CCLME.ORG - Water pollution control.

State
Washington
Chapter 90.48 RCW Water pollution control

Chapter 90.48 RCW
Water pollution control

Notes:
County water and sewerage systems, approval of the department of social and health services and the department of ecology: RCW 36.94.100.
Domestic waste treatment plants -- Certification and regulation of operators: Chapter 70.95B RCW.

Environmental certification programs -- Fees -- Rules--Liability: RCW 43.21A.175.

Oil and hazardous substance spill prevention and response: Chapter 90.56 RCW.

Oil tankers on Puget Sound, restrictions, etc.: RCW 88.16.170 through 88.16.190.

Shellfish, sanitary control: RCW 69.30.130.

Washington clean air act: Chapter 70.94 RCW.

Water-sewer district powers as to mutual systems, approval of exercise by pollution control commission: RCW 57.08.065.

Water pollution control facilities, tax exemptions and credits: Chapter 82.34 RCW.

Water resources act of 1971: Chapter 90.54 RCW.

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90.48.010
Policy enunciated.
It is declared to be the public policy of the state of Washington to maintain the highest possible standards to insure the purity of all waters of the state consistent with public health and public enjoyment thereof, the propagation and protection of wild life, birds, game, fish and other aquatic life, and the industrial development of the state, and to that end require the use of all known available and reasonable methods by industries and others to prevent and control the pollution of the waters of the state of Washington. Consistent with this policy, the state of Washington will exercise its powers, as fully and as effectively as possible, to retain and secure high quality for all waters of the state. The state of Washington in recognition of the federal government's interest in the quality of the navigable waters of the United States, of which certain portions thereof are within the jurisdictional limits of this state, proclaims a public policy of working cooperatively with the federal government in a joint effort to extinguish the sources of water quality degradation, while at the same time preserving and vigorously exercising state powers to insure that present and future standards of water quality within the state shall be determined by the citizenry, through and by the efforts of state government, of the state of Washington.

[1973 c 155 з 1; 1945 c 216 з 1; Rem. Supp. 1945 з 10964a.]

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90.48.020
Definitions.
Whenever the word "person" is used in this chapter, it shall be construed to include any political subdivision, government agency, municipality, industry, public or private corporation, copartnership, association, firm, individual or any other entity whatsoever.

Wherever the words "waters of the state" shall be used in this chapter, they shall be construed to include lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, inland waters, underground waters, salt waters and all other surface waters and watercourses within the jurisdiction of the state of Washington.

Whenever the word "pollution" is used in this chapter, it shall be construed to mean such contamination, or other alteration of the physical, chemical or biological properties, of any waters of the state, including change in temperature, taste, color, turbidity, or odor of the waters, or such discharge of any liquid, gaseous, solid, radioactive, or other substance into any waters of the state as will or is likely to create a nuisance or render such waters harmful, detrimental or injurious to the public health, safety or welfare, or to domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, or other legitimate beneficial uses, or to livestock, wild animals, birds, fish or other aquatic life.

Wherever the word "department" is used in this chapter it shall mean the department of ecology.

Whenever the word "director" is used in this chapter it shall mean the director of ecology.

Whenever the words "aquatic noxious weed" are used in this chapter, they have the meaning prescribed under RCW 17.26.020.

Whenever the words "general sewer plan" are used in this chapter they shall be construed to include all sewerage general plans, sewer general comprehensive plans, plans for a system of sewerage, and other plans for sewer systems adopted by a local government entity including but not limited to cities, towns, public utility districts, and water-sewer districts.

[2002 c 161 з 4; 1995 c 255 з 7; 1987 c 109 з 122; 1967 c 13 з 1; 1945 c 216 з 2; Rem. Supp. 1945 з 10964b.]

Notes: Severability -- Effective date -- 1995 c 255: See RCW 17.26.900 and 17.26.901.

Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

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90.48.030
Jurisdiction of department.
The department shall have the jurisdiction to control and prevent the pollution of streams, lakes, rivers, ponds, inland waters, salt waters, water courses, and other surface and underground waters of the state of Washington.

[1987 c 109 з 123; 1945 c 216 з 10; Rem. Supp. 1945 з 10964j. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1945 c 216 з 11; Rem. Supp. 1945 з 10964k, now codified as RCW 90.48.035.]

Notes: Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

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90.48.035
Rule-making authority.
The department shall have the authority to, and shall promulgate, amend, or rescind such rules and regulations as it shall deem necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter, including but not limited to rules and regulations relating to standards of quality for waters of the state and for substances discharged therein in order to maintain the highest possible standards of all waters of the state in accordance with the public policy as declared in RCW 90.48.010.

