Aquatic Invasive Species Management General Permit

The permit regulates the use of chemicals or control products for the management of aquatic invasive species animals and nonnative invasive marine algae in surface waters of Washington State. This permit will allow for the treatment of early infestations and for small localized projects that may lead to the eradication of the invasive species from each site, or for the containment of the invasive species to one area or site.

Ecology issues the new Aquatic Invasive Species Management General Permit

Permit (Effective May 20, 2011)
Antidegradation Plan (April 20, 2011)
Response to Comments (April 20, 2011)
Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)
Public Comments on the May 5, 2010 Draft Permit
Fact Sheet
Washington Fish and Wildlife Timing Table
Notice of Intent (NOI) Application Form

Public Notice Process

Ecology accepted written comments on the draft permit, fact sheet, and environmental impact statement from April 21, 2010 until June 11, 2010. Ecology held one public workshop and hearing in Lacey, Washington on June 7, 2010. Ecology received comments from 14 entities.

Purpose of the Permit

Washington’s water quality statutes and regulations do not allow the discharge of pollutants to waters of the state without permit coverage. Algaecides, herbicides, insecticides, molluscicides, piscicides and any other chemical or product appropriate for aquatic invasive species management are potential pollutants, and therefore require a discharge permit before application to surface waters. Ecology issues general permits in place of a series of individual permits when the permitted activities are similar.

Who Will Apply for Coverage?

State agencies will apply for coverage under this permit prior to implementing their invasive aquatic animal control activities. The permittees for this permit may include the Washington State Departments of Agriculture, Fish and Wildlife and Natural Resources. Agencies that receive coverage under the general permit must comply with the terms and conditions of the permit.