled at the site that potentially may be exposed to 

precipitation or runoff and could result in stormwater pollution. 

ii. A short narrative for each material describing the potential of the pollutant to 

be present in stormwater discharges. The Permittee shall update this narrative 

when data become available to verify the presence or absence of these 

pollutants. 

iii. A narrative description of any potential sources of pollutants from past 

activities, materials and spills that were previously handled, treated, stored, or 

disposed of in a manner to allow ongoing exposure to stormwater. Include the 

method and location of on-site storage or disposal. List significant spills and 

significant leaks of toxic or hazardous pollutants. 

3. The SWPPP shall identify specific individuals by name or by title within the 

organization (pollution prevention team) whose responsibilities include: SWPPP

development, implementation, maintenance, and modification.

4. Best Management Practices (BMPs)

a. General BMP Requirements

The Permittee shall describe each BMP selected to eliminate or reduce the 

potential to contaminate stormwater and prevent violations of water quality 

standards. The SWPPP must explain in detail how and where the selected BMPs 

will be implemented. 

b. The Permittee shall include each of the following mandatory BMPs in the SWPPP 

and implement the BMPs. The Permittee may omit individual BMPs if site 

conditions render the BMP unnecessary, infeasible, or the Permittee provides 

alternative and equally effective BMPs; if the Permittee clearly justifies each 

BMP omission in the SWPPP. 

i. Operational Source Control BMPs

1) The SWPPP shall include the Operational Source Control BMPs listed as 

“applicable” in Ecology’s SWMMs, or other guidance documents or 

manuals approved in accordance with S3.A.3.c. 
S3.B.4.b.i.2)

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 14

2) Good Housekeeping: The SWPPP shall include BMPs that define 

ongoing maintenance and cleanup, as appropriate, of areas which may 

contribute pollutants to stormwater discharges. The SWPPP shall include 

the schedule/frequency for completing each housekeeping task, based 

upon industrial activity, sampling results and observations made during 

inspections. The Permittee shall:

a) Vacuum paved surfaces with a vacuum sweeper (or a sweeper with a 

vacuum attachment) to remove accumulated pollutants a minimum of 

once per quarter. 

b) Identify and control all on-site sources of dust to minimize stormwater

contamination from the deposition of dust on areas exposed to 

precipitation. 

c) Inspect and maintain bag houses monthly to prevent the escape of dust 

from the system. Immediately remove any accumulated dust at the 

base of exterior bag houses. 

d) Keep all dumpsters under cover or fit with a lid that must remain 

closed when not in use. 

3) Preventive Maintenance: The SWPPP shall include BMPs to inspect and 

maintain the stormwater drainage, source controls, treatment systems (if 

any), and plant equipment and systems that could fail and result in 

contamination of stormwater. The SWPPP shall include the 

schedule/frequency for completing each maintenance task. The Permittee 

must:

a) Clean catch basins when the depth of debris reaches 60% of the sump 

depth. In addition, the Permittee must keep the debris surface at least 6 

inches below the outlet pipe. 

b) Maintain ponds, tanks/vaults, catch basins, swales, filters, oil/water 

separators, drains, and other stormwater drainage/treatment facilities in 

accordance with the Maintenance Standards set forth in the applicable 

Stormwater Management Manual (SWMM), other guidance 

documents or manuals approved in accordance with S3.A.3.c., 

demonstrably equivalent BMPs per S3.A.3.d., or an O&M Manual 

submitted to Ecology in accordance with S8.D. 

c) Inspect all equipment and vehicles during monthly site inspections for 

leaking fluids such as oil, antifreeze, etc. Take leaking equipment and 

vehicles out of service or prevent leaks from spilling on the ground 

until repaired. 

d) Immediately clean up spills and leaks (e.g., using absorbents, 

vacuuming) to prevent the discharge of pollutants.
S3.B.4.b.i.4)

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 15

4) Spill Prevention and Emergency Cleanup Plan (SPECP): The SWPPP 

shall include a SPECP that includes BMPs to prevent spills that can 

contaminate stormwater. The SPECP shall specify BMPs for material 

handling procedures, storage requirements, cleanup equipment and 

procedures, and spill logs, as appropriate. The Permittee shall:

a) Store all chemical liquids, fluids, and petroleum products, on an 

impervious surface that is surrounded with a containment berm or dike 

that is capable of containing 10% of the total enclosed tank volume or 

110% of the volume contained in the largest tank, whichever is 

greater. 

b) Prevent precipitation from accumulating in containment areas with a 

roof or equivalent structure or include a plan on how it will manage 

and dispose of accumulated water if a containment area cover is not 

practical.

c) Locate spill kits within 25 feet of all stationary fueling stations, fuel 

transfer stations, mobile fueling units, and used oil storage/transfer 

stations. At a minimum, spill kits shall include:

i) Oil absorbents capable of absorbing 15 gallons of fuel. 

ii) A storm drain plug or cover kit. 

iii) A non-water containment boom, a minimum of 10 feet in length 

with a 12-gallon absorbent capacity. 

iv) A non-metallic shovel. 

v) Two five-gallon buckets with lids.

d) Not lock shut-off fueling nozzles in the open position. Do not “topoff” tanks being refueled. 

e) Block, plug or cover storm drains that receive runoff from areas where 

fueling, during fueling. 

f) Use drip pans or equivalent containment measures during all 

petroleum transfer operations. 

g) Locate materials, equipment, and activities so that leaks are contained 

in existing containment and diversion systems (confine the storage of 

leaky or leak-prone vehicles and equipment awaiting maintenance to 

protected areas).

h) Use drip pans and absorbents under or around leaky vehicles and 

equipment or store indoors where feasible. Drain fluids from 

equipment and vehicles prior to on-site storage or disposal. 

i) Maintain a spill log that includes the following information for 

chemical and petroleum spills: date, time, amount, location, and reason 
S3.B.4.b.i.4).i)

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 16

for spill; date/time cleanup completed, notifications made and staff 

involved. 

5) Employee Training: The SWPPP shall include BMPs to provide SWPPP 

training for employees who have duties in areas of industrial activities 

subject to this permit. At a minimum, the training plan shall include:

a) The content of the training. 

i) An overview of what is in the SWPPP. 

ii) How employees make a difference in complying with the SWPPP 

and preventing contamination of stormwater. 

iii) Spill response procedures, good housekeeping, maintenance 

requirements, and material management practices. 

b) How the Permittee will conduct training.

c) The frequency/schedule of training. The Permittee shall train

employees annually, at a minimum. 

d) A log of the dates on which specific employees received training. 

6) Inspections and Recordkeeping: The SWPPP shall include documentation 

of procedures to ensure compliance with permit requirements for 

inspections and recordkeeping. At a minimum, the SWPPP shall: 

a) Identify facility personnel who will inspect designated equipment and 

facility areas as required in Condition S7. 

b) Contain a visual inspection report or check list that includes all items 

required by Condition S7.C. 

c) Provide a tracking or follow-up procedure to ensure that a report is 

prepared and any appropriate action taken in response to visual 

inspections. 

d) Define how the Permittee will comply with signature requirements and 

records retention identified in Special Condition S9, Reporting and 

Recordkeeping Requirements. 

e) Include a certification of compliance with the SWPPP and permit for 

each inspection using the language in S7.C.1.c. 

f) Include all inspection reports completed by the Permittee (S7.C). 

7) Illicit Discharges: The SWPPP shall include measures to identify and 

eliminate the discharge of process wastewater, domestic wastewater, 

noncontact cooling water, and other illicit discharges, to stormwater

sewers, or to surface waters and ground waters of the state. The Permittee 

can find BMPs to identify and eliminate illicit discharges in Volume IV of 
S3.B.4.b.i.7)

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 17

Ecology's SWMM for Western Washington and Chapter 8 of the SWMM 

for Eastern Washington. 

Water from washing vehicles or equipment, steam cleaning and/or 

pressure washing is considered process wastewater. The Permittee must 

not allow this process wastewater to comingle with stormwater or enter 

storm drains; and must collect in a tank for off-site disposal, or discharge 

it to a sanitary sewer, with written approval from the local sewage 

authority. 

ii. Structural Source Control BMPs 

1) The SWPPP shall include the Structural Source Control BMPs listed as 

“applicable” in Ecology’s SWMMs, or other guidance documents or 

manuals approved in accordance with S3.A.3.c. 

2) The SWPPP shall include BMPs to minimize the exposure of 

manufacturing, processing, and material storage areas (including loading 

and unloading, storage, disposal, cleaning, maintenance, and fueling 

operations) to rain, snow, snowmelt, and runoff by either locating these 

industrial materials and activities inside or protecting them with storm 

resistant coverings. 

Permittees shall: 

a) Use grading, berming, or curbing to prevent runoff of contaminated 

flows and divert run-on away from these areas. 

b) Perform all cleaning operations indoors, under cover, or in bermed 

areas that prevent stormwater runoff and run-on, also that capture any 

overspray. 

c) Ensure that all washwater drains to a collection system that directs the 

washwater to further treatment or storage and not to the stormwater 

drainage system. 

iii. Treatment BMPs 

The Permittee shall:

1) Use Treatment BMPs consistent with the applicable documents referenced 

in Condition S3.A.3. 

2) Employ oil/water separators, booms, skimmers, or other methods to 

eliminate or minimize oil and grease contamination of stormwater

discharges.

3) Obtain Ecology approval before beginning construction/installation of all 

treatment BMPs that include the addition of chemicals to provide 

treatment.
S3.B.4.b.iv

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 18

iv. Stormwater Peak Runoff Rate and Volume Control BMPs

Facilities with new development or redevelopment shall evaluate whether flow 

control BMPs are necessary to satisfy the state’s AKART requirements, and 

prevent violations of water quality standards. If flow control BMPs are 

required, they shall be selected according to S3.A.3. 

v. Erosion and Sediment Control BMPs 

The SWPPP shall include BMPs necessary to prevent the erosion of soils and 

other earthen materials (crushed rock/gravel, etc.), control off-site

sedimentation, and prevent violations of water quality standards. The 

Permittee shall implement and maintain:

1) Sediment control BMPs such as detention or retention ponds or traps, 

vegetated filter strips, bioswales, or other permanent sediment control 

BMPs to minimize sediment loads in stormwater discharges.

2) Filtration BMPs to remove solids from catch basins, sumps or other 

stormwater collection and conveyance system components (catch basin 

filter inserts, filter socks, modular canisters, sand filtration, centrifugal 

separators, etc.). 

5. Sampling Plan

The SWPPP shall include a sampling plan. The plan shall: 

a. Identify points of discharge to surface water, storm sewers, or discrete ground 

water infiltration locations, such as dry wells or detention ponds. 

b. Include documentation of why applicable parameters are not sampled at each 

discharge point per S4.B.2.c (if applicable): 

i. Location of which discharge points the Permittee does not sample applicable 

parameters because the pollutant concentrations are substantially identical to a 

discharge point being sampled. 

ii. General industrial activities conducted in the drainage area of each discharge 

point. 

iii. Best Management Practices conducted in the drainage area of each discharge 

point. 

iv. Exposed materials located in the drainage area of each discharge point that are 

likely to be significant contributors of pollutants to stormwater discharges. 

v. Impervious surfaces in the drainage area that could affect the percolation of 

stormwater runoff into the ground (e.g., asphalt, crushed rock, grass). 

vi. Reasons why the Permittee expects the discharge points to discharge 

substantially identical effluents.

c. Identify each sampling location by its unique identifying number such as A1, A2. 

d. Identify staff responsible for conducting stormwater sampling.
S3.B.5.e

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 19

e. Specify procedures for sample collection and handling. 

f. Specify procedures for sending samples to a laboratory. 

g. Identify parameters for analysis, holding times and preservatives, laboratory 

quantitation levels, and analytical methods. 

h. Specify the procedure for submitting results to Ecology. 

S4. GENERAL SAMPLING REQUIREMENTS

A. General Requirements 

The Permittee shall conduct sampling of stormwater in accordance with this permit and 

the SWPPP. 

B. Sampling Requirements

1. Sample Timing and Frequency 

a. The Permittee shall sample the discharge from each designated location at least 

once per quarter:

 1st Quarter = January, February, and March

 2nd Quarter = April, May, and June 

 3rd Quarter = July, August, and September 

 4th Quarter = October, November, and December 

b. Permittees shall sample the stormwater discharge from the first fall storm event

each year. “First fall storm event” means the first time on or after October 1st of 

each year that precipitation occurs and results in a stormwater discharge from a 

facility. 

c. Permittees shall collect samples within the first 12 hours of stormwater discharge 

events. If it is not possible to collect a sample within the first 12 hours of a 

stormwater discharge event, the Permittee must collect the sample as soon as 

practicable after the first 12 hours, and keep documentation with the sampling 

records (Condition S4.B.3) explaining why they could not collect samples within 

the first 12 hours; or if it is unknown (e.g., discharge was occurring during start of 

regular business hours). 

d. The Permittee shall obtain representative samples, which may be a single grab 

sample, a time-proportional sample, or a flow-proportional sample. 

e. Permittees need not sample outside of regular business hours, during unsafe 

conditions, or during quarters where there is no discharge, but shall submit a 

Discharge Monitoring Report each reporting period (Condition S9.A). 

2. Sample Location(s)

a. The Permittee shall designate sampling location(s) at the point(s) where it 

discharges stormwater associated with industrial activity off-site. 
S4.B.2.b

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 20

b. The Permittee is not required to sample on-site discharges to ground (e.g., 

infiltration) or sanitary sewer discharges, unless specifically required by Ecology

(Condition G12). 

c. The Permittee shall sample each distinct point of discharge off-site except as 

otherwise exempt from monitoring as a “substantially identical discharge point” 

per S3.B.5.b. If applicable, the Permittee is only required to monitor applicable 

parameters at one of the “substantially identical discharge points”. 

d. The Permittee shall notify Ecology of any changes or updates to sample locations, 

discharge points, and/or outfalls by submitting an “Industrial Stormwater General 

Permit Discharge/Sample Point Update Form” to Ecology. 