[1987 c 109 з 124; 1970 ex.s. c 88 з 11; 1967 c 13 з 6; 1945 c 216 з 11; Rem. Supp. 1945 з 10964k. Formerly RCW 90.48.030, part.]

Notes: Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

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90.48.037
Authority of department to bring enforcement actions.
The department, with the assistance of the attorney general, is authorized to bring any appropriate action at law or in equity, including action for injunctive relief, in the name of the people of the state of Washington as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter or chapter 90.56 RCW.

[1991 c 200 з 1102; 1987 c 109 з 125; 1967 c 13 з 7.]

Notes: Effective dates -- Severability -- 1991 c 200: See RCW 90.56.901 and 90.56.904.

Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

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90.48.039
Hazardous substance remedial actions Ч Procedural requirements not applicable.
The procedural requirements of this chapter shall not apply to any person conducting a remedial action at a facility pursuant to a consent decree, order, or agreed order issued pursuant to chapter 70.105D RCW, or to the department of ecology when it conducts a remedial action under chapter 70.105D RCW. The department of ecology shall ensure compliance with the substantive requirements of this chapter through the consent decree, order, or agreed order issued pursuant to chapter 70.105D RCW, or during the department-conducted remedial action, through the procedures developed by the department pursuant to RCW 70.105D.090.

[1994 c 257 з 19.]

Notes: Severability -- 1994 c 257: See note following RCW 36.70A.270.

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90.48.045
Environmental excellence program agreements Ч Effect on chapter.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any legal requirement under this chapter, including any standard, limitation, rule, or order is superseded and replaced in accordance with the terms and provisions of an environmental excellence program agreement, entered into under chapter 43.21K RCW.

[1997 c 381 з 26.]

Notes: Purpose -- 1997 c 381: See RCW 43.21K.005.

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90.48.080
Discharge of polluting matter in waters prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person to throw, drain, run, or otherwise discharge into any of the waters of this state, or to cause, permit or suffer to be thrown, run, drained, allowed to seep or otherwise discharged into such waters any organic or inorganic matter that shall cause or tend to cause pollution of such waters according to the determination of the department, as provided for in this chapter.

[1987 c 109 з 126; 1967 c 13 з 8; 1945 c 216 з 14; Rem. Supp. 1945 з 10964n.]

Notes: Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

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90.48.090
Right of entry Ч Special inspection requirements for metals mining and milling operations.
The department or its duly appointed agent shall have the right to enter at all reasonable times in or upon any property, public or private, for the purpose of inspecting and investigating conditions relating to the pollution of or the possible pollution of any of the waters of this state.

The department shall have special inspection requirements for metals mining and milling operations regulated under chapter 232, Laws of 1994. The department shall inspect these mining and milling operations at least quarterly in order to ensure compliance with the intent and any permit issued pursuant to this chapter. The department shall conduct additional inspections as needed during the construction phase of these mining operations in order to ensure compliance with this chapter.

[1994 c 232 з 21; 1987 c 109 з 127; 1945 c 216 з 15; Rem. Supp. 1945 з 10964o.]

Notes: Severability -- 1994 c 232: See RCW 78.56.900.

Effective date -- 1994 c 232 зз 6-8 and 18-22: See RCW 78.56.902.

Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

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90.48.095
Authority of department to compel attendance and testimony of witnesses, production of books and papers Ч Contempt proceedings to enforce Ч Fees.
In carrying out the purposes of this chapter or chapter 90.56 RCW the department shall, in conjunction with either the adoption of rules, consideration of an application for a waste discharge permit or the termination or modification of such permit, or proceedings in adjudicative hearings, have the authority to issue process and subpoena witnesses effective throughout the state on its own behalf or that of an interested party, compel their attendance, administer oaths, take the testimony of any person under oath and, in connection therewith require the production for examination of any books or papers relating to the matter under consideration by the department. In case of disobedience on the part of any person to comply with any subpoena issued by the department, or on the refusal of any witness to testify to any matters regarding which he may be lawfully interrogated, it shall be the duty of the superior court of any county, or of the judge thereof, on application of the department, to compel obedience by proceedings for contempt, as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from such court or a refusal to testify therein. In connection with the authority granted under this section no witness or other person shall be required to divulge trade secrets or secret processes. Persons responding to a subpoena as provided herein shall be entitled to fees as are witnesses in superior court.

[1991 c 200 з 1103; 1987 c 109 з 128; 1967 c 13 з 9.]

