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Department of Ecology News Release - January 7, 2010
10-005
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) invites the public to comment on a proposed modification to the Aquatic Pesticide Irrigation District General Permit.
The permit covers 16 irrigation districts that use pesticides to control aquatic weeds and algae growth in irrigation systems. The permit is required by the Washington State Water Pollution Control Act.
The modified permit would allow the irrigation districts to use the pesticide endothall. Endothall is a less-toxic alternative to acrolein, a pesticide historically used by many irrigation districts that is being phased out.
The public may review and comment on the proposed draft permit and fact sheet through February 19, 2010. The permit, once issued, will modify the current permit that Ecology issued on February 20, 2008. The official title of the revised permit is Irrigation System Aquatic Weed Control National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and State Waste Discharge General Permit.
Ecology will host an informational workshop and public hearing on the draft permit at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9, at the Ecology Central Regional Office at 15 West Yakima Ave. Suite 200 in Yakima. The public hearing will immediately follow the workshop.
Ecology encourages the public to give written comments during the public comment period or voice their comments at the public hearings. Ecology will accept written and oral comments on the draft permit and fact sheet. Comments should reference specific text when possible.
To submit written comments, ask questions, or request copies of the permit, contact: Andrew Kolosseus, Washington Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600. Or contact Kolosseus by phone at 360-407-7543; fax at 360-407-6426; or email at akol461@ecy.wa.gov .
Ecology must receive written, emailed, and faxed comments no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb.19, 2010.
The draft permit and fact sheet are available online at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/pesticides/irrigation/irrigation_index.html
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Media contact: Sandy Howard, 360-407-6408; cell 360-791-3177; sandy.howard@ecy.wa.gov
Aquatic Pesticide Irrigation District General Permit: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/pesticides/irrigation/irrigation_index.html
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
