Frequently Asked Questions

The Department of Ecology implements the Federal Clean Water Act and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Because of this federal law, Ecology's construction stormwater general permit is required for certain construction activities. The goal of the permit is to reduce or eliminate stormwater pollution and other impacts to surface waters from construction sites.

In order to apply and receive coverage by the 2005 Construction Stormwater General Permit go to the WA Department of Ecology website.

• Apply for coverage.
• Develop and use a stormwater pollution prevention plan.
• Pay permit fees.
• Monitor stormwater and inspect best management practices.
• Record and report results.
• Terminate the permit.

If you have questions or need assistance with drafting the public notice or completing the applications or other forms, please contact the following:
Elaine Worthen
Phone: 360-407-7229
Email Elaine Worthen

Ecology Regional Contacts

• Report high turbidity readings please contact the following Ecology Regional Offices by calling: 425-649-7000
• To get a copy of the Northwest Region Stormwater Management Manual download from the website for Western Washington at the WA Department of Ecology website

Send all completed forms to:
Department of Ecology
Water Quality Program
Construction Stormwater
P.O. Box 47696
Olympia, WA 98504-7696

Disturb

Construction activities that require this permit are any land disturbing activities such as clearing, grading, excavating, and /or demolition that: one or more acres of land area, or are "part of a" and Ecology can also require a permit for any size construction site if it determines the site is a:

• Construction activities that require a permit also include clearing forested areas, if the clearing is in preparation for construction activities.
• Larger common plan of development or sale" that will ultimately disturb one or more acres of land Discharge stormwater from the site into state surface water(s) or into storm drainage systems, which discharge to state surface waters. significant contributor of pollutants to waters of the state.

The operator of the construction site must apply for permit coverage. The operator can be either the party with operational control over construction plans and specifications or the party in charge of day-to-day activities related to Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The operator, also known as the permittee, is responsible for applying and following the terms of the Construction Stormwater General Permit.

You must get Ecology's Construction stormwater permit even if you already have permits from The City of Oak Harbor.