Notes: Effective dates -- Severability -- 1991 c 200: See RCW 90.56.901 and 90.56.904.

Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

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90.48.100
Request for assistance.
The department shall have the right to request and receive the assistance of any educational institution or state agency when it is deemed necessary by the department to carry out the provisions of this chapter or chapter 90.56 RCW.

[1991 c 200 з 1104; 1987 c 109 з 129; 1945 c 216 з 16; Rem. Supp. 1945 з 10964p.]

Notes: Effective dates -- Severability -- 1991 c 200: See RCW 90.56.901 and 90.56.904.

Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

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90.48.110
Plans and proposed methods of operation and maintenance of sewerage or disposal systems to be submitted to department Ч Exceptions Ч Time limitations.
(1) Except under subsection (2) of this section, all engineering reports, plans, and specifications for the construction of new sewerage systems, sewage treatment or disposal plants or systems, or for improvements or extensions to existing sewerage systems or sewage treatment or disposal plants, and the proposed method of future operation and maintenance of said facility or facilities, shall be submitted to and be approved by the department, before construction thereof may begin. No approval shall be given until the department is satisfied that said plans and specifications and the methods of operation and maintenance submitted are adequate to protect the quality of the state's waters as provided for in this chapter.

(2) To promote efficiency in service delivery and intergovernmental cooperation in protecting the quality of the state's waters, the department may delegate the authority for review and approval of engineering reports, plans, and specifications for the construction of new sewerage systems, sewage treatment or disposal plants or systems, or for improvements or extensions to existing sewerage system or sewage treatment or disposal plants, and the proposed method of future operations and maintenance of said facility or facilities and industrial pretreatment systems, to local units of government requesting such delegation and meeting criteria established by the department.

(3) For any new or revised general sewer plan submitted for review under this section, the department shall review and either approve, conditionally approve, reject, or request amendments within ninety days of the receipt of the submission of the plan. The department may extend this ninety-day time limitation for new submittals by up to an additional ninety days if insufficient time exists to adequately review the general sewer plan. For rejections of plans or extensions of the timeline, the department shall provide in writing to the local government entity the reason for such action. In addition, the governing body of the local government entity and the department may mutually agree to an extension of the deadlines contained in this section.

[2002 c 161 з 5; 1994 c 118 з 1; 1987 c 109 з 130; 1967 c 13 з 10; 1945 c 216 з 17; Rem. Supp. 1945 з 10964q.]

Notes: Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

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90.48.112
Plan evaluation Ч Consideration of reclaimed water.
The evaluation of any plans submitted under RCW 90.48.110 must include consideration of opportunities for the use of reclaimed water as defined in RCW 90.46.010. Wastewater plans submitted under RCW 90.48.110 must include a statement describing how applicable reclamation and reuse elements will be coordinated as required under RCW 90.46.120(2).

[2003 1st sp.s. c 5 з 12; 1997 c 444 з 9.]

Notes: Severability -- 2003 1st sp.s. c 5: See note following RCW 90.03.015.

Severability -- 1997 c 444: See note following RCW 90.46.010.

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90.48.120
Notice of department's determination that violation has or will occur Ч Report to department of compliance with determination Ч Order or directive to be issued Ч Notice.
(1) Whenever, in the opinion of the department, any person shall violate or creates a substantial potential to violate the provisions of this chapter or chapter 90.56 RCW, or fails to control the polluting content of waste discharged or to be discharged into any waters of the state, the department shall notify such person of its determination by registered mail. Such determination shall not constitute an order or directive under RCW 43.21B.310. Within thirty days from the receipt of notice of such determination, such person shall file with the department a full report stating what steps have been and are being taken to control such waste or pollution or to otherwise comply with the determination of the department. Whereupon the department shall issue such order or directive as it deems appropriate under the circumstances, and shall notify such person thereof by registered mail.

(2) Whenever the department deems immediate action is necessary to accomplish the purposes of this chapter or chapter 90.56 RCW, it may issue such order or directive, as appropriate under the circumstances, without first issuing a notice or determination pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. An order or directive issued pursuant to this subsection shall be served by registered mail or personally upon any person to whom it is directed.

[1992 c 73 з 25; 1987 c 109 з 131; 1985 c 316 з 3; 1973 c 155 з 2; 1967 c 13 з 11; 1945 c 216 з 18; Rem. Supp. 1945 з 10964r.]

Notes: Effective dates -- Severability -- 1992 c 73: See RCW 82.23B.902 and 90.56.905.

Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

Appeal of orders under RCW 90.48.120(2): RCW 43.21B.310.

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90.48.140
Penalty.
Any person found guilty of willfully violating any of the provisions of this chapter or chapter 90.56 RCW, or any final written orders or directive of the department or a court in pursuance thereof is guilty of a gross misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of up to ten thousand dollars and costs of prosecution, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court. Each day upon which a willful violation of the provisions of this chapter or chapter 90.56 RCW occurs may be deemed a separate and additional violation.

[2003 c 53 з 419; 1992 c 73 з 26; 1973 c 155 з 8; 1945 c 216 з 20; Rem. Supp. 1945 з 10964t.]

Notes: Intent -- Effective date -- 2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.

Effective dates -- Severability -- 1992 c 73: See RCW 82.23B.902 and 90.56.905.

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90.48.142
Violations Ч Liability in damages for injury or death of fish, animals, vegetation Ч Action to recover.
(1) Any person who:

(a)(i) Violates any of the provisions of this chapter or chapter 90.56 RCW;

(ii) Fails to perform any duty imposed by this chapter or chapter 90.56 RCW;

(iii) Violates an order or other determination of the department or the director made pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or chapter 90.56 RCW;

(iv) Violates the conditions of a waste discharge permit issued pursuant to RCW 90.48.160; or

(v) Otherwise causes a reduction in the quality of the state's waters below the standards set by the department or, if no standards have been set, causes significant degradation of water quality, thereby damaging the same; and

(b) Causes the death of, or injury to, fish, animals, vegetation, or other resources of the state;

shall be liable to pay the state and affected counties and cities damages in an amount determined pursuant to RCW 90.48.367.

(2) No action shall be authorized under this section against any person operating in compliance with the conditions of a waste discharge permit issued pursuant to RCW 90.48.160.

[1991 c 200 з 810; 1989 c 262 з 2; 1988 c 36 з 69; 1987 c 109 з 132; 1985 c 316 з 6; 1970 ex.s. c 88 з 12; 1967 ex.s. c 139 з 13.]

Notes: Effective dates -- Severability -- 1991 c 200: See RCW 90.56.901 and 90.56.904.

Findings -- 1989 c 262: "The legislature finds that there is confusion regarding the measure of damages authorized under RCW 90.48.142. The intent of this act is to clarify existing law on the measure of damages authorized under RCW 90.48.142, not to change the law." [1989 c 262 з 1.]

Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

Severability -- 1967 ex.s. c 139: See RCW 82.34.900.

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90.48.144
Violations Ч Civil penalty Ч Procedure.
Except as provided in RCW 43.05.060 through 43.05.080 and 43.05.150, every person who:

(1) Violates the terms or conditions of a waste discharge permit issued pursuant to RCW 90.48.180 or 90.48.260 through 90.48.262, or

(2) Conducts a commercial or industrial operation or other point source discharge operation without a waste discharge permit as required by RCW 90.48.160 or 90.48.260 through 90.48.262, or

(3) Violates the provisions of RCW 90.48.080, or other sections of this chapter or chapter 90.56 RCW or rules or orders adopted or issued pursuant to either of those chapters, shall incur, in addition to any other penalty as provided by law, a penalty in an amount of up to ten thousand dollars a day for every such violation. Each and every such violation shall be a separate and distinct offense, and in case of a continuing violation, every day's continuance shall be and be deemed to be a separate and distinct violation. Every act of commission or omission which procures, aids or abets in the violation shall be considered a violation under the provisions of this section and subject to the penalty herein provided for. The penalty amount shall be set in consideration of the previous history of the violator and the severity of the violation's impact on public health and/or the environment in addition to other relevant factors. The penalty herein provided for shall be imposed pursuant to the procedures set forth in RCW 43.21B.300.

[1995 c 403 з 636; 1992 c 73 з 27; 1987 c 109 з 17; 1985 c 316 з 2; 1973 c 155 з 9; 1970 ex.s. c 88 з 13; 1967 ex.s. c 139 з 14.]

Notes: Findings -- Short title -- Intent -- 1995 c 403: See note following RCW 34.05.328.

Part headings not law -- Severability -- 1995 c 403: See RCW 43.05.903 and 43.05.904.

Effective dates -- Severability -- 1992 c 73: See RCW 82.23B.902 and 90.56.905.

Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

Severability -- 1967 ex.s. c 139: See RCW 82.34.900.

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90.48.150
Construction of chapter.
This chapter shall not be construed as repealing any of the laws governing the pollution of the waters of the state, but shall be held and construed as ancillary to and supplementing the same and an addition to the laws now in force, except as the same may be in direct conflict herewith.