3. Sample Documentation

For each stormwater sample taken, the Permittee shall record the following 

information and retain it on-site for Ecology review: 

a. Sample date. 

b. Sample time. 

c. A notation describing if the Permittee collected the sample within the first 12 

hours of stormwater discharge events; or, if it is unknown (e.g., discharge was 

occurring during start of regular business hours). 

d. An explanation of why the Permittee could not collect a sample within the first 12 

hours of a stormwater discharge event, if it was not possible. Or, if it is unknown, 

an explanation of why the Permittee does not know if a sample was collected 

within or outside the first 12 hours of stormwater discharge. 

e. Sample location (using SWPPP identifying number). 

f. Method of sampling, and method of sample preservation, if applicable. 

g. Individual who performed the sampling. 

h. Weather conditions. 

4. Laboratory Documentation 

The Permittee shall retain laboratory reports on-site for Ecology review and shall 

ensure that all laboratory reports providing data for all parameters include the 

following information: 

a. Date of analysis. 

b. Parameter name. 

c. CAS number, if applicable. 

d. Analytical method(s).

e. Individual who performed the analysis. 

f. Method detection limit (MDL). 

g. Laboratory quantitation level (QL) achieved by the laboratory. 
S4.B.4.h 

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 21

h. Reporting units. 

i. Sample result.

j. Quality assurance/quality control data.

5. The Permittee shall maintain the original records onsite and make them available to 

Ecology upon request. 

6. The Permittee may suspend sampling for one or more parameters (other than “visible 

oil sheen”) for a period of three years (12 quarters) based on consistent attainment of 

benchmark values when:

a. Eight consecutive quarterly samples demonstrate a reported value equal to or less 

than the benchmark value; or for pH, within the range of 5.0 – 9.0. 

b. For purposes of tallying “consecutive quarterly samples”: 

i. Do not include any quarters in which the Permittee did not collect a sample, 

but should have (e.g., discharge(s) occurred during normal working hours, and 

during safe conditions; but no sample was collected during the entire quarter). 

If this occurs, the tally of consecutive quarterly samples is reset to zero.

ii. Do not include any quarters in which the Permittee did not collect a sample 

because there was no discharge during the quarter (or the discharges during 

the quarter occurred outside normal working hours or during unsafe 

conditions). These quarters are not included in the calculation of eight 

consecutive quarters, but do not cause the tally to be reset; i.e., they are 

skipped over. 

c. Permittees monitoring more than once per quarter shall average all of the 

monitoring results for each parameter (except pH and “visible oil sheen”) and 

compare the average value to the benchmark value. However, if Permittees collect 

more than one sample during a 24-hour period, they must first calculate the daily 

average of the individual grab sample results collected during that 24-hour 

period; then use the daily average to calculate a quarterly average.

7. A Permittee who has a significant process change shall not use previous sampling 

results to demonstrate consistent attainment. 

8. Suspension of sampling based on consistent attainment does not apply to pollutant

parameters subject to numeric effluent limits based on federal Effluent Limitation 

Guidelines (Condition S5.C) or Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act (Condition 

S6). 

C. Analytical Procedures for Sampling Requirements 

The Permittee shall ensure that analytical methods used to meet the sampling requirements 

in this permit conform to the latest revision of the Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures 

for the Analysis of Pollutants contained in 40 CFR Part 136, unless specified otherwise in 

this permit. 
S4.D 

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 22

D. Laboratory Accreditation 

1. The Permittee shall ensure that all analytical data required by Ecology is prepared by 

a laboratory registered or accredited under the provisions of, Accreditation of 

Environmental Laboratories, Chapter 173-50 WAC. 

2. Turbidity and pH are exempt from this requirement, unless the laboratory must be 

registered or accredited for any other parameter. 

S5. BENCHMARKS, EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS, AND SPECIFIC SAMPLING 

REQUIREMENTS

A. Benchmarks and Sampling Requirements 

1. Permittees shall sample their stormwater discharges as specified in Condition S4 and 

as specified in Table 2. 

2. Additional sampling and/or requirements apply to specific industrial categories 

(S5.B), and facilities subject to effluent limitation guidelines (S5.C), and certain

discharges to impaired waters (S6).

3. If a Permittee's discharge exceeds a benchmark listed in Table 2, the Permittee shall 

take the actions specified in Condition S8. Permittees sampling more than once per 

quarter shall average the sample results for each parameter (except pH and “visible 

oil sheen”) and compare the average value to the benchmark to determine if the 

discharge has exceeded a benchmark value. However, if Permittees collect more than 

one sample during a 24-hour period, they must first calculate the daily average of the 

individual grab sample results collected during that 24-hour period; then use the daily 

average to calculate a quarterly average. 
S5.B 

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 23

Table 2: Benchmarks and Sampling Requirements Applicable to All Facilities

Parameter Units Benchmark 

Value

Analytical 

Method

Laboratory 

Quantitation 

Level a

Minimum 

Sampling 

Frequency b

Turbidity NTU 25 EPA 180.1 

Meter

0.5 1/quarter

pH Standard Units Between 5.0 and 9.0 Meter/Paper c ±0.5 1/quarter

Oil Sheen Yes/No No Visible Oil Sheen N/A N/A 1/quarter

Copper, Total μg/L Western WA: 14

Eastern WA: 32

EPA 200.8 2.0 1/quarter

Zinc, Total μg/L 117 EPA 200.8 2.5 1/quarter

a. The Permittee shall ensure laboratory results comply with the quantitation level (QL) specified in the table. 

However, if an alternate method from 40 CFR Part 136 is sufficient to produce measurable results in the 

sample, the Permittee may use that method for analysis. If the Permittee uses an alternative method it must 

report the test method and QL on the DMR. If the Permittee is unable to obtain the required QL due to matrix 

effects, the Permittee must report the matrix-specific method detection level (MDL) and QL on the DMR. 

b. 1/quarter means at least one sample taken each quarter, year-round. c. Permittees shall use either a calibrated pH meter or narrow-range pH indicator paper with a resolution not 

greater than ± 0.5 SU.

B. Additional Sampling Requirements for Specific Industrial Groups

1. In addition to the requirements in Table 2, all Permittees identified by an industrial 

activity in Table 3 shall sample stormwater discharges as specified in Condition S4 

and in Table 3. 

2. If a discharge exceeds a benchmark listed in Table 3, the Permittee shall take the 

actions specified in Condition S8. Permittees sampling more than once per quarter 

shall average the sample results for each parameter and compare the average value to 

the benchmark to determine if it the discharge has exceeded a benchmark. However, 

if Permittees collect more than one sample during a 24-hour period, they must first 

calculate the daily average of the individual grab sample results collected during that 

24-hour period; then use the daily average to calculate a quarterly average. 
S5.B 

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 24

Table 3: Additional Benchmarks and Sampling Requirements Applicable to Specific 

Industries

Parameter Units Benchmark 

Value

Analytical 

Method

Laboratory 

Quantitation 

Level a

Minimum 

Sampling 

Frequency b

1. Chemical and Allied Products (28xx), Food and Kindred Products (20xx)

BOD5 mg/L 30 SM 5210B 2 1/quarter

Nitrate + Nitrite

Nitrogen, as N

mg/L 0.68 SM4500 

NO3-E/F/H

0.10 1/quarter

Phosphorus, 

Total

mg/L 2.0 EPA 365.1 0.10 1/quarter

2. Primary Metals(33xx), Metals Mining (10xx), Automobile Salvage and Scrap Recycling (5015

and 5093), Metals Fabricating (34xx)

Lead, Total μg/L 81.6 EPA 200.8 0.5 1/quarter

Petroleum 

Hydrocarbons 

(Diesel Fraction)

mg/L 10 NWTPH-Dx 0.1 1/quarter

3. Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities and Dangerous Waste Recyclers 

subject to the provisions of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle C

Chemical 

Oxygen Demand 

(COD)

mg/L 120 SM5220-D 10 1/quarter

Total Ammonia (

as N)

mg/L 2.1 SM4500-

NH3- GH 

0.3 1/quarter

TSS mg/L 100 SM2540-D 5 1/quarter

Arsenic, Total μg/L 150 EPA 200.8 0.5 1/quarter

Cadmium, Total μg/L 2.1 EPA 200.8 0.25 1/quarter

Cyanide, Total μg/L 22 EPA 335.4 10 1/quarter

Lead, Total μg/L 81.6 EPA 200.8 0.5 1/quarter

Magnesium, 

Total 

μg/L 64 EPA 200.8 50 1/quarter

Mercury, Total μg/L 1.4 EPA 1631E 0.0005 1/quarter

Selenium, Total μg/L 5.0 EPA 200.8 1.0 1/quarter

Silver, Total μg/L 3.8 EPA 200.8 0.2 1/quarter

Petroleum 

Hydrocarbons 

(Diesel Fraction)

mg/L 10 NWTPH-Dx 0.1 1/quarter

4. Air Transportationc (45xx)

Total Ammonia

(as N)

mg/L 2.1 SM4500-

NH3- GH 

0.3 1/quarter

BOD5 mg/L 30 SM 5210B 2 1/quarter

COD mg/L 120 SM5220-D 10 1/quarter

Nitrate + Nitrite

Nitrogen, as N

mg/L 0.68 SM 4500-

NO3-E/F/H

0.10 1/quarter

Petroleum 

Hydrocarbons 

(Diesel Fraction)

mg/L 10 NWTPH-Dx 0.1 1/quarter
S5.C 

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 25

Parameter Units Benchmark 

Value

Analytical 

Method

Laboratory 

Quantitation 

Level a

Minimum 

Sampling 

Frequency b

5. Timber Product Industry (24xx), Paper and Allied Products (26xx)

COD mg/L 120 SM5220-D 10 1/quarter

TSS mg/L 100 SM2540-D 5 1/quarter

6. Transportation (40xx – 44xx, except 4221-25), Petroleum Bulk Stations and Terminals (5171) 

Petroleum 

Hydrocarbons 

(Diesel Fraction)

mg/L 10 NWTPH-Dx 0.1 1/quarter

a. The Permittee shall ensure laboratory results comply with the quantitation level (QL) specified in the table. 

However, if an alternate method from 40 CFR Part 136 is sufficient to produce measurable results in the 

sample, the Permittee may use that method for analysis. If the Permittee uses an alternative method it must 

report the test method and QL on the DMR. If the Permittee is unable to obtain the required QL due to matrix 

effects, the Permittee must report the matrix-specific method detection level (MDL) and QL on the DMR. 

b. 1/quarter means at least one sample taken each quarter, year-round. c. For airports where a single Permittee, or a combination of permitted facilities use more than 100,000 gallons of 

glycol-based deicing chemicals and/or 100 tons or more of urea on an average annual basis, monitor these 

additional five parameters in those discharge points that collect runoff from areas where deicing activities occur 

(SIC 4512-4581). 

C. Landfills and Airports Subject to Effluent Limitation Guidelines 

1. Permittees with discharges from the following activities shall comply with the 

effluent limits and monitor as specified in Condition S4 and Tables 4 and 5. 

2. The discharge of the pollutants at a level more than that identified and authorized by 

this permit for these activities shall constitute a violation of the terms and conditions 

of this permit.

3. Permittees operating non-hazardous waste landfills subject to the provisions of 40 

CFR Part 445 Subpart B shall not exceed the effluent limits4 listed in Table 4. 

 

4 As set forth in 40 CFR Part 445 Subpart B, these numeric effluent limits apply to contaminated stormwater

discharges from Municipal Solid Waste Landfills that have not been closed in accordance with 40 CFR 258.60, and 

to contaminated stormwater discharges from those landfills that are subject to the provisions of 40 CFR Part 257 

except for discharges from any of the following facilities: (a) landfills operated in conjunction with other industrial 

or commercial operations, when the landfill receives only wastes generated by the industrial or commercial 

operation directly associated with the landfill; (b) landfills operated in conjunction with other industrial or 

commercial operations, when the landfill receives wastes generated by the industrial or commercial operation 

directly associated with the landfill and also receives other wastes, provided that the other wastes received for 

disposal are generated by a facility that is subject to the same provisions in 40 CFR Subchapter N as the industrial or 

commercial operation, or that the other wastes received are of similar nature to the wastes generated by the industrial 

or commercial operation; (c) landfills operated in conjunction with CWT facilities subject to 40 CFR Part 437, so 

long as the CWT facility commingles the landfill wastewater with other non-landfill wastewater for discharge. A 

landfill directly associated with a CWT facility is subject to this part if the CWT facility discharges landfill 

wastewater separately from other CWT wastewater or commingles the wastewater from its landfill only with 

wastewater from other landfills; or (d) landfills operated in conjunction with other industrial or commercial 

operations when the landfill receives wastes from public service activities, so long as the company owning the 

landfill does not receive a fee or other remuneration for the disposal service. 
S5.C 

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 26

Table 4: Effluent Limits Applicable to Non-Hazardous Waste Landfills Subject to 40 CFR 

Part 445 Subpart B 

Parameter Units Average 

Monthly a

Maximum 

Daily b

Analytical 

Method c

Laboratory 

Quantitation 

Level d

Minimum 

Sampling 

Frequency e

BOD5 mg/L 37 140 EPA 405.1 

or 

SM 5210B

2

1/quarter

TSS mg/L 27 88 SM2540-D 5

1/quarter

Total Ammonia

(as N)

mg/L 4.9 10 SM4500-

NH3-GH.

0.3

1/quarter

Alpha Terpineol μg/L 16 33 EPA 625 5

1/quarter

Benzoic Acid μg/L 71 120 EPA 625 50

1/quarter

p-Cresol (4-

methylphenol)

μg/L 14 25 EPA 8270D 10 ug/L

1/quarter

Phenol μg/L 15 26 EPA 625 4.0

1/quarter

Zinc, Total μg/L 110 200 EPA 200.8 2.5

1/quarter

pH SU Between 6.0 and 9.0 Meter ±0.1

1/quarter a. Average monthly effluent limit means the highest allowable average of daily discharges over a calendar month. 

