GENERAL PERMITS:

Many activities will trigger environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). In general, SEPA applies to decisions of any state or local government entity, including decisions related to the licensing or permitting of activities by private developers or individuals.

LOCAL PERMITS:

Spokane County and the City of Spokane require permits for a variety of activities. Permits include building permits, shoreline conditional use permits, and septic tank permits. Each of these entities should be consulted prior to commencing any work.

Air quality permits can be required for many purposes, including operating a business, construction projects, and outdoor burning. The Spokane County Air Pollution Control Authority is responsible for air quality regulations and permitting in this region.

WATER QUALITY PERMITS:

Water quality is regulated under the federal Clean Water Act and the state Water Pollution Control Act. The Washington State Department of Ecology has primary jurisdiction over water quality issues and permitting in the state.

In general, any discharge (due to construction activities, facility operations, or other sources) into surface or groundwater will require a permit.

See the Environmental Permit Handbook for additional information. Ecology's Water Quality Program also provides valuable information.

WATER RESOURCE PERMITS:

The Washington State Department of Ecology has primary jurisdiction over water resource issues in the state. Ecology's Water Resources Program is committed to supporting sustainable water resources management to meet the present and future water needs of people and the natural environment, in partnership with Washington communities.

In general, any activity affecting water resources, including applying for a new water right, changing an existing water right, constructing a reservoir or a well, requires a permit. Consult the Environmental Permit Handbook for more information.

WETLAND PERMITS:

Federal, state and local governments share jurisdictions over wetlands under numerous laws. Several permits may thus be required for any actions near or in a wetland. As noted in the Environmental Permit Handbook: At the Federal level, the Army Corps of Engineers regulates wetlands under the Clean Water Act and Coastal Zone Management Act. Aspects of this authority have been delegated to Washington's Department of Ecology. Washington State agencies regulate wetlands under the Hydraulic Code, State Water Pollution Control Act, Shoreline Management Act, and the Forest Practices Act. Local governments such as the County or City, regulate wetlands under the Growth Management Act and the Shoreline Management Act.

Consult the Environmental Permit Handbook, the Department of Ecology's Wetland Protection and Management Program for more information.

FORESTRY PERMITS:

In Washington, timber harvesting and related activities on private lands (road construction, water crossings and diversions, chemical application, reforestation and debris disposal) are regulated by the State's Forest Practices Act and Forest Practices Rule. The Act and subsequent rules protect water, fish, wildlife and capital improvements of the State and its political subdivisions while maintaining a viable forest products industry. Learn more.

Wood Cutting Permit : Permits for cutting on state lands are issued from DNR's regional office. (509) 684-7474 in Colville.

LIVESTOCK PERMITS:

State and federal laws may apply to the keeping of livestock, whether you have one animal or several hundred. The focus of the regulations is on protecting surface and ground water from contamination. Learn more about how these laws may apply to you.

PESTICIDE PERMITS:

Those involved in the business of selling or using pesticides and herbicides are generally required by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) to obtain a permit and pass a certification exam.

A permit may also be required by WSDA for applying certain pesticides, particularly in certain geographic areas or certain times of the year.

Applying pesticides or herbicides near water poses particular concerns. An Aquatic Pesticide Permit may be required by the Department of Ecology. Contact Ecology's Water Quality division at (800) 633-6193.

Local jurisdictions may also require special permits.

For additional information about licenses, contact WSDA's Pesticide Management Division - Toll Free (877) 301-4555.

Consult the Environmental Permit Handbook for more information.

WASTE AND TOXIC SUBSTANCE PERMITS:

The Washington State Department of Ecology and local jurisdictions share responsibilities under state and federal laws for matters related to solid waste, hazardous or toxic wastes, handling and storage regulations, and spill reporting and clean-up requirements.

The Environmental Permit Handbook is an excellent resource for more information. The Department of Ecology also manages several programs related to waste and toxic substances that may be of assistance.

FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS:

The Department of Ecology, other state agencies, and local jurisdictions can generally assist you in determining if your project requires a permit from a federal agency.

The Environmental Permit Handbook also provides some information on federal permits, including those required for work in navigable waters or wetlands.