[1945 c 216 з 21; Rem. Supp. 1945 з 10964u.]

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90.48.153
Cooperation with federal government Ч Federal funds.
The department is authorized to cooperate with the federal government and to accept grants of federal funds for carrying out the purposes of this chapter. The department is empowered to make any application or report required by an agency of the federal government as an incident to receiving such grants.

[1987 c 109 з 133; 1949 c 58 з 1; Rem. Supp. 1949 з 10964pp. Formerly RCW 90.48.040.]

Notes: Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

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90.48.156
Cooperation with other states and provinces Ч Interstate and state-provincial projects.
The department is authorized to cooperate with appropriate agencies of neighboring states and neighboring provinces, to enter into contracts, and make contributions toward interstate and state-provincial projects to carry out the purposes of this chapter and chapter 90.56 RCW.

[1991 c 200 з 1105; 1987 c 109 з 134; 1949 c 58 з 2; Rem. Supp. 1949 з 10964pp-1. Formerly RCW 90.48.050.]

Notes: Effective dates -- Severability -- 1991 c 200: See RCW 90.56.901 and 90.56.904.

Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

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90.48.160
Waste disposal permit Ч Required Ч Exemptions.
Any person who conducts a commercial or industrial operation of any type which results in the disposal of solid or liquid waste material into the waters of the state, including commercial or industrial operators discharging solid or liquid waste material into sewerage systems operated by municipalities or public entities which discharge into public waters of the state, shall procure a permit from either the department or the *thermal power plant site evaluation council as provided in RCW 90.48.262(2) before disposing of such waste material: PROVIDED, That this section shall not apply to any person discharging domestic sewage only into a sewerage system.

The department may, through the adoption of rules, eliminate the permit requirements for disposing of wastes into publicly operated sewerage systems for:

(1) Categories of or individual municipalities or public corporations operating sewerage systems; or

(2) Any category of waste disposer;

if the department determines such permit requirements are no longer necessary for the effective implementation of this chapter. The department may by rule eliminate the permit requirements for disposing of wastes by upland finfish rearing facilities unless a permit is required under the federal clean water act's national pollutant discharge elimination system.

[1989 c 293 з 2; 1973 c 155 з 3; 1967 c 13 з 13; 1955 c 71 з 1.]

Notes: *Reviser's note: The "thermal power plant site evaluation council" was redesignated the "energy facility site evaluation council" by 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 108.

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90.48.162
Waste disposal permits required of counties, municipalities and public corporations.
Any county or any municipal or public corporation operating or proposing to operate a sewerage system, including any system which collects only domestic sewerage, which results in the disposal of waste material into the waters of the state shall procure a permit from the department of ecology before so disposing of such materials. This section is intended to extend the permit system of RCW 90.48.160 to counties and municipal or public corporations and the provisions of RCW 90.48.170 through *90.48.210 and 90.52.040 shall be applicable to the permit requirement imposed under this section.

[1972 ex.s. c 140 з 1.]

Notes: *Reviser's note: RCW 90.48.210 was repealed by 1987 c 109 з 159.

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90.48.165
Waste disposal permits required of counties, municipalities and public corporations Ч Cities, towns or municipal corporations may be granted authority to issue permits Ч Revocation Ч Termination of permits.
Any city, town or municipal corporation operating a sewerage system including treatment facilities may be granted authority by the department to issue permits for the discharge of wastes to such system provided the department ascertains to its satisfaction that the sewerage system and the inspection and control program operated and conducted by the city, town or municipal corporation will protect the public interest in the quality of the state's waters as provided for in this chapter. Such authority may be granted by the department upon application by the city, town or municipal corporation and may be revoked by the department if it determines that such city, town, or municipal corporation is not, thereafter, operated and conducted in a manner to protect the public interest. Persons holding municipal permits to discharge into sewerage systems operated by a municipal corporation authorized by this section to issue such permits shall not be required to secure a waste discharge permit provided for in RCW 90.48.160 as to the wastes discharged into such sewerage systems. Authority granted by the department to cities, towns, or municipal corporations to issue permits under this section shall be in addition to any authority or power now or hereafter granted by law to cities, towns and municipal corporations for the regulation of discharges into sewerage systems operated by such cities, towns, or municipal corporations. Permits issued under this section shall automatically terminate if the authority to issue the same is revoked by the department.

[1987 c 109 з 135; 1967 c 13 з 14.]

