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Irrigation System Aquatic Weed Control General Permit

Irrigation System Aquatic Weed Control General Permit - New

Description/Purpose

This permit allows the regulated use of pesticides, herbicides, algaecides, adjuvants, tracer dyes, and marker dyes to control the growth of aquatic plants and algae within irrigation systems that flow to fresh surface waters of the State of Washington. 

Triggers and activities which would require this permit

Irrigation water suppliers whose system is capable of discharging to or intersecting with points of compliance are required to have coverage under this general permit.

To find out the specific activities that trigger this permit, please see the Irrigation System Aquatic Weed Control General Permit Fact Sheet.

New applicants must submit a complete application for permit coverage a minimum of 60 days before applying pesticides that result in discharge to waters of the state.

Explanation/Description of costs/fees, including statutory, regulatory, or other legal authority for fees

Application fee: None

Annual fee: Please see WAC 173-224-040 for the current permit fee schedule. Ecology will bill you for permit fees after permit coverage is issued.

Application Information

In addition to the permit application, the applicant must submit:

  • Maps with the boundaries of the irrigation system.
  • Points of compliance (Permit Section 4).
  • Pesticide application locations (Permit Section 5).
  • A completed and signed State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklist is also necessary unless SEPA is completed at the local level. If SEPA is completed at a local level, include a completed and signed SEPA determination with your permit application. SEPA forms are available here: https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-document-templates .

When making the decision on your permit, Ecology will consider the applicable laws and rules, the contents of your application, and the background environmental conditions.

In addition, the permitting process includes public participation. This means that the public may submit comments to Ecology during the 30 day public comment period to support or oppose your proposed activity. If any comments are received, Ecology must review and respond to the comments and take them into consideration when making the decision to issue or deny permit coverage.

Please use the WQWebPortal to fill out and submit your application. 

Ecology general permits are reissued every 5 years. Current permittees must apply for permit renewal at least 180 days before the current version of the permit expires.

See the Irrigation System Aquatic Weed Control General Permit Fact Sheet for more information on how to modify, renew, or terminate permit coverage.

An applicant or any interested party has a right to appeal this permit decision to the Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB) within 30 days of the date of receipt of this permit. The appeal process is governed by Chapter 43.21B RCW and Chapter 371-08 WAC. “Date of receipt” is defined in RCW 43.21B.001(2).

You must also comply with other applicable requirements in Chapter 43.21B RCW and Chapter 371-08 WAC.

Read the Pollution Control Board’s Appeal Process web page for more details.

Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average days from Receipt to Complete: 4
Maximum days from Receipt to Complete: 4

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average days from Complete Application to Decision: 46
Maximum days from Complete Application to Decision: 46


(Summary results based on 1 submittals in 2015, no data for latest year [2024])

Legal authority
Notes / Comments

Please contact Ecology early in the process so that we may assist you with understanding requirements for this permit.

Contacts
Department of Ecology
Headquarters
300 Desmond Drive
PO Box 47600
Olympia WA 98504-7600
Website: http://www.ecology.wa.gov/
Telephone: (360) 407-6000
Triggering Questions
  • Are you an irrigation district that plans to use aquatic herbicides to control weeds and algae in irrigation canals?
* Credential details last updated 1/13/2025
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