To calculate the discharge value to compare to the limit, you add the value of each daily discharge measured 

during a calendar month and divide this sum by the total number of daily discharges measured. If only one 

sample is taken during the calendar month, the average monthly effluent limitation applies to that sample. If 

only one sample is taken during the reporting period, the average monthly effluent limitation applies to that 

sample.

b. Maximum daily effluent limit means the highest allowable daily discharge. The daily discharge means the 

discharge of a pollutant measured during a calendar day. The daily discharge is the average measurement of the 

pollutant over the day; this does not apply to pH. c. Or other equivalent EPA-approved method with the same or lower quantitation level.

d. The Permittee shall ensure laboratory results comply with the quantitation level (QL) specified in the table. 

However, if an alternate method from 40 CFR Part 136 is sufficient to produce measurable results in the 

sample, the Permittee may use that method for analysis. If the Permittee uses an alternative method it must 

report the test method and QL on the discharge monitoring report. e. 1/quarter means at least one sample taken each quarter, year-round.
S5.C.4

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 27

4. Permittees operating airlines and airports subject to provisions of 40 CFR Part 449 

shall comply with the following: 

a. Airfield Pavement Deicing. Existing and new primary airports with 1,000 or more 

annual jet departures (annual non-propeller aircraft departures) that discharge 

wastewater associated with airfield pavement deicing commingled with 

stormwater must either use non-urea-containing deicers5

, or meet the effluent 

limit in Table 5 at every discharge point, prior to any dilution or any 

commingling with any non-deicing discharge. 

Table 5: Effluent Limit Applicable to Airports Subject to 40 CFR Part 449 

Parameter Units Maximum 

Daily a

Analytical

Method b

Laboratory 

Quantitation 

Level c

Minimum 

Sampling 

Frequency d

Total Ammonia (as N) mg/L 14.7 SM4500-

NH3-GH.

0.3 1/quarter

a. Maximum daily effluent limit means the highest allowable daily discharge. The daily discharge means the 

discharge of a pollutant measured during a calendar day. The daily discharge is the average measurement of the

pollutant over the day. 

b. Or other equivalent EPA-approved method with the same or lower quantitation level. c. The Permittee shall ensure laboratory results comply with the quantitation level (QL) specified in the table. 

However, if an alternate method from 40 CFR Part 136 is sufficient to produce measurable results in the 

sample, the Permittee may use that method for analysis. If the Permittee uses an alternative method it must 

report the test method and QL on the DMR. If the Permittee is unable to obtain the required QL due to matrix 

effects, the Permittee must report the matrix-specific method detection level (MDL) and QL on the DMR. 

d. 1/quarter means at least one sample taken each quarter, year-round.

D. Conditionally Authorized Non-Stormwater Discharges

1. The categories and sources of non-stormwater discharges identified in Condition S5. 

D.2, below, are conditionally authorized, provided: 

a. The discharge is otherwise consistent with the terms and conditions of this 

permit, including Condition S5, S6 and S10. 

b. The Permittee conducts the following assessment for each non-stormwater

discharge (except for S5.D.2.a & f) and documents the assessment in the SWPPP, 

consistent with Condition S3.B.2. The Permittee shall:

i. Identify each source. 

ii. Identify the location of the discharge into the stormwater collection system. 

iii. Characterize the discharge including estimated flows or flow volume, and 

likely pollutants which may be present. 

iv. Evaluate and implement available and reasonable source control BMPs to 

reduce or eliminate the discharge. 

 

5 Affected Permittees must certify in its annual report that it does not use airfield deicing products that contain urea, 

or meet the numeric limit in Table 5 (Condition S9.B.4).
S5.D.1.v

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 28

v. Evaluate compliance of the discharge with the state water quality standards. 

vi. Identify appropriate BMPs for each discharge to control pollutants and or 

flow volumes. 

2. Conditionally authorized non-stormwater discharges include: 

a. Discharges from fire fighting activities. 

b. Fire protection system flushing, testing, and maintenance. 

c. Discharges of potable water including water line flushing, provided that water line 

flushing must be de-chlorinated prior to discharge. 

d. Uncontaminated air conditioning or compressor condensate. 

e. Landscape watering and irrigation drainage. 

f. Uncontaminated ground water or spring water. 

g. Discharges associated with dewatering of foundations, footing drains, or utility 

vaults where flows are not contaminated with process materials such as solvents. 

h. Incidental windblown mist from cooling towers that collects on rooftops or areas 

adjacent to the cooling tower. This does not include intentional discharges from 

cooling towers such as piped cooling tower blow down or drains. 

E. Prohibited Discharges 

Unless authorized by a separate NPDES or state waste discharge permit, the following 

discharges are prohibited: 

1. The discharge of process wastewater is not authorized. Stormwater that commingles 

with process wastewater is considered process wastewater. 

2. Illicit discharges are not authorized by this permit. Conditionally authorized nonstormwater discharges in compliance with Condition S5.D are not illicit discharges. 

F. General Prohibitions

Permittees shall manage stormwater to prevent the discharge of:

1. Synthetic, natural or processed oil or oil-containing products as identified by an oil 

sheen; and

2. Trash and floating debris. 

S6. DISCHARGES TO IMPAIRED WATERS

A. General Requirements for Discharges to Impaired Waters 

Permittees that discharge to an impaired waterbody, either directly or indirectly through a 

stormwater drainage system, shall conduct sampling and inspections in accordance with 

Conditions S4, S5, S6, and S7. 
S6.B 

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 29

B. Eligibility for Coverage of New Discharges to Impaired Waters 

Facilities that meet the definition of “new discharger” and discharge to a 303(d)-listed 

waterbody (Category 5), an impaired waterbody with an applicable TMDL (Category 

4A), or a pollution control program for sediment cleanup (i.e., a Category 4B sedimentimpaired waterbody) are not eligible for coverage under this permit unless the facility: 

1. Prevents all exposure to stormwater of the pollutant(s) for which the waterbody is 

impaired, and retains documentation of procedures taken to prevent exposure onsite 

with its SWPPP; or 

2. Documents that the pollutant(s) for which the waterbody is impaired is not present at 

the facility, and retains documentation of this finding with the SWPPP; or 

3. Provides Ecology with data to support a showing that the discharge is not expected to 

cause or contribute to an exceedance of a water quality standard, and retain such data 

onsite with its SWPPP. The facility must provide data and other technical information 

to Ecology sufficient to demonstrate: 

a. For discharges to waters without an EPA approved or established TMDL, that the 

discharge of the pollutant for which the water is impaired will meet instream

water quality criteria at the point of discharge to the waterbody; or 

b. For discharges to waters with an EPA approved or established TMDL, that there 

are sufficient remaining wasteload allocations in an EPA approved or established 

TMDL to allow industrial stormwater discharge and that existing dischargers to 

the waterbody are subject to compliance schedules designed to bring the 

waterbody into attainment with water quality standards. 

Facilities are eligible for coverage under this permit if Ecology issues permit coverage 

based upon an affirmative determination that the discharge will not cause or contribute 

to the existing impairment. 

C. Additional Sampling Requirements and Effluent Limits for Discharges to Certain 

Impaired Waters and Puget Sound Sediment Cleanup Sites

1. Permittees discharging to a 303(d)-listed waterbody (Category 5), either directly or 

indirectly through a stormwater drainage system, shall comply with the applicable 

sampling requirements and numeric effluent limits in Table 6. If a discharge point is 

subject to an impaired waterbody effluent limit (Condition S6.C) for a parameter that 

also has a benchmark, the effluent limit supersedes the benchmark. 

a. Facilities subject to these limits include, but may not be limited to, facilities listed 

in Appendix 4. 

b. For purposes of this condition, “applicable sampling requirements and effluent 

limits” means the sampling and effluent limits in Table 6 that correspond to the 

specific parameter(s) the receiving water is 303(d)-listed for at the time of permit 

coverage, or Total Suspended Solids (TSS) if the waterbody is 303(d)-listed 

(Category 5) for sediment quality at the time of permit coverage. 
S6.C.1.c

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 30

c. For discharge points not subject to a TSS effluent limit under the 2010 ISGP, the 

TSS effluent limit in Table 6 does not become effective until January 1, 2017. 

However, TSS sampling and reporting is effective January 2, 2015; or, for 

Permittees with an effective date of permit coverage after January 2, 2015, the 

first full quarter following permit coverage. 

Table 6: Sampling and Effluent Limits Applicable to Discharges to 303(d)-listed Waters

Parameter Units

Maximum Dailya

Analytical Method b

Laboratory

Quantitation

Level c

Sampling 

Frequencyd Freshwater Marine

Turbidity NTUs 25 25 EPA 180.1 Meter 0.5 1/quarter 

pH SU j Between 7.0 

and 8.5

Meter ±0.1 1/quarter

Fecal Coliform 

Bacteria

# colonies/

100 mL

i i SM 9222D 20 CFU/

100 mL

1/quarter

TSS f mg/L 30 30 SM2540-D 5 1/quarter

Phosphorus, Total mg/L g g EPA 365.1 0.01 1/quarter 

Total Ammonia (as N) mg/L g g SM 4500 NH3-GH 0.3 1/quarter

Copper, Total μg/L g g EPA 200.8 2.0 1/quarter

Lead, Total μg/L g g EPA 200.8 0.5 1/quarter

Mercury, Total μg/L 2.1 1.8 EPA1631E 0.0005 1/quarter

Zinc, Total μg/L g g EPA 200.8 2.5 1/quarter

Pentachlorophenol μg/L 9h g EPA 625 1.0 1/quarter a

 Maximum daily effluent limit means the highest allowable daily discharge. The daily discharge means the 

discharge of a pollutant measured during a calendar day. The daily discharge is the average measurement of the 

pollutant over the day; this does not apply to pH. 

b. Or other equivalent method with the same reporting level. c

 The Permittee shall ensure laboratory results comply with the quantitation level (QL) specified in the table. 

However, if an alternate method from 40 CFR Part 136 is sufficient to produce measurable results in the 

sample, the Permittee may use that method for analysis. If the Permittee uses an alternative method it must 

report the test method and QL on the DMR. If the Permittee is unable to obtain the required QL due to matrix 

effects, the Permittee must report the matrix-specific method detection level (MDL) and QL on the DMR. 

d. 1/quarter means at least one sample taken each quarter, e.g., Q1 = Jan 1 – March 31, Q2 = April 1 – June 30. e

 Permittees shall use either a calibrated pH meter consistent with EPA 9040 or an approved state method. 

f. Permittees who discharge to a waterbody 303(d)-listed (Category 5) for sediment quality shall sample the 

discharge for TSS. g. Site-specific effluent limitation will be assigned at the time of permit coverage.

h. Based on a pH of 7.0.

i. A numeric effluent limit does not apply, but Permittees must sample according to Table 6. In addition, the 

following mandatory BMPs shall be incorporated into the SWPPP and implemented; the Permittee must: 

1) Use all known, available and reasonable methods to prevent rodents, birds, and other animals from 

feeding/nesting/roosting at the facility. Nothing in this section shall be construed as allowing violations 

of any applicable federal, state or local statutes, ordinances, or regulations including the Migratory 

Bird Treaty Act. 2) Perform at least one annual dry weather inspection of the stormwater system to identify and eliminate 

sanitary sewer cross-connections. 3) Install structural source control BMPs to address on-site activities and sources that could cause 

bacterial contamination (e.g., dumpsters, compost piles, food waste, and animal products). 4) Implement operational source control BMPs to prevent bacterial contamination from any known 

sources of fecal coliform bacteria (e.g., animal waste). 
S6.C.2

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 31

5) Conduct additional bacteria-related sampling and/or BMPs, if ordered by Ecology on a case-by-case 

basis. 

j. The effluent limit for a Permittee who discharges to a freshwater body 303(d)-listed for pH is: Between 6.0 and 

8.5, if the 303(d)-listing is for high pH only; Between 6.5 and 9.0, if the 303(d)-listing is for low pH only; and 

Between 6.5 and 8.5 if the 303(d)-listing is for both low and high pH. All pH effluent limits are applied end-ofpipe. 

2. Permittees discharging to a Puget Sound Sediment Cleanup Site

6

 , either directly or 

indirectly through a stormwater drainage system, shall comply with this section: 

a. Permittees shall sample the discharge for Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in 

accordance with Table 7. 

b. If the waterbody is listed within Category 5 (sediment medium) where the outfall

discharges to the waterbody, the discharge is subject to the TSS numeric effluent 

limit in S6.C.1.c and Table 6. 

c. If the waterbody is not listed within Category 5 (sediment medium) where the 

outfall discharges to the waterbody, the discharge is subject to the TSS 

benchmark in Table 7. If the discharge is subject to more than one TSS 

benchmark value, the lower benchmark supersedes the higher one. Beginning 

January 1, 2017, if a discharge exceeds the TSS benchmark, the Permittee shall 

comply with Condition S8. 

Table 7: Benchmarks and Sampling Requirements Applicable to Discharges to Puget 

Sound Sediment Cleanup Sites that are not Category 5 for Sediment Quality 

Parameter Units Benchmark 

Value a 

Analytical 

Method

Laboratory 

Quantitation 

Level b

Minimum 

Sampling 

Frequency c

TSS mg/L 30 SM2540-D 5 1/quarter

a. Permittees sampling more than once per quarter shall average the sample results and compare the average value 

to the benchmark to determine if it the discharge has exceeded the benchmark value. However, if Permittees 

collect more than one sample during a 24-hour period, they must first calculate the daily average of the 

individual grab sample results collected during that 24-hour period; then use the daily average to calculate a 

quarterly average.

b. The Permittee shall ensure laboratory results comply with the quantitation level (QL) specified in the table. 

However, if an alternate method from 40 CFR Part 136 is sufficient to produce measurable results in the 

sample, the Permittee may use that method for analysis. If the Permittee uses an alternative method it must 

report the test method and QL on the DMR. If the Permittee is unable to obtain the required QL due to matrix 

effects, the Permittee must report the matrix-specific method detection level (MDL) and QL on the DMR. c. 1/quarter means at least one sample taken each quarter, year-round.

