Name
The Washington State Department of Ecology’s Construction Stormwater Program
Date & Time
Thursday, August 31, 2023, 8:45 AM - 9:30 AM
Brian Johnson
Description

The Washington State Department of Ecology’s (Ecology) Water Quality Program is responsible for protecting and restoring Washington’s waters to sustain healthy watersheds and communities. The department's work ensures state waters support beneficial uses including recreational and business activities, supplies for clean drinking water, and the protection of fish, shellfish, wildlife and public health. The department works with engaged citizens and partners to restore and maintain the integrity of Washington’s waters by preventing and eliminating water pollution. Re-venting and eliminating polluted stormwater from entering waters of the State (WOS) is a top priority and the department does this through various regulatory mechanisms, including issuing National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Construction Stormwater General Permits (CSWGP). The CSWGP oversees construction activities for sites greater than an acre with the potential to drain to WOS within a mile of the project. Inspectors in the southwest region of the state are utilizing the GIS-based Survey123 mobile application to conduct inspections and generate reports. The app has greatly increased efficiency, which allows for more oversight of construction projects on-the-ground. Ecology’s regulatory process is focused on reaching compliance with the permit; however, Ecology has a formal enforcement process to issue penalties, when needed. This presentation will highlight the inspection process and discuss recent enforcement cases that resulted in high-level penalties due to polluted discharges to WOS and the settlement agreements associated, including Supplemental Environmental Projects that allow for mitigation actions.

Location Name
Room D2
Full Address
Sheraton Dallas
400 Olive Street
Dallas, TX 75201
United States