Notes: Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

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90.48.170
Waste disposal permits required of counties, municipalities and public corporations Ч Application Ч Notice as to new operation or increase in volume Ч Investigation Ч Notice to other state departments.
Applications for permits shall be made on forms prescribed by the department and shall contain the name and address of the applicant, a description of the applicant's operations, the quantity and type of waste material sought to be disposed of, the proposed method of disposal, and any other relevant information deemed necessary by the department. Application for permits shall be made at least sixty days prior to commencement of any proposed discharge or permit expiration date, whichever is applicable. Upon receipt of a proper application relating to a new operation, or an operation previously under permit for which an increase in volume of wastes or change in character of effluent is requested over that previously authorized, the department shall instruct the applicant to publish notices thereof by such means and within such time as the department shall prescribe. The department shall require that the notice so prescribed shall be published twice in a newspaper of general circulation within the county in which the disposal of waste material is proposed to be made and in such other appropriate information media as the department may direct. Said notice shall include a statement that any person desiring to present his or her views to the department with regard to said application may do so in writing to the department, or any person interested in the department's action on an application for a permit, may submit his or her views or notify the department of his or her interest within thirty days of the last date of publication of notice. Such notification or submission of views to the department shall entitle said persons to a copy of the action taken on the application. Upon receipt by the department of an application, it shall immediately send notice thereof containing pertinent information to the director of fish and wildlife and to the secretary of social and health services. When an application complying with the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations of the department has been filed with the department, it shall be its duty to investigate the application, and determine whether the use of public waters for waste disposal as proposed will pollute the same in violation of the public policy of the state.

[1994 c 264 з 91; 1988 c 36 з 70; 1987 c 109 з 136; 1967 c 13 з 15; 1955 c 71 з 2.]

Notes: Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

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90.48.180
Waste disposal permits required of counties, municipalities and public corporations Ч Issuance Ч Conditions Ч Duration.
The department shall issue a permit unless it finds that the disposal of waste material as proposed in the application will pollute the waters of the state in violation of the public policy declared in RCW 90.48.010. The department shall have authority to specify conditions necessary to avoid such pollution in each permit under which waste material may be disposed of by the permittee. Permits may be temporary or permanent but shall not be valid for more than five years from date of issuance.

[1987 c 109 з 137; 1967 c 13 з 16; 1955 c 71 з 3.]

Notes: Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

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90.48.190
Waste disposal permits required of counties, municipalities and public corporations Ч Termination Ч Grounds.
A permit shall be subject to termination upon thirty days' notice in writing if the department finds:

(1) That it was procured by misrepresentation of any material fact or by lack of full disclosure in the application;

(2) That there has been a violation of the conditions thereof;

(3) That a material change in quantity or type of waste disposal exists.

[1987 c 109 з 138; 1967 c 13 з 17; 1955 c 71 з 4. (1987 3rd ex.s. c 2 з 43 repealed by 1989 c 2 з 24, effective March 1, 1989.)]

Notes: Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

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90.48.195
Waste disposal permits required of counties, municipalities and public corporations Ч Modification or additional conditions may be ordered.
In the event that a material change in the condition of the state waters occurs the department may, by appropriate order, modify permit conditions or specify additional conditions in permits previously issued.

[1987 c 109 з 139; 1967 c 13 з 18.]

Notes: Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

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90.48.200
Waste disposal permits required of counties, municipalities and public corporations Ч Nonaction upon application Ч Temporary permit Ч Duration.
In the event of failure of the department to act upon an application within sixty days after it has been filed the applicant shall be deemed to have received a temporary permit. Said permit shall authorize the applicant to discharge wastes into waters of the state as requested in its application only until such time as the department shall have taken action upon said application.

[1987 c 109 з 140; 1967 c 13 з 19; 1955 c 71 з 5.]

Notes: Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

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90.48.215
Upland finfish facilities Ч Waste discharge standards Ч Waste disposal permit.
(1) The following definition shall apply to this section: "Upland finfish hatching and rearing facilities" means those facilities not located within waters of the state where finfish are hatched, fed, nurtured, held, maintained, or reared to reach the size of release or for market sale. This shall include fish hatcheries, rearing ponds, spawning channels, and other similarly constructed or fabricated public or private facilities.