 

6

Puget Sound Sediment Cleanup Site means: Category 4B (Sediment) portions of Budd Inlet (Inner), 

Commencement Bay (Inner), Commencement Bay (Outer), Dalco Passage and East Passage, Duwamish Waterway 

(including East and West Waterway), Eagle Harbor, Elliot Bay, Hood Canal (North), Liberty Bay, Rosario Strait, 

Sinclair Inlet, and Thea Foss Waterway; Category 5 (Sediment) portions of the Duwamish Waterway (including 

East and West Waterway), and Port Gardner and Inner Everett Harbor; and the Port Angeles Harbor sediment 

cleanup area, as mapped on Ecology’s ISGP website. All references to Category 4B and 5 pertain to the 2012 EPAapproved Water Quality Assessment.
S6.C.2.d

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 32

d. Permittees shall remove accumulated solids from storm drain lines (including 

inlets, catch basins, sumps, conveyance lines, and oil/water separators) owned or 

controlled by the Permittee at least once prior to October 1, 2016. 

Permittees shall conduct line cleaning operations (e.g., jetting, vacuuming, 

removal, loading, storage, and/or transport) using BMPs to prevent discharges of 

storm drain solids to surface waters of the state. 

Removed storm drain solids and liquids shall be disposed of in accordance with 

applicable laws and regulations and documented in the SWPPP. 

i. If a Permittee can demonstrate that line cleaning operations are not 

feasible by the October 1, 2016 deadline, Ecology may approve a time 

extension by approving a modification of permit coverage. 

ii. If a Permittee can demonstrate, based on video inspection, in-line storm 

drain solids sampling, or other documentation, that storm drain line 

cleaning is not necessary to prevent downstream sediment contamination 

or recontamination, Ecology may waive this requirement by approving a 

modification of permit coverage. 

iii. Requests for line cleaning waivers or time extensions must be 

accompanied by a modification of coverage form, and a detailed 

technical basis to support the request. The due date for line cleaning 

waiver and extension requests is May 15, 2016. 

e. Permittees shall sample and analyze storm drain solids in accordance with Table 8

at least once prior to October 1, 2016. Storm drain solids must be collected/sampled 

from a representative catch basin, sump, pipe, or other feature within the storm 

drain system that corresponds to the discharge point where Total Suspended Solids 

(TSS) samples are collected per Condition S6.C. Samples may be either a single 

grab sample or a composite sample. Samples must be representative of the storm 

drain solids generated and accumulated in the facility's drainage system. To the 

extent possible, sample locations must exclude portions of the drainage system 

affected by water from off-site sources (e.g., run-on from off-site properties, tidal 

influence, backflow).

i. If a Permittee can demonstrate that storm drain solids sampling and 

analysis is not feasible by the October 1, 2016 deadline, Ecology may 

approve a time extension by approving a modification of permit coverage. 

ii. If a Permittee can demonstrate that storm drain solids sampling and 

analysis is not feasible or not necessary, Ecology may waive this 

requirement by approving a modification of permit coverage. 

iii. Requests for storm drain solids sampling and analysis waivers or time 

extensions must be accompanied by a modification of coverage form, and 

a detailed technical basis to support the request. The due date for solids 

sampling and analysis waiver and extension requests is May 15, 2016. 
S6.C.2.e.iii

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 33

Table 8: Sampling and Analytical Procedures for Storm Drain Solids 

Analyte Method in Sediment Quantitation 

Levela

Conventional Parameters

Percent total solids SM 2540G, or ASTM Method D 2216 NA

Total organic carbon Puget Sound Estuary Protocols (PSEP 1997), or 

EPA 9060

0.1%

Grain size Ecology Method Sieve and Pipette (ASTM 1997),

ASTMD422, or PSEP 1986/2003

NA

Metals

Antimony, Total EPA Method 200.8 (ICP/MS) , EPA Method 6010 

or EPA Method 6020

0.2 mg/kg dwb

Arsenic, Total EPA Method 200.8 (ICP/MS) , EPA Method 6010 

or EPA Method 6020

0.1 mg/kg dw

Beryllium, Total EPA Method 200.8 (ICP/MS) , EPA Method 6010 

or EPA Method 6020

0.2 mg/kg dw

Cadmium, Total EPA Method 200.8 (ICP/MS) , EPA Method 6010 

or EPA Method 6020

0.2 mg/kg dw 

Chromium, Total EPA Method 200.8 (ICP/MS) , EPA Method 6010 

or EPA Method 6020

0.5 mg/kg dw

Copper, Total EPA Method 200.8 (ICP/MS) , EPA Method 6010 

or EPA Method 6020

0.2 mg/kg dw

Lead, Total EPA Method 200.8 (ICP/MS) , EPA Method 6010 

or EPA Method 6020

0.2 mg/kg dw

Mercury, Total EPA Method 1631E, or EPA Method 7471B 0.005 mg/kg dw

Nickel, Total EPA Method 200.8 (ICP/MS) , EPA Method 6010 

or EPA Method 6020

0.1 mg/kg dw

Selenium, Total EPA Method 200.8 (ICP/MS) , EPA Method 6010 

or EPA Method 6020

0.5 mg/kg dw

Silver, Total EPA Method 200.8 (ICP/MS) , EPA Method 6010 

or EPA Method 6020

0.1 mg/kg dw

Thallium, Total EPA Method 200.8 (ICP/MS) , EPA Method 6010 

or EPA Method 6020

0.2 mg/kg dw

Zinc, Total EPA Method 200.8 (ICP/MS) , EPA Method 6010 

or EPA Method 6020

5.0 mg/kg dw

Organics

PAH compoundsc EPA Method 8270 D 70 μg/kg dw

PCBs (aroclors), Totald EPA Method 8082 10 μg/kg dw

Petroleum Hydrocarbons

NWTPH-Dx NWTPH-Dx 25.0-100.0 mg/kg dw

a. The Permittee shall ensure laboratory results comply with the quantitation level (QL) specified in the table. 

However, if an alternate method is sufficient to produce measurable results in the sample, the Permittee may use 

that method for analysis. If the Permittee uses an alternative method it must report the test method and QL on 
S6.C.2.f

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 34

the sediment monitoring report. All results shall be reported. For values below the QL, or where a QL is not 

specified, report results at the method detection level (MDL) from the lab and the qualifier of “U” for 

undetected at that concentration. If the Permittee is unable to obtain the required QL due to matrix effects, the 

Permittee must report the matrix-specific MDL and QL on the DMR. 

b. dw = dry weight. c. PAH compounds include: 1-methylnaphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, 2-chloronaphthalene, acenaphthylene, 

acenaphthene, anthracene, benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(b, k)fluoranthene, benzo(ghi)perylene, 

dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, dibenzofuran, carbazole, chrysene, fluoranthene, fluorene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, 

naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene.

d. Total = sum of PCB aroclors 1016+1221+1232+1242+1248+1254+1260.

f. All storm drain solids sampling data shall be reported to Ecology on a Solids 

Monitoring Report (SMR) no later than the DMR due date for the reporting 

period in which the solids were sampled, in accordance with Condition S9.A. A 

copy of the lab report shall be submitted to Ecology with the SMR. 

D. Requirements for Discharges to Waters with Applicable TMDLs

1. The Permittee shall comply with applicable TMDL determinations. Applicable 

TMDLs or TMDL determinations are TMDLs which have been completed by the 

issuance date of this permit, or which have been completed prior to the date that the 

Permittee's application is received by Ecology, whichever is later. Ecology will list 

the Permittee’s requirements to comply with this condition on the letter of permit 

coverage. 

2. TMDL requirements associated with TMDLs completed after the issuance date of this 

permit only become effective if they are imposed through an administrative order 

issued by Ecology. 

3. Where Ecology has established a TMDL wasteload allocation and sampling 

requirements for the Permittee's discharge, the Permittee shall comply with all 

requirements of the TMDL as listed in Appendix 5. 

a. If a discharge point is subject to a TMDL-related effluent limit (Condition S6.D) 

for a parameter that also has a benchmark (Condition S5), the effluent limit 

supersedes the benchmark. 

4. Where Ecology has established a TMDL general wasteload allocation for industrial 

stormwater discharges for a parameter present in the Permittee's discharge, but has 

not identified specific requirements, Ecology will assume the Permittee's compliance 

with the terms and conditions of the permit complies with the approved TMDL. 

5. Where Ecology has not established a TMDL wasteload allocation for industrial 

stormwater discharges for a parameter present in the Permittee's discharge, but has 

not excluded these discharges, Ecology will assume the Permittee's compliance with 

the terms and conditions of this permit complies with the approved TMDL. 

6. Where a TMDL for a parameter present in the Permittee's discharge specifically 

precludes or prohibits discharges of stormwater associated with industrial activity, 

the Permittee is not eligible for coverage under this permit.
S7.A 

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 35

S7. INSPECTIONS

A. Inspection Frequency and Personnel

1. The Permittee shall conduct and document visual inspections of the site each month. 

2. The Permittee shall ensure that inspections are conducted by qualified personnel. 

B. Inspection Components

Each inspection shall include: 

1. Observations made at stormwater sampling locations and areas where stormwater

associated with industrial activity is discharged off-site; or discharged to waters of the 

state, or to a storm sewer system that drains to waters of the state. 

2. Observations for the presence of floating materials, visible oil sheen, discoloration, 

turbidity, odor, etc. in the stormwater discharge(s).

3. Observations for the presence of illicit discharges such as domestic wastewater, 

noncontact cooling water, or process wastewater (including leachate). 

a. If an illicit discharge is discovered, the Permittee shall notify Ecology within 

seven days. 

b. The Permittee shall eliminate the illicit discharge within 30 days. 

4. A verification that the descriptions of potential pollutant sources required under this 

permit are accurate.

5. A verification that the site map in the SWPPP reflects current conditions. 

6. An assessment of all BMPs that have been implemented, noting all of the following: 

a. Effectiveness of BMPs inspected.

b. Locations of BMPs that need maintenance.

c. Reason maintenance is needed and a schedule for maintenance.

d. Locations where additional or different BMPs are needed and the rationale for the 

additional or different BMPs. 

C. Inspection Results

1. The Permittee shall record the results of each inspection in an inspection report or 

checklist and keep the records on-site, as part of the SWPPP, for Ecology review. The 

Permittee shall ensure each inspection report documents the observations, 

verifications and assessments required in S7.B and includes: 

a. Time and date of the inspection. 

b. Locations inspected. 

c. Statements that, in the judgment of 1) the person conducting the site inspection, 

and 2) the person described in Condition G2., the site is either in compliance or 

out of compliance with the terms and conditions of the SWPPP and this permit. 
S7.C.1.d

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 36

d. A summary report and a schedule of implementation of the remedial actions that 

the Permittee plans to take if the site inspection indicates that the site is out of 

compliance. The remedial actions taken must meet the requirements of the 

SWPPP and the permit. 

e. Name, title, and signature of the person conducting site inspection; and the 

following statement: “I certify that this report is true, accurate, and complete, to 

the best of my knowledge and belief.” 

f. Certification and signature of the person described in Condition G2.A, or a duly 

authorized representative of the facility, in accordance with Condition G2.B and 

D. 

D. Reports of Non-Compliance

The Permittee shall prepare reports of non-compliance identified during an inspection in 

accordance with the requirements of Condition S9.E. 

S8. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

A. Implementation of Source Control and Treatment BMPs from Previous Permit

In addition to the Corrective Action Requirements of S8.B-D, Permittees shall implement 

any applicable Level 1, 2 or 3 Responses required by the previous Industrial Stormwater 

General Permit(s). Permittees shall continue to operate and/or maintain any source 

control or treatment BMPs related to Level 1, 2 or 3 Responses implemented prior to the 

effective date of this permit.

B. Level One Corrective Actions – Operational Source Control BMPs

Permittees that exceed any applicable benchmark value(s) in Table 2, Table 3 and/or 

Table 7 for any quarter shall complete a Level 1 Corrective Action for each parameter 

exceeded in accordance with the following: 

1. Within 14 days of receipt of sampling results that indicate a benchmark exceedance

for a given quarter 7

; or, for parameters other than pH or visible oil sheen, the end of 

the quarter, whichever is later: 

a. Conduct an inspection to investigate the cause. 

b. Review the SWPPP and ensure that it fully complies with Permit Condition S3, 

and contains the correct BMPs from the applicable Stormwater Management 

Manual. 

c. Make appropriate revisions to the SWPPP to include additional Operational 

Source Control BMPs with the goal of achieving the applicable benchmark

value(s) in future discharges. 

2. Summarize the Level 1 Corrective Actions in the Annual Report (Condition S9.B). 

 

7 Based on quarterly average per Condition S5.A.3, S5.B.2 and/or S6.C.2.c. For pH and visible oil sheen, quarterly 

averaging is not allowed, so the 14 days begin upon receipt of a single benchmark exceedance. 
S8.B.3

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 37

3. Level One Deadline: The Permittee shall sign/certify and fully implement the 

revised SWPPP according to Permit Condition S3 and the applicable Stormwater 

Management Manual as soon as possible, but no later than the DMR due date for the 

quarter the benchmark was exceeded. 

C. Level Two Corrective Actions – Structural Source Control BMPs

Permittees that exceed an applicable benchmark value in Table 2, Table 3 and/or Table 7

(for a single parameter) for any two quarters during a calendar year shall complete a 

Level 2 Corrective Action in accordance with S8.C. Alternatively, the Permittee may skip 

Level 2 and complete a Level 3 Corrective Action in accordance with Condition S8.D. 

1. Review the SWPPP and ensure that it fully complies with Permit Condition S3. 

2. Make appropriate revisions to the SWPPP to include additional Structural Source 

Control BMPs with the goal of achieving the applicable benchmark value(s) in future 

discharges. 

3. Summarize the Level 2 Corrective Actions (planned or taken) in the Annual Report 

(Condition S9.B). 

