Water Quality > Stormwater > Sand and Gravel General Permit

Sand and Gravel General Permit

Ecology issued a final modified Sand and Gravel General Permit on August 17, 2011.  This new permit becomes effective on October 1, 2011. 

• Permit (effective October 1, 2011 to October 1, 2015)
• Summary of Significant Changes
• Response to Comments

Permit Purpose and Background

The Sand and Gravel General Permit controls the discharge of pollutants from sand and gravel mining operations and related facilities into waters of the state. This general permit was reissued on August 4, 2010 (effective date October 1, 2010). The permit was appealed by the Puget SoundKeeper Alliance (PSA). The Washington Aggregates and Concrete Association (WACA) intervened in support of the permit. Ecology and PSA reached a tentative settlement which is defined in a one page summary.

The permit regulates discharges of process water, stormwater, and mine dewatering water associated with sand and gravel operations, rock quarries, and similar mining operations, including stockpiles of mined materials. It also covers concrete batch operations and hot mix asphalt operations.  Untreated discharge water from sand and gravel operations may harm fish, aquatic life and water quality.

Previous Permit Documents

• Permit (Effective October 1, 2010 to October 1, 2011)
• Errata Sheet (August 19, 2010)
• Fact Sheet
• Response to Comments (Including Comments)

Contact Us - Contact your Permit Administrator for assistance.  Contact your Regional Office for site specific questions.

Permit & Application - The permit, application for new facilities (including portables), public notice requirements, a list of activities that require a permit.  Notice of termination and transferring ownership forms. 

Permit Limits and Monitoring

Employee Training

Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) - The permit requires the permittee to develop, maintain, and comply with their ESCP.

Monitoring Plan - Assistance for mapping your site, identifying monitoring points, sampling, discharges to ground water, lab analysis, DMRs, and plan review.

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan - Permit requirements for the SWPPP.

Spill Plan - General guidance on plan requirements and basic BMPs.

Portable Facilities - Information about portable coverage including; when coverage is required, site restoration, notice to begin operation, and permit fees.