(2) Not later than September 30, 1989, the department shall adopt standards pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW for waste discharges from upland finfish hatching and rearing facilities. In establishing these standards, the department shall incorporate, to the extent applicable, studies conducted by the United States environmental protection agency on finfish rearing facilities and other relevant information. The department shall also issue a general permit as authorized by the federal clean water act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., or RCW 90.48.160 by September 30, 1989, for upland finfish hatching and rearing facilities. The department shall approve or deny applications for coverage under the general permit for upland finfish hatching and rearing facilities within one hundred eighty days from the date of application, unless a longer time is required to satisfy public participation requirements in the permit process in accordance with applicable rules, or compliance with the requirements of the state environmental policy act under chapter 43.21C RCW. The department shall notify applicants for coverage by a general permit as soon as it determines that a proposed discharge meets or fails to comply with the standards or general permit conditions set forth pursuant to this section, or that a time period longer than one hundred eighty days is necessary to satisfy public participation requirements or the state environmental policy act.

[1989 c 293 з 1.]

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90.48.220
Marine finfish rearing facilities Ч Waste discharge standards Ч Discharge permit applications Ч Exemption.
(1) For the purposes of this section "marine finfish rearing facilities" means those private and public facilities located within the salt water of the state where finfish are fed, nurtured, held, maintained, or reared to reach the size of release or for market sale.

(2) Not later than October 31, 1994, the department shall adopt criteria under chapter 34.05 RCW for allowable sediment impacts from organic enrichment due to marine finfish rearing facilities.

(3) Not later than June 30, 1995, the department shall adopt standards under chapter 34.05 RCW for waste discharges from marine finfish rearing facilities. In establishing these standards, the department shall review and incorporate, to the extent possible, studies conducted by state and federal agencies on waste discharges from marine finfish rearing facilities, and any reports and other materials prepared by technical committees on waste discharges from marine finfish rearing facilities. The department shall approve or deny discharge permit applications for marine finfish rearing facilities within one hundred eighty days from the date of application, unless a longer time is required to satisfy public participation requirements in the permit process in accordance with applicable rules, or compliance with the requirements of the state environmental policy act under chapter 43.21C RCW. The department shall notify applicants as soon as it determines that a proposed discharge meets or fails to comply with the standards adopted pursuant to this section, or if a time period longer than one hundred eighty days is necessary to satisfy public participation requirements of the state environmental policy act.

(4) The department may adopt rules to exempt marine finfish rearing facilities not requiring national pollutant discharge elimination system permits under the federal water pollution control act from the discharge permit requirement.

[1993 c 296 з 1.]

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90.48.230
Application of administrative procedure law to rule making and adjudicative proceedings.
The provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedure Act, apply to all rule making and adjudicative proceedings authorized by or arising under the provisions of this chapter.

[1989 c 175 з 181; 1967 c 13 з 21.]

Notes: Effective date -- 1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.

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90.48.240
Water pollution orders for conditions requiring immediate action Ч Appeal.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter or chapter 90.56 RCW, whenever it appears to the director that water quality conditions exist which require immediate action to protect the public health or welfare, or that a person required by RCW 90.48.160 to obtain a waste discharge permit prior to discharge is discharging without the same, or that a person conducting an operation which is subject to a permit issued pursuant to RCW 90.48.160 conducts the same in violation of the terms of said permit, causing water quality conditions to exist which require immediate action to protect the public health or welfare, the director may issue a written order to the person or persons responsible without prior notice or hearing, directing and affording the person or persons responsible the alternative of either (1) immediately discontinuing or modifying the discharge into the waters of the state, or (2) appearing before the department at the time and place specified in said written order for the purpose of providing to the department information pertaining to the violations and conditions alleged in said written order. The responsible person or persons shall be afforded not less than twenty-four hours notice of such an information meeting. If following such a meeting the department determines that water quality conditions exist which require immediate action as described herein, the department may issue a written order requiring immediate discontinuance or modification of the discharge into the waters of the state. In the event an order is not immediately complied with the attorney general, upon request of the department, shall seek and obtain an order of the superior court of the county in which the violation took place directing compliance with the order of the department. Such an order is appealable pursuant to RCW 43.21B.310.

[1991 c 200 з 1106; 1987 c 109 з 15; 1967 c 13 з 22.]

Notes: Effective dates -- Severability -- 1991 c 200: See RCW 90.56.901 and 90.56.904.

Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

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90.48.250
Agreements or contracts to monitor waters and effluent discharge.
The department is authorized to make agreements and enter into such contracts as are appropriate to carry out a program of monitoring the condition of the waters of the state and the effluent discharged therein, including contracts to monitor effluent discharged into public waters when such monitoring is required by the terms of a waste discharge permit or as part of the approval of a sewerage system, if adequate compensation is provided to the department as a term of the contract.