4. Level 2 Deadline: The Permittee shall sign/certify and fully implement the revised 

SWPPP according to Permit Condition S3 and the applicable Stormwater 

Management Manual as soon as possible, but no later than August 31st the following 

year. 

a. If installation of necessary Structural Source Control BMPs is not feasible by 

August 31st the following year, Ecology may approve additional time by 

approving a Modification of Permit Coverage. 

b. If installation of Structural Source Control BMPs is not feasible or not necessary 

to prevent discharges that may cause or contribute to a violation of a water quality 

standard, Ecology may waive the requirement for additional Structural Source 

Control BMPs by approving a Modification of Permit Coverage. 

c. To request a time extension or waiver, a Permittee shall submit a detailed 

explanation of why it is making the request (technical basis), and a Modification 

of Coverage form to Ecology in accordance with Condition S2.B, by May 15th

prior to Level 2 Deadline. Ecology will approve or deny the request within 60 

days of receipt of a complete Modification of Coverage request. 

d. While a time extension is in effect, benchmark exceedances (for the same 

parameter) do not count towards additional Level 2 or 3 Corrective Actions. 

e. For the year following the calendar year the Permittee triggered a Level 2 

corrective action, benchmark exceedances (for the same parameter) do not count 

towards additional Level 2 or 3 Corrective Actions. 

D. Level Three Corrective Actions – Treatment BMPs

Permittees that exceed an applicable benchmark value in Table 2, Table 3 and/or Table 7

(for a single parameter) for any three quarters during a calendar year shall complete a 
S8.D 

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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Level 3 Corrective Action in accordance with S8.D. A Level 2 Corrective Action is not 

required. 

1. Review the SWPPP and ensure that it fully complies with Permit Condition S3. 

2. Make appropriate revisions to the SWPPP to include additional Treatment BMPs with 

the goal of achieving the applicable benchmark value(s) in future discharges. 

Revisions shall include additional operational and/or structural source control BMPs 

if necessary for proper performance and maintenance of Treatment BMPs. 

A Qualified Industrial Stormwater Professional shall review the revised SWPPP, sign 

the SWPPP Certification Form, and certify that it is reasonably expected to meet the 

ISGP benchmarks upon implementation. Upon written request Ecology may, one time 

during the permit cycle, waive this requirement on a case-by-case basis if a Permittee

demonstrates to Ecology’s satisfaction that the proposed Level 3 treatment BMPs are 

reasonably expected to meet ISGP benchmarks upon implementation. 

3. Before installing treatment BMPs that require the site-specific design or sizing of 

structures, equipment, or processes to collect, convey, treat, reclaim, or dispose of 

industrial stormwater; the Permittee shall submit an engineering report to Ecology for 

review. 

a. The engineering report must include: 

i. Brief summary of the treatment alternatives considered and why the 

proposed option was selected. Include cost estimates of ongoing operation 

and maintenance, including disposal of any spent media; 

ii. The basic design data, including characterization of stormwater influent,

and sizing calculations of the treatment units; 

iii. A description of the treatment process and operation, including a flow 

diagram; 

iv. The amount and kind of chemicals used in the treatment process, if any. 

Note: Use of stormwater treatment chemicals requires submittal of 

Request for Chemical Treatment Form; 

v. Results to be expected from the treatment process including the predicted 

stormwater discharge characteristics; 

vi. A statement, expressing sound engineering justification through the use of 

pilot plant data, results from similar installations, and/or scientific 

evidence that the proposed treatment is reasonably expected to meet the 

permit benchmarks; and

vii. Certification by a licensed professional engineer. 

b. The engineering report shall be submitted no later than the May 15th prior to the 

Level 3 deadline, unless an alternate due date is specified in an order. 

c. An Operation and Maintenance Manual (O&M Manual) shall be submitted to 

Ecology no later than 30 days after construction/installation is complete; unless an 

alternate due date is specified in an order. 
S8.D.4

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4. Summarize the Level 3 Corrective Actions (planned or taken) in the Annual Report 

(Condition S9.B). Include information on how monitoring, assessment or evaluation 

information was (or will be) used to determine whether existing treatment BMPs will 

be modified/enhanced, or if new/additional treatment BMPs will be installed.

5. Level 3 Deadline: The Permittee shall sign/certify and fully implement the revised 

SWPPP according to Permit Condition S3 and the applicable Stormwater 

Management Manual as soon as possible, but no later than September 30th the 

following year. 

a. If installation of necessary Treatment BMPs is not feasible by the Level 3 

Deadline; Ecology may approve additional time by approving a Modification of 

Permit Coverage. 

b. If installation of Treatment BMPs is not feasible or not necessary to prevent 

discharges that may cause or contribute to violation of a water quality standard, 

Ecology may waive the requirement for Treatment BMPs by approving a 

Modification of Permit Coverage. 

c. To request a time extension or waiver, a Permittee shall submit a detailed 

explanation of why it is making the request (technical basis), and a Modification 

of Coverage form to Ecology in accordance with Condition S2.B, by May 15th

prior to the Level 3 Deadline. Ecology will approve or deny the request within 60 

days of receipt of a complete Modification of Coverage request. 

d. While a time extension is in effect, benchmark exceedances (for the same 

parameter) do not count towards additional Level 2 or 3 Corrective Actions. 

e. For the year following the calendar year the Permittee triggered a Level 3 

corrective action, benchmark exceedances (for the same parameter) do not count 

towards additional Level 2 or 3 Corrective Actions. 

S9. REPORTING AND RECORDKEEPING 

A. Discharge Monitoring Reports 

1. The Permittee shall submit sampling data obtained during each reporting period on a 

Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) or a Solids Monitoring Form (SMR)8 form 

provided, or otherwise approved, by Ecology. 

2. Upon permit coverage, the Permittee shall ensure that DMRs are submitted to

Ecology by the DMR Due Dates below: 

 Table 9: Reporting Dates and DMR Due Dates

Reporting Period Months DMR Due Date

1st January-March May 15

2nd April-June August 15

3rd July-Sept November 15

4th October-December February 15

 

8 SMR required if Condition S6.C.2 applies. 
S9.A.3

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3. DMRs and SMRs shall be submitted electronically using Ecology’s Water Quality 

Permitting Portal – Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) application, unless a waiver 

from electronic reporting has been granted (e.g., if a Permittee does not have 

broadband internet access). SMR forms, identified as a single sample DMR type, are 

included with the quarterly DMR forms on the Portal. If a waiver has been granted, 

reports must be postmarked or delivered to the following address by the due date: 

Department of Ecology

Water Quality Program – Industrial Stormwater

PO Box 47696 

Olympia, WA 98504-7696 

4. The Permittee shall submit a DMR each reporting period, whether or not the facility

has discharged stormwater from the site. For Permittees that receive permit coverage 

after January 2, 2015, the first reporting period is the first full quarter following the 

effective date of permit coverage. 

a. If no stormwater sample was obtained from the site during a given reporting 

period, the Permittee shall submit the DMR form indicating “no sample 

obtained”, or “no discharge during the quarter”, as applicable. 

b. If a Permittee has suspended sampling for a parameter due to consistent 

attainment, the Permittee shall submit a DMR and indicate that it has achieved 

Consistent Attainment for that parameter(s). 

5. The Permittee must use the Water Quality Permitting Portal – Permit Submittals 

application (unless otherwise specified in the permit) to submit all other written 

permit-required reports by the date specified in the permit unless a waiver has been 

granted under S9.A. If a waiver has been granted, DMRs must be postmarked or 

delivered to the address listed in S9.A.3 by the due date. 

B. Annual Reports

1. The Permittee shall submit a complete and accurate Annual Report to the Department 

of Ecology no later than May 15th of each year using Ecology’s Water Quality 

Permitting Portal – Permit Submittals application, unless a waiver from electronic 

reporting has been granted according to S9.A.3. Annual Reports are not required if 

the Permittee didn’t have permit coverage during the previous calendar year. 

2. The annual report shall include corrective action documentation as required in S8.BD. If corrective action is not yet completed at the time of submission of this annual 

report, the Permittee must describe the status of any outstanding corrective action(s). 

3. Permittees shall include the following information with each annual report. The 

Permittee shall: 

a. Identify the condition triggering the need for corrective action review. 

b. Describe the problem(s) and identify the dates they were discovered.

c. Summarize any Level 1, 2 or 3 corrective actions completed during the previous 

calendar year and include the dates it completed the corrective actions. 
S9.B.3.d

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d. Describe the status of any Level 2 or 3 corrective actions triggered during the 

previous calendar year, and identify the date it expects to complete corrective 

actions. 

e. Primary airport Permittees with at least 1,000 annual jet departures shall include a 

certification statement in each annual report that it does not use airfield deicing

products that contain urea. Alternatively, Permittees shall meet the numeric 

effluent limit for ammonia in Condition S5.C. Table 5. 

4. Permittees shall retain a copy of all annual reports onsite for Ecology review.

C. Records Retention

1. The Permittee shall retain the following documents onsite for a minimum of five 

years: 

a. A copy of this permit.

b. A copy of the permit coverage letter.

c. Records of all sampling information specified in Condition S4.B.3. 

d. Inspection reports including documentation specified in Condition S7. 

e. Any other documentation of compliance with permit requirements. 

f. All equipment calibration records. 

g. All BMP maintenance records. 

h. All original recordings for continuous sampling instrumentation.

i. Copies of all laboratory reports as described in Condition S3.B.4. 

j. Copies of all reports required by this permit. 

k. Records of all data used to complete the application for this permit.

2. The Permittee shall extend the period of records retention during the course of any 

unresolved litigation regarding the discharge of pollutants by the Permittee, or when 

requested by Ecology. 

3. The Permittee shall make all plans, documents and records required by this permit 

immediately available to Ecology or the local jurisdiction upon request; or within 14 

days of a written request from Ecology. 

D. Additional Sampling by the Permittee

If the Permittee samples any pollutant at a designated sampling point more frequently 

than required by this permit, then the Permittee shall include the results in the 

calculation and reporting of the data submitted in the Permittee's DMR. 

If Permittees collect more than one sample during a 24-hour period, they must first 

calculate the daily average of the individual grab sample results collected during that 

24-hour period; then use the daily average to calculate a quarterly average.
S9.E 

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E. Reporting Permit Violations 

1. In the event the Permittee is unable to comply with any of the terms and conditions of 

this permit which may endanger human health or the environment, or exceed any 

numeric effluent limitation in the permit, the Permittee shall, upon becoming aware of 

the circumstances: 

a. Immediately take action to minimize potential pollution or otherwise stop the 

noncompliance and correct the problem. 

b. Immediately notify the appropriate Ecology regional office of the failure to 

comply: 

• Central Region at (509) 575-2490 for Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, 

Klickitat, Okanogan, or Yakima County. 

• Eastern Region at (509) 329-3400 for Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, 

Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, 

or Whitman County. 

• Northwest Region at (425) 649-7000 for Island, King, Kitsap, San Juan, Skagit, 

Snohomish, or Whatcom County. 

• Southwest Region at (360) 407-6300 for Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, 

Jefferson, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston, or Wahkiakum 

County. 

c. Submit a detailed written report to Ecology within 5 days of the time the 

Permittee becomes aware of the circumstances unless Ecology requests an earlier 

submission. The report shall be submitted using Ecology’s Water Quality 

Permitting Portal – Permit Submittals application, unless a waiver from electronic 

reporting has been granted according to S9.A.3. The Permittee's report shall 

contain: 

i. A description of the noncompliance, including exact dates and times. 

ii. Whether the noncompliance has been corrected and, if not, when the 

noncompliance will be corrected. 

iii. The steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of 

the noncompliance. 

d. Upon request of the Permittee, Ecology may waive the requirement for a written 

report on a case-by-case basis, if the immediate notification (S9.E.1.b) is received 

by Ecology within 24 hours. 

2. Compliance with the requirements of this section does not relieve the Permittee from 

responsibility to maintain continuous compliance with the terms and conditions of 

this permit or the resulting liability for failure to comply.
S9.F 

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F. Public Access to SWPPP

The Permittee shall provide access to, or a copy of, the SWPPP to the public when 

requested in writing. Upon receiving a written request from the public for the SWPPP, 

the Permittee shall:

1. Provide a copy of the SWPPP to the requestor within 14 days of receipt of the written 

request; or 

2. Notify the requestor within ten days of receipt of the written request of the location 

and times within normal business hours when the requestor may view the SWPPP , 

and provide access to the SWPPP within 14 days of receipt of the written request; or 

3. Provide a copy of the plans and records to Ecology, where the requestor may view the 

records, within 14 days of a request; or may arrange with the requestor for an 

alternative, mutually agreed upon location for viewing and/or copying of the plans 

and records. If access to the plans and records is provided at a location other than at 

an Ecology office, the Permittee will provide reasonable access to copying services 

for which it may charge a reasonable fee.

S10. COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARDS

A. Discharges shall not cause or contribute to a violation of Surface Water Quality 

Standards (Chapter 173-201A WAC), Ground Water Quality Standards (Chapter 173-

200 WAC), Sediment Management Standards (Chapter 173-204 WAC), and human 

health-based criteria in the National Toxics Rule (40 CFR 131.36). Discharges that are 

not in compliance with these standards are prohibited.

 B. Ecology will presume compliance with water quality standards, unless discharge 

monitoring data or other site specific information demonstrates that a discharge causes or 

contributes to violation of water quality standards, when the Permittee is:

1. In full compliance with all permit conditions, including planning, sampling, 

monitoring, reporting, and recordkeeping conditions. 

2. Fully implementing storm water best management practices contained in storm water 

technical manuals approved by the department, or practices that are demonstrably 

equivalent to practices contained in storm water technical manuals approved by 

Ecology, including the proper selection, implementation, and maintenance of all 

applicable and appropriate best management practices for on-site pollution control. 

 C. Prior to the discharge of stormwater and non-stormwater to waters of the state, the 

Permittee shall apply all known and reasonable methods of prevention, control, and 

treatment (AKART). To comply with this condition, the Permittee shall prepare and 

implement an adequate SWPPP, with all applicable and appropriate BMPs, including the 

BMPs necessary to meet the standards identified in Condition S10.A, and shall install and 

maintain the BMPs in accordance with the SWPPP, applicable SWMMs, and the terms 

and conditions of this permit. 
S11.A 

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S11. PERMIT FEES

A. The Permittee shall pay permit fees assessed by Ecology and established in Chapter 

173-224 WAC. 

