The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is subject to a Municipal Stormwater Permit, a critical regulatory instrument designed to safeguard Washington’s water bodies. This permit mandates that WSDOT actively manage and control stormwater runoff originating from its extensive infrastructure. The core objective is to prevent polluted stormwater from reaching and contaminating downstream waters, thereby preserving aquatic ecosystems and water quality.
Why Stormwater Management is Essential for the Washington State Department of Transportation?
The sheer scale of the Washington State Department of Transportation’s operations underscores the necessity for stringent stormwater management. WSDOT is responsible for a vast network encompassing over 7,000 miles of highways across the state of Washington. When factoring in associated facilities such as rest areas, ferry terminal holding lots, and park and ride locations, the total paved surface area under WSDOT’s management exceeds 40,000 acres.
These extensive paved surfaces are largely impervious, meaning they prevent rainwater from naturally infiltrating into the ground. This infiltration is a vital natural process where water is filtered and treated before it can replenish streams or underground water supplies. The lack of infiltration on WSDOT managed lands results in substantial volumes of untreated stormwater runoff flowing from state highway facilities annually. This runoff can carry pollutants directly into water bodies, posing a significant threat to water quality and aquatic life.
Key Documents for the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Current Stormwater Permit
The current Municipal Stormwater General Permit for the Washington State Department of Transportation became effective on April 5, 2019, and is set to expire on April 5, 2024. Several key documents are associated with this permit, providing comprehensive details and guidance for compliance:
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WSDOT Municipal Stormwater General Permit (Effective April 5, 2019): This is the primary document outlining the specific requirements and conditions of the permit that the Washington State Department of Transportation must adhere to. It details the legal obligations for managing stormwater discharge.
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Fact Sheet with Response to Comments: This document provides background information on the permit and summarizes the public comments received during the permit development process. It also includes the Department of Ecology’s responses to these comments, offering valuable insight into the rationale behind specific permit conditions.
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Application for Coverage (Notice of Intent): Also known as the Notice of Intent (NOI), this is the formal application document that the Washington State Department of Transportation submitted to seek coverage under the Municipal Stormwater Permit. It provides essential information about WSDOT’s operations and facilities.
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Highway Runoff Manual (HRM): The Highway Runoff Manual (HRM) is a critical guidance document that outlines best management practices (BMPs) for controlling and treating highway runoff. It serves as a practical resource for WSDOT personnel responsible for implementing stormwater management measures.
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Implementing Agreement between WSDOT and Ecology regarding application of the HRM: This agreement clarifies the roles and responsibilities of both the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Department of Ecology in applying the Highway Runoff Manual. It ensures a coordinated approach to stormwater management compliance.
Washington State Department of Transportation Permit Compliance and Resources
The Washington State Department of Transportation is committed to full compliance with the Municipal Stormwater Permit. For detailed information on WSDOT’s permit-related activities and resources, please refer to the WSDOT water resources and erosion control page. This page offers access to information on various aspects of WSDOT’s stormwater management program, including:
- Stormwater research: Information on ongoing research initiatives aimed at improving stormwater management practices and technologies.
- Annual reports: Access to WSDOT’s annual reports detailing their progress in implementing the stormwater permit requirements.
- Monitoring reports: Reports summarizing the results of stormwater monitoring activities conducted by WSDOT to assess the effectiveness of their control measures.
- Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) implementation reports: Information and reports related to WSDOT’s efforts to implement TMDLs, which are pollution reduction targets for specific water bodies.
Previous Washington State Department of Transportation Stormwater Permit Documents
For historical context and information on past regulatory requirements, the previous Washington State Department of Transportation Municipal Stormwater General Permit and associated documents are available:
- WSDOT Municipal Stormwater General Permit (Effective April 5, 2014): The previous permit that was in effect prior to the current one, providing a historical perspective on regulatory requirements.
- Errata: Corrections and clarifications to the previous permit.
- Fact Sheet: Background information and details related to the previous permit.
Contact Information for WSDOT Permit Inquiries
For specific inquiries regarding the Washington State Department of Transportation Municipal Stormwater Permit, please contact:
Foroozan Labib
WSDOT Permit Lead
[email protected]
360-407-6439
