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Department of Ecology News Release - November 19, 2008
08-302
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) asks for comments on a new, stronger permit that could eventually take effect at approximately 85 saltwater-based boatyards in Western Washington.
Ecology proposes to modify its Boatyard General Permit, which regulates runoff and wastewater discharges at boatyards in Washington that engage in the construction, repair, and maintenance of small vessels. Most of the boats in these yards are 65 feet or less in length.
The permit targets the toxic runoff that can get into marine waters from the boatyards. Runoff from boatyards and businesses that repair and service boats on waterfront property contains copper, lead, zinc and other toxic substances. Copper from boat hull cleaning is a water quality concern. Federal studies have shown that dissolved copper adversely affects young salmon, particularly their sense of smell.
Boatyard activities include pressure washing hulls; painting and coating; repair and replacement of engine and propulsion systems; hull repair; bilge cleaning; fuel and lubrication system repair and replacement; welding and grinding of hulls; buffing and waxing; and repair and replacement of marine sanitations. The permit also covers mobile boatyard operations.
Ecology’s current permit, issued in November 2005, was appealed by Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) and the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance (PSA). The permit has been under appeal and settlement discussion since that time. The draft Boatyard General Permit modification and fact sheet under review have been approved by NMTA and PSA and is in keeping with the latest ruling by the state Pollution Board.
The draft permit modification and fact sheet are posted on Ecology’s website at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/permits/boatyard/index.html . While Ecology encourages online reading to save resources, hard copies are available from Gary Bailey at 360-407-6433 or at gbai461@ecy.wa.gov .
Ecology will accept written and oral comments on the draft Boatyard General Permit Modification and fact sheet until midnight Dec. 31. E-mail your comments to Gary Bailey at gbai461@ecy.wa.gov or mail them to Gary Bailey, Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600.
Ecology will hold a public workshop and hearing on the draft general permit at 1 p.m., Monday, Dec. 22, at the Lacey Timberland Regional Library, 500 College St. SE, Lacey.
The purpose of the workshop is to explain the general permit and proposed changes, and answer questions before the hearing. The hearing will provide an opportunity for people to give formal testimony and comments on the proposed permit. Oral testimony will receive the same consideration as written comments.
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Media Contact: Sandy Howard, communications manager, 360-407-6408 or srud461@ecy.wa.gov
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