B. Ecology will continue to assess permit fees until it terminates a permit in accordance 

with Special Condition S13 or revoked in accordance with General Condition G5. 

S12. SOLID AND LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT

The Permittee shall not allow solid waste material or leachate to cause violations of the State 

Surface Water Quality Standards (Chapter 173-201A WAC), the Ground Water Quality 

Standards (Chapter 173-200 WAC) or the Sediment Management Standards (Chapter 173-

204 WAC). 

S13. NOTICE OF TERMINATION (NOT)

A. Conditions for a NOT 

Ecology may approve a Notice of Termination (NOT) request when the Permittee meets 

one or more of the following conditions: 

1. All permitted stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity that are 

authorized by this permit cease because the industrial activity has ceased, and no 

significant materials or industrial pollutants remain exposed to stormwater. 

2. The party that is responsible for permit coverage (signatory to application) sells or 

otherwise legally transfers responsibility for the industrial activity. 

3. All stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity are prevented because 

the stormwater is redirected to a sanitary sewer, or discharged to ground (e.g., 

infiltration). 

B. Procedure for Obtaining Termination 

1. The Permittee shall apply for a NOT on a form specified by Ecology (NOT Form).

2. The Permittee seeking permit coverage termination shall sign the NOT in accordance 

with Condition G2. of this permit. 

3. The Permittee shall submit the completed NOT form to Ecology at the address in 

Condition S9.A.5. 
G1

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GENERAL CONDITIONS

G1. DISCHARGE VIOLATIONS

All discharges and activities authorized by this general permit shall be consistent with the 

terms and conditions of this general permit. Any discharge of any pollutant more frequently 

than, or at a level in excess of that identified and authorized by the general permit, shall 

constitute a violation of the terms and conditions of this permit. 

G2. SIGNATORY REQUIREMENTS

A. All permit applications shall be signed: 

1. In the case of corporations, by a responsible corporate officer. 

2. In the case of a partnership, by a general partner of a partnership.

3. In the case of sole proprietorship, by the proprietor. 

4. In the case of a municipal, state, or other public facility, by either a principal 

executive officer or ranking elected official. 

B. All reports required by this permit and other information requested by Ecology shall be 

signed by a person described above or by a duly authorized representative of that 

person. A person is a duly authorized representative only if: 

1. The authorization is made in writing by a person described above and submitted to 

the Ecology. 

2. The authorization specifies either an individual or a position having responsibility for 

the overall operation of the regulated facility, such as the position of plant manager, 

superintendent, position of equivalent responsibility, or an individual or position 

having overall responsibility for environmental matters. 

C. Changes to authorization. If an authorization under paragraph G2.B.2 above is no 

longer accurate because a different individual or position has responsibility for the 

overall operation of the facility, a new authorization satisfying the requirements of 

paragraph G2.B.2 above shall be submitted to Ecology prior to, or together with, any 

reports, information, or applications to be signed by an authorized representative. 

D. Certification. Any person signing a document under this section shall make the 

following certification:

“I certify under penalty of law, that this document and all attachments were prepared 

under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that 

qualified personnel properly gathered and evaluated the information submitted. Based 

on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons 

directly responsible for gathering information, the information submitted is, to the best 

of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are 

significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine 

and imprisonment for knowing violations.” 
G3

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G3. RIGHT OF INSPECTION AND ENTRY

The Permittee shall allow an authorized representative of Ecology, upon the presentation of 

credentials and such other documents as may be required by law: 

A. To enter upon the premises where a discharge is located or where any records shall be 

kept under the terms and conditions of this permit. 

B. To have access to and copy, at reasonable times and at reasonable cost, any records 

required to be kept under the terms and conditions of this permit. 

C. To inspect, at reasonable times, any facilities, equipment (including sampling and 

control equipment), practices, methods, or operations regulated or required under this 

permit.

D. To sample or monitor, at reasonable times, any substances or parameters at any location 

for purposes of assuring permit compliance or as otherwise authorized by the Clean 

Water Act. 

G4. GENERAL PERMIT MODIFICATION AND REVOCATION

This permit may be modified, revoked and reissued, or terminated in accordance with the 

provisions of Chapter 173-226 WAC. Grounds for modification, revocation and reissuance, 

or termination include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. When a change which occurs in the technology or practices for control or abatement of 

pollutants applicable to the category of dischargers covered under this permit. 

B. When effluent limitation guidelines or standards are promulgated pursuant to the CWA 

or Chapter 90.48 RCW, for the category of dischargers covered under this permit. 

C. When a water quality management plan containing requirements applicable to the 

category of dischargers covered under this permit is approved. 

D. When information is obtained which indicates that cumulative effects on the 

environment from dischargers covered under this permit are unacceptable.

G5. REVOCATION OF COVERAGE UNDER THE PERMIT 

A. Pursuant with Chapter 43.21B RCW and Chapter 173-226 WAC, Ecology may 

terminate coverage for any discharger under this permit for cause. Cases where 

coverage may be terminated include, but are not limited to, the following: 

1. Violation of any term or condition of this permit. 

2. Obtaining coverage under this permit by misrepresentation or failure to disclose fully 

all relevant facts.

3. A change in any condition that requires either a temporary or permanent reduction or 

elimination of the permitted discharge.

4. Failure or refusal of the Permittee to allow entry as required in RCW 90.48.090. 
G5.A.5

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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5. A determination that the permitted activity endangers human health or the 

environment, or contributes to water quality standards violations. 

6. Nonpayment of permit fees or penalties assessed pursuant to RCW 90.48.465 and 

Chapter 173-224 WAC. 

7. Failure of the Permittee to satisfy the public notice requirements of WAC 173-226-

130(5), when applicable. 

B. Ecology may require any discharger under this permit to apply for and obtain coverage 

under an individual permit or another more specific general permit. 

C. Permittees who have their coverage revoked for cause according to WAC 173-226-240 

may request temporary coverage under this permit during the time an individual permit 

is being developed, provided the request is made within 90 days from the time of 

revocation and is submitted along with a complete individual permit application form. 

G6. REPORTING A CAUSE FOR MODIFICATION

The Permittee shall submit a new application, or a supplement to the previous application, 

whenever a material change to the industrial activity or in the quantity or type of discharge is 

anticipated which is not specifically authorized by this permit. This application shall be 

submitted at least 60 days prior to any proposed changes. The filing of a request by the 

Permittee for a permit modification, revocation and reissuance, or termination, or a 

notification of planned changes or anticipated noncompliance does not relieve the Permittee 

of the duty to comply with the existing permit until it is modified or reissued.

G7. COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER LAWS AND STATUTES

Nothing in this permit shall be construed as excusing the Permittee from compliance with 

any applicable federal, state, or local statutes, ordinances, or regulations. 

G8. DUTY TO REAPPLY

The Permittee shall apply for permit renewal at least 180 days prior to the expiration date of 

this permit.

G9. REMOVED SUBSTANCES

Collected screenings, grit, solids, sludges, filter backwash, or other pollutants removed in the 

course of treatment or control of stormwater shall not be resuspended or reintroduced to the 

final effluent stream for discharge to state waters.

G10.DUTY TO PROVIDE INFORMATION

The Permittee shall submit to Ecology, within a reasonable time, all information which 

Ecology may request to determine whether cause exists for modifying, revoking and 

reissuing, or terminating this permit or to determine compliance with this permit. The 
G10

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Permittee shall also submit to Ecology, upon request, copies of records required to be kept by 

this permit [40 CFR 122.41(h)]. 

G11.OTHER REQUIREMENTS OF 40 CFR

All other requirements of 40 CFR 122.41 and 122.42 are incorporated in this permit by 

reference.

G12.ADDITIONAL SAMPLING

Ecology may establish specific sampling requirements in addition to those contained in this 

permit by administrative order or permit modification.

G13.PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING PERMIT CONDITIONS

Any person who is found guilty of willfully violating the terms and conditions of this permit 

shall be deemed guilty of a crime, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of 

up to $10,000 and costs of prosecution, or by imprisonment at the discretion of the court. 

Each day upon which a willful violation occurs may be deemed a separate and additional 

violation. 

Any person who violates the terms and conditions of this permit shall incur, in addition to 

any other penalty as provided by law, a civil penalty in the amount of up to $10,000 for every 

such violation. Each and every such violation shall be a separate and distinct offense, and in 

case of a continuing violation, every day’s continuance shall be deemed to be a separate and 

distinct violation.

G14.UPSET

Definition – “Upset” means an exceptional incident in which there is unintentional and 

temporary noncompliance with technology-based permit effluent limitations because of 

factors beyond the reasonable control of the Permittee. An upset does not include 

noncompliance to the extent caused by operational error, improperly designed treatment 

facilities, inadequate treatment facilities, lack of preventive maintenance, or careless or 

improper operation. 

An upset constitutes an affirmative defense to an action brought for noncompliance with such 

technology-based permit effluent limitations if the requirements of the following paragraph 

are met.

A Permittee who wishes to establish the affirmative defense of upset shall demonstrate, 

through properly signed, contemporaneous operating logs or other relevant evidence that: 

1) an upset occurred and that the Permittee can identify the cause(s) of the upset; 2) the 

permitted facility was being properly operated at the time of the upset; 3) the Permittee 

submitted notice of the upset as required in condition S9.E; and 4) the Permittee complied 

with any remedial measures required under this permit.
G14

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In any enforcement proceeding, the Permittee seeking to establish the occurrence of an upset 

has the burden of proof. 

G15.PROPERTY RIGHTS

This permit does not convey any property rights of any sort, or any exclusive privilege. 

G16.DUTY TO COMPLY

The Permittee shall comply with all conditions of this permit. Any permit noncompliance 

constitutes a violation of the Clean Water Act and is grounds for enforcement action; for 

permit termination, revocation and reissuance, or modification; or denial of a permit renewal 

application. 

G17.TOXIC POLLUTANTS

The Permittee shall comply with effluent standards or prohibitions established under Section 

307(a) of the Clean Water Act for toxic pollutants within the time provided in the regulations 

that establish those standards or prohibitions, even if this permit has not yet been modified to 

incorporate the requirement.

G18.PENALTIES FOR TAMPERING

The Clean Water Act provides that any person who falsifies, tampers with, or knowingly 

renders inaccurate any sampling device or method required to be maintained under this 

permit shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 per violation, 

or by imprisonment for not more than two years per violation, or by both. If a conviction of a 

person is for a violation committed after a first conviction of such person under this 

Condition, punishment shall be a fine of not more than $20,000 per day of violation, or 

imprisonment of not more than four years, or both. 

G19.REPORTING PLANNED CHANGES

The Permittee shall, as soon as possible, give notice to Ecology of planned physical 

alterations, modifications or additions to the permitted industrial activity, which will result 

in: 

A. The permitted facility being determined to be a new source pursuant to 40 CFR

122.29(b). 

B. A significant process change, as defined in the glossary of this permit. 

C. A change in the location of industrial activity that affects the Permittee’s sampling 

requirements in Conditions S3, S4, S5, and S6. 

Following such notice, permit coverage may be modified, or revoked and reissued pursuant 

to 40 CFR 122.62(a) to specify and limit any pollutants not previously limited. Until such 

modification is effective, any new or increased discharge in excess of permit limits or not 

specifically authorized by this permit constitutes a violation.
G20

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G20.REPORTING OTHER INFORMATION

Where the Permittee becomes aware that it failed to submit any relevant facts in a permit 

application, or submitted incorrect information in a permit application or in any report to 

Ecology, it shall promptly submit such facts or information.

G21.REPORTING ANTICIPATED NON-COMPLIANCE

The Permittee shall give advance notice to Ecology by submission of a new application, or 

supplement to the existing application, at least 45 days prior to commencement of such 

discharges, of any facility expansions, production increases, or other planned changes, such 

as process modifications, in the permitted facility or activity which may result in 

noncompliance with permit limits or conditions. Any maintenance of facilities, which might 

necessitate unavoidable interruption of operation and degradation of effluent quality, shall be 

scheduled during non-critical water quality periods and carried out in a manner approved by 

Ecology. 

G22.REQUESTS TO BE EXCLUDED FROM COVERAGE UNDER THE PERMIT

A. Any discharger authorized by this permit may request to be excluded from coverage 

under the general permit by applying for an individual permit. 

B. The discharger shall submit to Ecology an application as described in WAC 173-220-

040 or WAC 173-216-070, whichever is applicable, with reasons supporting the 

request. These reasons shall fully document how an individual permit will apply to the 

applicant in a way that the general permit cannot. 

C. Ecology may make specific requests for information to support the request. Ecology 

shall either issue an individual permit or deny the request with a statement explaining 

the reason for the denial. 

D. When an individual permit is issued to a discharger otherwise subject to the industrial 

stormwater general permit, the applicability of the industrial stormwater general permit

to that Permittee is automatically terminated on the effective date of the individual 

permit.

G23.APPEALS

A. The terms and conditions of this general permit, as they apply to the appropriate class 

of dischargers, are subject to appeal by any person within 30 days of issuance of this 

general permit, in accordance with Chapter 43.21B RCW, and Chapter 173-226 WAC. 

B. The terms and conditions of this general permit, as they apply to an individual 

discharger, are appealable in accordance with Chapter 43.21B RCW within 30 days of 

the effective date of coverage of that discharger. Consideration of an appeal of general 

permit coverage of an individual discharger is limited to the general permit’s 

applicability or nonapplicability to that individual discharger. 
G23.C

Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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C. The appeal of general permit coverage of an individual discharger does not affect any 

other dischargers covered under this general permit. If the terms and conditions of this 

general permit are found to be inapplicable to any individual discharger(s), the matter 

shall be remanded to Ecology for consideration of issuance of an individual permit or 

permits.

G24.SEVERABILITY

The provisions of this permit are severable, and if any provision of this permit, or application

of any provision of this permit to any circumstance, is held invalid, the application of such 

provision to other circumstances, and the remainder of this permit shall not be affected 

thereby.

