Frequently Asked Questions on the Aquatic Plant and Algae Management General Permit

Q: When is the permit effective?

A: The permit is effective March 18, 2011. It expires on March 18, 2016.

Q: What significant changes are in this permit that were not in the previous Aquatic Plant and Algae Management Permit?

A: Significant changes include:

• Increased public notification prior to treating waters. In addition to placing a public notice in a newspaper of general circulation, the lake treatment applicator must also mail or deliver the public notice to potentially affected water front residences or businesses.
   
• Project sponsor must certify that it has the authority to treat common areas of the water body for the purpose of aquatic plant and algae management.
   
• New permit requires detailed, site-specific information about projects where treated areas are five or more acres. This must be done through the preparation of a Discharge Management Plan (DMP) and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) addendum. Available for use is a redesigned SEPA Environmental Checklist specific to aquatic plant and algae management in lakes.
   
• Environmental protections are enhanced because of updates of the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) timing windows. This protects priority species and habitats, in addition to salmon, steelhead, and bull trout that were included in the previous timing windows.
   
• Increased protections for potable (drinking) water intakes by requiring longer time intervals before resuming use or testing the intake water for chemical residues.

Q: How does the permit protect water quality?

A: The permit limits the use of herbicides, algaecides, and adjuvants to state-licensed applicators using only aquatic-labeled products listed in the permit. Approved adjuvants are those that show minimal toxicity to aquatic organisms through toxicity tests. The permit does not allow further permanent impairment of any 303(d)-listed water body and requires mitigations when used in water bodies listed for phosphorus and dissolved oxygen.

The new permit requires each applicant/Permittee and sponsor to develop a site-specific DMP that incorporates the principles of integrated pest management. DMP development involves consideration of all non-chemical methods of aquatic plant management in addition to chemical management. The DMP requires the project proponent to select action thresholds that trigger management activities only when the number, density, species, etc. of a pest plant exceed the action thresholds developed in the DMP.
 

Q: How does the permit protect salmon and other priority species and habitats?

A: Ecology worked with WDFW to revise the fish-timing table to protect priority wildlife species and habitats as well as salmon, steel head, and bull trout. WDFW’s Priority Habitats and Species Program is the principle means by which WDFW provides important fish, wildlife, and habitat information to local governments, state and federal agencies, private landowners and consultants, and tribal biologists for land use planning purposes. Priority species include species such as the great blue heron, American white pelican, northern leopard frog, and many others.
 

Q: How does the permit protect human health?

A: The permit requires notification of affected residents 10-42 days prior to the first treatment each year. In addition, the applicator must sign post each property no more than 48 hours prior to a treatment. The signs include information about use restrictions, including swimming or recreational restrictions or advisories. The new permit increases protection for people drinking water from lakes treated with herbicides by requiring longer time intervals before they can resume use or by testing the intake water for chemical residues.
 

Q: Will people with existing permit coverage need to reapply for the new permit?

A: Permittees with coverage under the 2006 Aquatic Plant and Algae Management permit needed to notify Ecology 180 days before the permit expiration date of April 1, 2011 that they intended to continue coverage. These Permittees will continue their coverage under the reissued 2011permit although they will need to comply with any additional conditions or changes in the new permit.

Q: Do I have to pay another annual fee?

A: Permittees covered under this permit, pay an annual permit fee, but there are no additional fees associated with permit reissuance.
 

Q: If the new permit is appealed what happens?
A: Appeals are heard at the Pollution Control Hearings Board. Typically, the permit remains effective during this time.

Q: Who can I talk to if I have technical or administrative questions about the permit?

A: Direct technical questions to Kathy Hamel at 360-407-6562 or email her at kathy.hamel@ecy.wa.gov . Direct administrative questions to Jon Jennings at 360-407-6283, or jonathan.jennings@ecy.wa.gov.