Previously, municipalities under 100,000 in population did not need to comply with stormwater construction permits. The revised permit now requires approximately 265 cities and all counties and special districts, such as schools, ports and utilities, to take certain pollution-prevention steps for construction activities involving more than five acres of property, with runoff that drains into lakes, rivers or marine waters. Now all cities and counties must takes steps to keep water clean and critical fish habitat unharmed during construction projects. The permit would help people doing construction work to minimize erosion and sediment runoff, which can pollute lakes and rivers.
Sediment pollution makes water unhealthy for fish, swimmers, industries and other water users.
Prior to revising the stormwater permit, municipalities under 100,000 in population did not need to apply for stormwater construction permits. In 1996, in response to an appeal of the stormwater construction permit, the Pollution Control Hearings Board directed Ecology to issue the permit to all municipalities, regardless of population. People have through Aug. 24 to appeal the modifications to the stormwater construction permit. Appeals should be made to the Pollution Control Hearings Board in Olympia.