G25.BYPASS PROHIBITED

Bypass, which is the intentional diversion of waste streams from any portion of a treatment 

facility, is prohibited, and Ecology may take enforcement action against a Permittee for 

bypass unless one of the following circumstances (A, B, or C) is applicable.

A. Bypass for Essential Maintenance without the Potential to Cause Violation of 

Permit Limits or Conditions

Bypass is authorized if it is for essential maintenance and does not have the potential to 

cause violations of limitations or other conditions of this permit, or adversely impact 

public health as determined by Ecology prior to the bypass. The Permittee must submit 

prior notice, if possible, at least ten days before the date of the bypass. 

B. Bypass Which is Unavoidable, Unanticipated, and Results in Noncompliance of this 

Permit

This bypass is permitted only if:

1. Bypass is unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal injury, or severe property 

damage. “Severe property damage” means substantial physical damage to property, 

damage to the treatment facilities which would cause them to become inoperable, or 

substantial and permanent loss of natural resources which can reasonably be expected 

to occur in the absence of a bypass. 

2. There are no feasible alternatives to the bypass, such as the use of auxiliary treatment 

facilities, retention of untreated wastes, stopping production, maintenance during 

normal periods of equipment downtime (but not if adequate backup equipment should 

have been installed in the exercise of reasonable engineering judgment to prevent a 

bypass which occurred during normal periods of equipment downtime or preventative 

maintenance), or transport of untreated wastes to another treatment facility. 

3. Ecology is properly notified of the bypass as required in condition S9E of this permit.
G25.C

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C. Bypass which is Anticipated and has the Potential to Result in Noncompliance of 

this Permit

The Permittee must notify Ecology at least thirty days before the planned date of 

bypass. The notice must contain (1) a description of the bypass and its cause; (2) an 

analysis of all known alternatives which would eliminate, reduce, or mitigate the need 

for bypassing; (3) a cost-effectiveness analysis of alternatives including comparative 

resource damage assessment; (4) the minimum and maximum duration of bypass under 

each alternative; (5) a recommendation as to the preferred alternative for conducting the 

bypass; (6) the projected date of bypass initiation; (7) a statement of compliance with 

SEPA; (8) a request for modification of water quality standards as provided for in 

WAC 173-201A-410, if an exceedance of any water quality standard is anticipated; and 

(9) steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the bypass. 

For probable construction bypasses, the need to bypass is to be identified as early in the 

planning process as possible. The analysis required above must be considered during 

preparation of the engineering report or facilities plan and plans and specifications and 

must be included to the extent practical. In cases where the probable need to bypass is 

determined early, continued analysis is necessary up to and including the construction 

period in an effort to minimize or eliminate the bypass. 

Ecology will consider the following prior to issuing an administrative order for this type 

bypass: 

1. If the bypass is necessary to perform construction or maintenance-related activities 

essential to meet the requirements of this permit.

2. If there are feasible alternatives to bypass, such as the use of auxiliary treatment 

facilities, retention of untreated wastes, stopping production, maintenance during 

normal periods of equipment down time, or transport of untreated wastes to another 

treatment facility. 

3. If the bypass is planned and scheduled to minimize adverse effects on the public and 

the environment. 

After consideration of the above and the adverse effects of the proposed bypass and any other 

relevant factors, Ecology will approve or deny the request. The public must be notified and 

given an opportunity to comment on bypass incidents of significant duration, to the extent 

feasible. Approval of a request to bypass will be by administrative order issued by Ecology

under RCW 90.48.120.
Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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APPENDIX 1 - ACRONYMS

AKART All Known, Available and Reasonable methods of prevention, control and Treatment

BMP Best Management Practice

CAS Chemical Abstract Service

CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation & Liability Act

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CWA Clean Water Act

CWT Centralized Waste Treatment 

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

ESC Erosion and Sediment Control

FAA Federal Aviation Administration 

FWPCA Federal Water Pollution Control Act

NOT Notice of Termination

NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

RCW Revised Code of Washington

SARA Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act

SEPA State Environmental Policy Act

SIC Standard Industrial Classification

SMCRA Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act

SWMM Stormwater Management Manual

SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load

USC United States Code

USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency

WAC Washington Administrative Code 

WQ Water Quality
Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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APPENDIX 2 - DEFINITIONS

40 CFR means Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which is the codification of the 

general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and 

agencies of the federal government.

303(d)-listed water body means waterbodies as listed as Category 5 on Washington State's Water 

Quality Assessment.

Air Emission means a release of air contaminants into the ambient air.

Airfield Pavement means all paved surfaces on the airside of an airport. 

Airside means the part of an airport directly involved in the arrival and departure of aircraft, 

including runways, taxiways, aprons, and ramps. 

AKART is an acronym for “all known, available, and reasonable methods of prevention, control, 

and treatment.” AKART represents the most current methodology that can be reasonably 

required for preventing, controlling, or abating the pollutants and controlling pollution associated 

with a discharge. 

Annual Non-propeller Aircraft Departures means the average number of commercial turbineengine aircraft that are propelled by jet, i.e., turbojet or turbofan, that take off from an airport on 

an annual basis, as tabulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

Applicable TMDL means a TMDL which has been completed either before the issuance date of 

this permit or the date the Permittee first obtains coverage under this permit, whichever is later. 

Application means a request for coverage under this general permit pursuant to WAC 173-226-

200. Also called a Notice of Intent (NOI). 

Average means arithmetic mean, which is equal to the sum of the measurements divided by the 

number of measurements.

Best Management Practices (BMPs - general definition) means schedules of activities, 

prohibitions of practices, maintenance procedures, and other physical, structural and/or 

managerial practices to prevent or reduce the pollution of waters of the state. BMPs include 

treatment systems, operating procedures, and practices to control: facility site runoff, spillage or 

leaks, sludge or waste disposal, or drainage from raw material storage. In this permit BMPs are 

further categorized as operational source control, structural source control, erosion and sediment

control, and treatment BMPs.

Benchmark means a pollutant concentration used as a permit threshold, below which a pollutant 

is considered unlikely to cause a water quality violation, and above which it may. When 

pollutant concentrations exceed benchmarks, corrective action requirements take effect. 

Benchmark values are not water quality standards and are not numeric effluent limitations; they 

are indicator values.
Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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Bypass means the intentional diversion of waste streams from any portion of a treatment facility. 

Clean Water Act (CWA) means the Federal Water Pollution Control Act enacted by Public Law 

92-500, as amended by Public Laws 95-217, 95-576, 96-483, and 97-117; USC 1251 et seq. 

Combined Sewer means a sewer which has been designed to serve as a sanitary sewer and a 

storm sewer, and into which inflow is allowed by local ordinance. 

Construction Activity means clearing, grading, excavation and any other activity which disturbs 

the surface of the land. Such activities may include road building, construction of residential 

houses, office buildings, industrial buildings, and demolition activity. 

Control Plan means a total maximum daily load (TMDL) determination, restrictions for the 

protection of state or federal threatened or endangered species, a ground water management 

plan, or other limitations that regulate or set limits on discharges to a specific waterbody or 

ground water recharge area.

Daily Average means the average measurement of the pollutant throughout a period of 24 

consecutive hours starting at 12:01 A.M. and ending at the following 12:00 P.M. (midnight). 

Deicing means procedures and practices to remove or prevent any accumulation of snow or ice 

on: 1) an aircraft; or 2) airfield pavement. 

Demonstrably Equivalent means that the technical basis for the selection of all storm water best 

management practices are documented within a storm water pollution prevention plan. The 

storm water pollution prevention plan must document: 1) The method and reasons for choosing 

the storm water best management practices selected; 2) The pollutant removal performance 

expected from the practices selected; 3) The technical basis supporting the performance claims 

for the practices selected, including any available existing data concerning field performance of 

the practices selected; 4) An assessment of how the selected practices will comply with state 

water quality standards; and 5) An assessment of how the selected practices will satisfy both 

applicable federal technology-based treatment requirements and state requirements to use all 

known, available, and reasonable methods of prevention, control, and treatment. 

Detention means the temporary storage of stormwater to improve quality and/or to reduce the 

mass flow rate of discharge. 

Discharge [of a pollutant] means any addition of any pollutant or combination of pollutants to 

waters of the United States from any point source. This definition includes additions of 

pollutants into waters of the United States from: surface runoff which is collected or channeled

by man; discharges through pipes, sewers, or other conveyances owned by a State, municipality, 

or other person which do not lead to a treatment works; and discharges through pipes, sewers, or 

other conveyances, leading into privately owned treatment works. 
Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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Discharge point means the location where a discharge leaves the Permittee’s facility. Discharge 

point also includes the location where a discharge enters the ground on-site (e.g., infiltration

BMP). 

Discharger means an owner or operator of any facility or activity subject to regulation under 

Chapter 90.48 RCW or the Federal Clean Water Act. 

Domestic Wastewater means water carrying human wastes, including kitchen, bath, and laundry 

wastes from residences, buildings, industrial establishments, or other places, together with such 

ground water infiltration or surface waters as may be present.

Ecology means the Washington State Department of Ecology. 

EPA means the United States Environmental Protection Agency. 

Equivalent BMPs means operational, source control, treatment, or innovative BMPs which result 

in equal or better quality of stormwater discharge to surface water or to ground water than 

BMPs selected from the SWMM. 

Erosion means the wearing away of the land surface by running water, wind, ice, or other 

geological agents, including such processes as gravitational creep. 

Erosion and Sediment Control BMPs means BMPs that are intended to prevent erosion and 

sedimentation, such as preserving natural vegetation, seeding, mulching and matting, plastic 

covering, filter fences, and sediment traps and ponds. 

Existing Facility means a facility that was in operation prior to the effective date of this permit. It 

also includes any facility that is not categorically included for coverage but is in operation when 

identified by Ecology as a significant contributor of pollutants. 

Facility means any source (including land or appurtenances thereto) that is subject to regulation 

under this permit. See Special Condition S1. 

First fall storm event means the first time on or after October 1st of each year that precipitation 

occurs and results in a stormwater discharge from a facility. This storm event tends to wash off 

and discharge pollutants that accumulate during the preceding dry months. 

General Permit means a permit which covers multiple dischargers of a point source category 

within a designated geographical area, in lieu of individual permits being issued to each 

discharger. 

Ground Water means water in a saturated zone or stratum beneath the land surface or a surface 

waterbody. 
Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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Illicit Discharge means any discharge that is not composed entirely of stormwater except (1) 

discharges authorized pursuant to a separate NPDES permit, or (2) conditionally authorized nonstormwater discharges identified in Condition S5.D. 

Inactive Facility means a facility that no longer engages in business, production, providing 

services, or any auxiliary operation. 

Industrial Activity means (1) the 10 categories of industrial activities identified in 40 CFR

122.26(b)(14)(i-ix and xi), (2) any facility conducting any activities described in Table 1, or (3) 

any facility identified by Ecology as a significant contributor of pollutants. 

Landfill means an area of land or an excavation in which wastes are placed for permanent 

disposal, and which is not a land application site, surface impoundment, injection well, or waste 

pile.

Land Application Site means an area where wastes are applied onto or incorporated into the soil 

surface (excluding manure spreading operations) for treatment or disposal. 

Leachate means water or other liquid that has percolated through raw material, product or waste 

and contains substances in solution or suspension as a result of the contact with these materials. 

Local Government means any county, city, or town having its own government for local affairs. 

Material Handling means storage, loading and unloading, transportation, or conveyance of any 

raw material, intermediate product, final product, by-product, or waste product. 

Municipality means a political unit such as a city, town, or county; incorporated for local selfgovernment. 

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) means the national program for 

issuing, modifying, revoking, and reissuing, terminating, and enforcing permits, and imposing 

and enforcing pretreatment requirements, under sections 307, 402, 318, and 405 of the Federal 

Clean Water Act, for the discharge of pollutants to surface waters of the state from point 

sources. These permits are referred to as NPDES permits and, in Washington State, are 

administered by the Washington Department of Ecology. 

New Development means land disturbing activities, including Class IV -general forest practices 

that are conversions from timber land to other uses; structural development, including 

construction or installation of a building or other structure; creation of impervious surfaces; and 

subdivision, short subdivision and binding site plans, as defined and applied in Chapter 58.17 

RCW. Projects meeting the definition of redevelopment shall not be considered new 

development. 

New Discharge(r) means a facility from which there is a discharge, that did not commence the 

discharge at a particular site prior to August 13, 1979, which is not a new source, and which has 

never received a finally effective NPDES permit for discharges at that site. See 40 CFR 122.2.
Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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New Facility means a facility that begins activities that result in a discharge or a potential 

discharge to waters of the state on or after the effective date of this general permit. 

Noncontact Cooling Water means water used for cooling which does not come into direct contact 

with any raw material, intermediate product, waste product, or finished product. 

Notice of Termination (NOT) means a request for termination of coverage under this general 

permit as specified by Special Condition S13 of this permit.

Operational Source Control BMPs means schedule of activities, prohibition of practices, 

maintenance procedures, employee training, good housekeeping, and other managerial practices 

to prevent or reduce the pollution of waters of the state. Not included are BMPs that require 

construction of pollution control devices. 

Outfall means the point where a discharge from a facility enters a receiving waterbody or 

receiving waters. 

Pollutant means the discharge of any of the following to waters of the state: dredged spoil, solid 

waste, incinerator residue, filter backwash, sewage, garbage, domestic sewage sludge (biosolids), 

munitions, chemical wastes, biological materials, radioactive materials, heat, wrecked or 

discarded equipment, rock, sand, cellar dirt, and industrial, municipal, and agricultural waste. 

This term does not include sewage from vessels within the meaning of section 312 of the 

FWPCA nor does it include dredged or fill material discharged in accordance with a permit 

issued under section 404 of the FWPCA. 