[1987 c 109 з 141; 1967 c 13 з 23.]

Notes: Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.

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90.48.260
Federal clean water act Ч Department designated as state agency, authority Ч Delegation of authority Ч Powers, duties, and functions.
The department of ecology is hereby designated as the State Water Pollution Control Agency for all purposes of the federal clean water act as it exists on February 4, 1987, and is hereby authorized to participate fully in the programs of the act as well as to take all action necessary to secure to the state the benefits and to meet the requirements of that act. With regard to the national estuary program established by section 320 of that act, the department shall exercise its responsibility jointly with the *Puget Sound water quality authority. The department of ecology may delegate its authority under this chapter, including its national pollutant discharge elimination permit system authority and duties regarding animal feeding operations and concentrated animal feeding operations, to the department of agriculture through a memorandum of understanding. Until any such delegation receives federal approval, the department of agriculture's adoption or issuance of animal feeding operation and concentrated animal feeding operation rules, permits, programs, and directives pertaining to water quality shall be accomplished after reaching agreement with the director of the department of ecology. Adoption or issuance and implementation shall be accomplished so that compliance with such animal feeding operation and concentrated animal feeding operation rules, permits, programs, and directives will achieve compliance with all federal and state water pollution control laws. The powers granted herein include, among others, and notwithstanding any other provisions of chapter 90.48 RCW or otherwise, the following:

(1) Complete authority to establish and administer a comprehensive state point source waste discharge or pollution discharge elimination permit program which will enable the department to qualify for full participation in any national waste discharge or pollution discharge elimination permit system and will allow the department to be the sole agency issuing permits required by such national system operating in the state of Washington subject to the provisions of RCW 90.48.262(2). Program elements authorized herein may include, but are not limited to: (a) Effluent treatment and limitation requirements together with timing requirements related thereto; (b) applicable receiving water quality standards requirements; (c) requirements of standards of performance for new sources; (d) pretreatment requirements; (e) termination and modification of permits for cause; (f) requirements for public notices and opportunities for public hearings; (g) appropriate relationships with the secretary of the army in the administration of his responsibilities which relate to anchorage and navigation, with the administrator of the environmental protection agency in the performance of his duties, and with other governmental officials under the federal clean water act; (h) requirements for inspection, monitoring, entry, and reporting; (i) enforcement of the program through penalties, emergency powers, and criminal sanctions; (j) a continuing planning process; and (k) user charges.

(2) The power to establish and administer state programs in a manner which will insure the procurement of moneys, whether in the form of grants, loans, or otherwise; to assist in the construction, operation, and maintenance of various water pollution control facilities and works; and the administering of various state water pollution control management, regulatory, and enforcement programs.

(3) The power to develop and implement appropriate programs pertaining to continuing planning processes, area-wide waste treatment management plans, and basin planning.

The governor shall have authority to perform those actions required of him or her by the federal clean water act.

[2003 c 325 з 7; 1988 c 220 з 1; 1983 c 270 з 1; 1979 ex.s. c 267 з 1; 1973 c 155 з 4; 1967 c 13 з 24.]

Notes: *Reviser's note: The Puget Sound water quality authority and its powers and duties, pursuant to the Sunset Act, chapter 43.131 RCW, were terminated June 30, 1995, and repealed June 30, 1996. See 1990 c 115 зз 11 and 12. Powers, duties, and functions of the Puget Sound water quality authority pertaining to cleanup and protection of Puget Sound transferred to the Puget Sound action team by 1996 c 138 з 11. See RCW 90.71.903.

Intent -- Finding -- 2003 c 325: See note following RCW 90.64.030.

Severability -- 1983 c 270: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [1983 c 270 з 5.]

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90.48.261
Exercise of powers under RCW 90.48.260 Ч Aquatic resource mitigation.
When exercising its powers under RCW 90.48.260, the department shall, at the request of the project proponent, follow the guidance contained in RCW 90.74.005 through 90.74.030.

[1997 c 424 з 7.]

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90.48.262
Implementation of RCW 90.48.260 Ч Permits for energy facilities Ч Rules and procedures.
(1) The powers established under RCW 90.48.260 shall be implemented by the department through the adoption of rules in every appropriate situation. The permit program authorized under RCW 90.48.260(1) shall constitute a continuation of the established permit program of RCW 90.48.160 and other applicable sections within chapter 90.48 RCW. The appropriate modifications as authorized in *this 1973 amendatory act are designed to avoid duplication and other wasteful practices and to insure that the state permit program contains all required elements of and is compatible with the requirements of any national permit system. (continued)