Biosolids Management (General Permit)
What is the purpose of this permit?
This general permit establishes the conditions that must be met for the activities in the State of Washington listed below, according to the provisions of Chapter 173-308 WAC, Biosolids Management.Who issues this permit?
Department of EcologyWhat activities require this permit?
All public and private facilities within the jurisdiction of the State of Washington that meet the definition of Treatment Works Treating Domestic Sewage are subject to coverage under this permit for the following activities:
- Treatment of sewage sludge or biosolids prior to beneficial use, disposal in a landfill, or incineration.
- Application of non-exceptional quality biosolids to the land, including agricultural lands, forestlands, land reclamation sites, and public contact sites.
- Application of septage to the land.
- Disposal of sewage sludge in municipal solid waste landfills or incinerators.
- Selling or giving away biosolids in bags or other containers with a capacity of one metric ton (1.1 U.S. tons), or less.
- Storing sewage sludge or biosolids.
- Transferring sewage sludge or non-exceptional quality biosolids from one facility to another, including for incineration or disposal in a landfill.
- Composting non-exceptional quality biosolids.
- Producing and selling or giving away exceptional quality biosolids derived from non-exceptional quality biosolids.
Important note: Existing facilities without Active Biosolids or Septage Management programs, operating under the previous permit as of September 4, 2020, are not required to submit a permit application unless directed to do so by Ecology.
How much will this permit cost?
Fees vary depending upon size and type of facility. Please see WAC 173-308-320 for details.
Where can I get the application for this permit?
The application is called '
Baseline Permit Application’, ‘Active Septage Permit Application’, and ‘Active Biosolids Application' is online and can be accessed at
https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Biosolids-facilities-Fees-forms-annual-report.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
A complete application package includes:
- Application for Coverage signed by the appropriate official.
- Confirmation that the SEPA and public notice requirements have been met.
The following components may also be required:
- Vicinity map of the facility and any associated treatment or storage facilities.
- Treatment facility schematic (basic, showing flows and processes).
- Land application plans
- Monitoring data
- Biosolids sampling plan
- Contingency plan for exceptional quality biosolids
- Temporary disposal plan
- Spill prevention/response plan.
Is the decision on my permit dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
- Submittal of a complete application package.
- Completion of public notice.
- Fulfillment of any SEPA obligations.
How long will it take to review my application?
The timeframe for reviewing applications and issuing final coverage varies. Applicants should consult the applicable
Regional Biosolids Coordinator [https://ecology.wa.gov/Waste-Toxics/Reducing-recycling-waste/Biosolids/Program-contacts]for specifics.
Where do I submit my application?
Electronic copies are preferred. Hard copies can be submitted via mail, in person, or by parcel delivery service. All facilities must submit their permit application as follows:
- One copy to the Regional Biosolids Coordinator
- One copy to all Local Health Jurisdictions where you will treat, store, dispose, or land apply biosolids, sewage sludge, or septage, unless the health jurisdiction has declined to receive a copy
How long is my permit valid?
Ecology general permits are reissued every 5 years.What is the appeal process for the permit?
An order, permit, license, or decision can be appealed within 30 days from the “date of receipt” of the decision. The appeal process is governed by RCW 43.21B and WAC 371-08. “Date of receipt” is defined in RCW 43.21B.001(2). Get more information on the Pollution Control Hearings Board web page.
Read the
Pollution Control Board’s Appeal Process web page for more details.
Notes / Comments:
The general permit has three applications, each tailored to a specific type of facility based on their operations. All three applications can be accessed on the Biosolids webpage.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.
All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:
Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 79Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 79Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 15Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 15(Summary results based on 1 submittals in 2024)
Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL:
https://ecology.wa.gov/Waste-Toxics/Reducing-recycling-waste/Biosolids/Program-contactsSubject matter expert phone: 360-789-6592
Subject matter expert email:
Emily.Kijowski@ecy.wa.govTriggering Questions:
- Do you produce or manage biosolids, sewage sludge, or septage?
* Permit information last updated 2/4/2025