Ecology will hold three public hearings on the rule. The agency will accept public comments through Nov. 14. After considering all comments, Ecology plans to adopt the rule in December 1997. 15 West Yakima Ave. According to a citizen initiative voters passed in 1988, municipalities and industries which discharge wastewater or stormwater into Washington's waters must pay a fee.
Ecology administers the wastewater and stormwater discharge program for Washington state.
The agency uses fees to recover all eligible costs associated with issuing permits, conducting monitoring activities and performing other activities. The Legislature sets the revenue amount Ecology must collect from permit holders. Fee increases must be in compliance with Initiative 601, which limits increases in fees to no more than the projected fiscal growth factor for Washington state. At three public workshops and hearings, Ecology will be asking people for their opinions regarding Ecology's proposed changes to the permit fee rule. Ecology will accept public comments on the proposed rule changes through Nov. 25, 1997.