Changes are proposed to increase annual fees that industries, local governments and others pay to be covered by stormwater and wastewater discharge permits, as required by state law.

Permits help protect clean water by setting limits on how much pollution may be discharged into the environment.

Permit fees help the state recoup its costs to implement the permit program. Fees can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the type of activity the permit covers.

The Department of Ecology has more than 40 categories of permits and oversees approximately 6,000 wastewater and stormwater discharge permits.

Ecology is accepting public comments on the proposal through Sept. 9.

The public is invited to participate in a videoconference workshop and public hearing at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at Ecology offices in Bellevue, Lacey, Spokane and Union Gap.

Learn more about this activity by visiting our website.