Stormwater permits

What is the purpose of a stormwater permit?

Stormwater permits are issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) and address legal requirements as well as control the discharge of pollutants to protect surface water and ground water quality in Washington State.

What activities require this permit?

Stormwater is regulated in Washington State by several types of permits. The permits are designed to control runoff related impacts from various types of sources.

• Construction General Permits are for construction sites larger than 1 acre. For more information, see www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/construction/ (external link).

• Industrial General Permits are for industrial facilities. For more information, see www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/industrial/ (external link).

• Municipal Permits are for cities and counties and their activities and facilities. For more information, see www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/municipal/ (external link) and also King County's Stormwater Management Program.

• Sand and Gravel Permits are for mining operations. For more information, see www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/sand/ (external link).

Notes / comments

NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System) Municipal stormwater permit and other information is also available at King County stormwater services.

Contact

Washington State Department of Ecology Northwest Regional Office
3190 - 160th Ave. SE
Bellevue, Washington 98008-5452
Telephone: 425-649-7028 or 425-649-7000

Legal authority

Chapter 90.48 of the Revised Code of Washington (external links)

Administered by

Washington State Department of Ecology (external link)