Pollution means contamination or other alteration of the physical, chemical, or biological 

properties of waters of the state; including change in temperature, taste, color, turbidity, or odor 

of the waters; or such discharge of any liquid, gaseous, solid, radioactive or other substance into 

any waters of the state as will or is likely to create a nuisance or render such waters harmful, 

detrimental or injurious to the public health, safety or welfare; or to domestic, commercial, 

industrial, agricultural, recreational, or other legitimate beneficial uses; or to livestock, wild 

animals, birds, fish, or other aquatic life.

Process Wastewater means any non-stormwater which, during manufacturing or processing, 

comes into direct contact or results from the production or use of any raw material, intermediate 

product, finished product, byproduct, or waste product. If stormwater commingles with process 

wastewater, the commingled water is considered process wastewater. 

Puget Sound Sediment Cleanup Site means: Category 4B (Sediment) portions of Budd Inlet 

(Inner), Commencement Bay (Inner), Commencement Bay (Outer), Dalco Passage and East 

Passage, Duwamish Waterway (including East and West Waterway), Eagle Harbor, Elliot Bay,

Hood Canal (North), Liberty Bay, Rosario Strait, Sinclair Inlet, and Thea Foss Waterway; 

Category 5 (Sediment) portions of the Duwamish Waterway (including East and West 

Waterway), and Port Gardner and Inner Everett Harbor; and Port Angeles Harbor sediment 

cleanup area, as mapped on Ecology’s ISGP website. All references to Category 4B and 5 

pertain to the 2012 EPA-approved Water Quality Assessment.
Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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Qualified Industrial Stormwater Professional means a licensed professional engineer, geologist, 

hydrogeologist; Certified Professional in Stormwater Quality, Certified Professional in Erosion 

and Sediment Control; or qualified environmental consultant with education and experience in 

stormwater management and licensed to do business in the State of Washington. 

Qualified Personnel means those who possess the knowledge and skills to assess conditions and 

activities that could impact stormwater quality at the facility, and evaluate the effectiveness of 

best management practices required by this permit. 

Quantitation Level (QL) also known as Minimum Level of Quantitation (ML) means the lowest 

level at which the entire analytical system must give a recognizable signal and acceptable 

calibration point for the analyte. It is equivalent to the concentration of the lowest calibration 

standard, assuming that all method-specified sample weights, volumes, and cleanup procedures 

have been employed. 

Reasonable Potential means the likely probability for pollutants in the discharge to exceed the 

applicable water quality criteria in the receiving waterbody. 

Redevelopment means on a site that is already substantially developed (i.e., has 35% or more of 

existing impervious surface coverage), the creation or addition of impervious surfaces; the 

expansion of a building footprint or addition or replacement of a structure; structural 

development including construction, installation or expansion of a building or other structure; 

replacement of impervious surface that is not part of a routine maintenance activity; and land 

disturbing activities.

Regular Business Hours means those time frames when the facility is engaged in its primary 

production process, but does not include additional shifts or weekends when partial staffing is at 

the site primarily for maintenance and incidental production activities. Regular business hours

do not include periods of time that the facility is inactive and unstaffed. 

Representative [sample] means a sample of the discharge that accurately characterizes 

stormwater runoff generated in the designated drainage area of the facility. 

Responsible Corporate Officer means: (i) a president, secretary, treasurer, or vice-president of 

the corporation in charge of a principal business function, or any other person who performs 

similar policy- or decision-making functions for the corporation, or (ii) the manager of one or 

more manufacturing, production, or operating facilities, provided, the manager is authorized to 

make management decisions which govern the operation of the regulated facility including 

having the explicit or implicit duty of making major capital investment recommendations, and 

initiating and directing other comprehensive measures to assure long term environmental 

compliance with environmental laws and regulations; the manager can ensure that the necessary 

systems are established or actions taken to gather complete and accurate information for permit 

application requirements; and where authority to sign documents has been assigned or delegated 

to the manager in accordance with corporate procedures (40 CFR 122.22). 
Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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Runoff means that portion of rainfall or snowmelt water not absorbed into the ground that 

becomes surface flow.

Sanitary Sewer means a sewer which is designed to convey domestic wastewater. 

Sediment means the fragmented material that originates from the weathering and erosion of 

rocks, unconsolidated deposits, or unpaved yards, and is transported by, suspended in, or 

deposited by water.

Severe Property Damage means substantial physical damage to property, damage to the 

treatment facilities which would cause them to become inoperable, or substantial and permanent 

loss of natural resources which can reasonably be expected to occur in the absence of a bypass. 

Severe property damage does not mean economic loss caused by delays in production. 

Significant Amount means an amount of a pollutant in a discharge that is amenable to AKART; or 

an amount of a pollutant that has a reasonable potential to cause a violation of surface or ground 

water quality standards or sediment management standards. 

Significant Contributor of Pollutant(s) means a facility determined by Ecology to be a 

contributor of a significant amount(s) of a pollutant(s) to waters of the state. 

Significant Materials includes, but is not limited to: raw materials; fuels; materials such as 

solvents, detergents, and plastic pellets; finished materials such as metallic products; raw 

materials used in food processing or production; hazardous substances designated under section 

101(14) of CERCLA; any chemical the facility is required to report pursuant to section 313 of 

title III of SARA; fertilizers; pesticides; and waste products such as ashes, slag, and sludge that 

have the potential to be released with stormwater discharges.

Significant Process Change means any modification of the facility that would result in any of the 

following: 

1. Add different pollutants in a significant amount to the discharge. 

2. Increase the pollutants in the stormwater discharge by a significant amount. 

3. Add a new industrial activity (SIC) that was not previously covered. 

4. Add additional impervious surface or acreage such that stormwater discharge would be 

increased by 25% or more. 

Source Control BMPs means structures or operations that are intended to prevent pollutants from 

coming into contact with stormwater through physical separation of areas or careful management 

of activities that are sources of pollutants. This permit separates source control into two types: 

structural source control BMPs and operational source control BMPs. 

Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) is the statistical classification standard underlying all 

establishment-based federal economic statistics classified by industry as reported in the 1987 SIC 

Manual by the Office of Management and Budget.
Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) means the Washington State Law, RCW 43.21C.020, 

intended to prevent or eliminate damage to the environment. 

Storm Sewer means a sewer that is specifically designed to carry stormwater. Also called a storm 

drain. 

Stormwater means that portion of precipitation that does not naturally percolate into the ground 

or evaporate, but flows via overland flow, interflow, pipes, and other features of a stormwater 

drainage system into a defined surface waterbody, or a constructed infiltration facility. 

Stormwater Discharge Associated with Industrial Activity means the discharge from any 

conveyance that is used for collecting and conveying stormwater and that is directly related to 

manufacturing, processing or raw materials storage areas at an industrial plant (see 40 CFR

122(b)(14)). 

Stormwater Drainage System means constructed and natural features which function together as 

a system to collect, convey, channel, hold, inhibit, retain, detain, infiltrate or divert stormwater. 

Stormwater Management Manual (SWMM) or Manual means the technical manuals prepared by

Ecology for stormwater management in western and eastern Washington. 

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) means a documented plan to implement 

measures to identify, prevent, and control the contamination of point source discharges of 

stormwater. 

Structural Source Control BMPs means physical, structural, or mechanical devices or facilities 

that are intended to prevent pollutants from entering stormwater. 

Substantially Identical Discharge Point means a discharge point that shares the following 

characteristics with another discharge point: 1) the same general industrial activities conducted in 

the drainage area of the discharge point, 2) the same Best Management Practices conducted in 

the drainage area of the discharge point, 3) the same type of exposed materials located in the 

drainage area of the discharge point that are likely to be significant contributors of pollutants to 

stormwater discharges, and 4) the same type of impervious surfaces in the drainage area that 

could affect the percolation of stormwater runoff into the ground (e.g., asphalt, crushed rock, 

grass).

Surface Waters of the State includes lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, inland waters, salt waters, and 

all other surface waters and water courses within the jurisdiction of the state. 

Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) means a calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant

that a waterbody can receive and still meet state water quality standards. Percentages of the total 

maximum daily load are allocated to the various pollutant sources. A TMDL is the sum of the 

allowable loads of a single pollutant from all contributing point and nonpoint sources. The 

TMDL calculations include a "margin of safety" to ensure that the waterbody can be protected in 
Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

Page 62

case there are unforeseen events or unknown sources of the pollutant. The calculation also 

accounts for seasonable variation in water quality. 

Treatment BMPs means BMPs that are intended to remove pollutants from stormwater. 

Turbidity means the clarity of water expressed as nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) and 

measured with a calibrated turbidimeter. 

Underground Injection Control Well means a well that is used to discharge fluids into the 

subsurface. An underground injection control well is one of the following: 

1. A bored, drilled, or driven shaft, 

2. An improved sinkhole, or 

3. A subsurface fluid distribution system. (WAC 173-218-030) 

Unstaffed means the facility has no assigned staff. A site may be “unstaffed” even when security

personnel are present, provided that pollutant generating activities are not included in their 

duties. 

Vehicle means a motor-driven conveyance that transports people or freight, such as an 

automobile, truck, train, or airplane.

Vehicle Maintenance means the rehabilitation, mechanical repairing, painting, fueling, and/or 

lubricating of a motor-driven conveyance that transports people or freight, such as an 

automobile, truck, train, or airplane. 

Wasteload Allocation (WLA) means the portion of a receiving water’s loading capacity that is 

allocated to one of its existing or future point sources of pollution. WLAs constitute a type of 

water quality based effluent limitation (40 CFR 130.2(h)). 

Water Quality Standards means the Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters of the State of 

Washington, Chapter 173-201A WAC, Ground Water Quality Standards (Chapter 173-200 

WAC), Sediment Management Standards (Chapter 173-204 WAC), and human health-based 

criteria in the National Toxics Rule (40 CFR 131.36). 

Waters of the State includes those waters defined as "waters of the United States" in 40 CFR

Subpart 122.2 within the geographic boundaries of Washington State. State statute defines 

"waters of the state" to include lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, wetlands, inland waters, 

underground waters, salt waters and all other surface waters and water courses within the 

jurisdiction of the state of Washington (Chapter 90.48 RCW). 
Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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APPENDIX 3 - SWPPP CERTIFICATION FORM

The Permittee shall use this form to sign and certify that the Stormwater Pollution Prevention 

Plan (SWPPP) is complete, accurate and in compliance with Conditions S3 and S8 of the 

Industrial Stormwater General Permit. 

• A SWPPP certification form needs to be completed and attached to all SWPPPs. 

• Each time a Level 1, 2, or 3 Corrective Action is required, this form needs to be re-signed 

and re-certified by the Permittee, and attached to the SWPPP.

Is this SWPPP certification in response to a Level 1, 2 or 3 Corrective Action? Yes No 

If Yes: Type of Corrective Action?: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3*

Date SWPPP update/revision completed: 

Briefly describe SWPPP Update (use backside, if necessary): 

*Note: For Level 3 Corrective Actions, a Qualified Industrial Stormwater Professional must 

review the revised SWPPP, and sign and certify below, in accordance with Condition S8.D.2.: 

“The Permittee has made appropriate revisions to the SWPPP to include additional Treatment BMPs with 

the goal of achieving the applicable benchmark value(s) in future discharges. Based on my review of the 

SWPPP, discharges from the facility are reasonably expected to meet the ISGP benchmarks upon 

implementation.” 

 ________________________

Qualified Industrial Stormwater Professional’s Printed Name Title

 ________________________

Qualified Industrial Stormwater Professional’s Signature Date

“I certify under penalty of law that this SWPPP and all attachments were prepared under my direction or 

supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather 

and evaluate information to determine compliance with the Industrial Stormwater General Permit. Based 

on my inquiry of the person or persons who are responsible for stormwater management at my facility, 

this SWPPP is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete, and in full 

compliance with Permit Conditions S3 and S8, including the correct Best Management Practices from 

the applicable Stormwater Management Manual. I am aware that there are significant penalties for 

submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowing violations.”

 ________________________

Operator’s Printed Name * Title

 ________________________

Operator’s Signature * Date

* Federal regulations require this document to be signed in accordance with Condition G2. 
Final Industrial Stormwater General Permit – January 2, 2015

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APPENDIX 4 - EXISTING DISCHARGERS TO IMPAIRED WATERS 

This appendix has a link below to a website list of existing Permittees that discharge pollutants 

of concern, either directly or indirectly through a stormwater drainage system, to an outfall that 

enters 303(d)-listed (Category 5) impaired waters based on the 2012 EPA-approved water quality 

assessment and to Puget Sound Sediment Cleanup Sites. 

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/industrial/permitdocs/iswgpapp4.pdf 

Appendix 4 is based upon information in Ecology's PARIS database. As such, it is subject to 

revision based upon new information including but not limited to: new facilities, discharge 

points, and/or outfalls; updates or corrections to ISGP facility locations, stormwater sample 

points, discharge points, and/or outfalls. 

Appendix 4 is a technical assistance tool intended to support ISGP facilities with permit 

compliance. Appendix 4 may contain errors or omissions for various reasons, but this does not 

relieve ISGP facilities of applicable permit requirements. If an inconsistency exists between 

Appendix 4 and ISGP Condition S6, the ISGP takes precedence. Permittees aware of errors or 

omissions with the information contained in Appendix 4 shall contact Ecology so that an 

update/correction can be made. If changes or updates are made, based on new or more accurate 

information, Ecology will notify the affected Permittees directly. Such changes or updates will 

not become effective until 30 days after the affected dischargers are notified. 

APPENDIX 5 - DISCHARGERS SUBJECT TO TMDL REQUIREMENTS

The list of dischargers identified as discharging to water bodies which have completed water 

quality cleanup plans or TMDLs and associated monitoring requirements can be viewed on 

Ecology’s website at: 

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/industrial/permitdocs/iswgpapp5.pdf 

The most current list can also be obtained by contacting Ecology at: 

Industrial Stormwater General Permit 

Washington State Department of Ecology 

PO Box 47696 

Olympia, WA 98504-7696 

This list is based on the best information available to Ecology. There will be changes and updates 

to this list based on new, more accurate information. If changes or updates are made, Ecology

will notify the affected Permittees directly. Such changes or updates will not become effective 

until 30 days after the affected dischargers are notified.