HomeMy WebLinkAbout30 Z1 Jo
Patricia Earnest
P.O. Box 184
Nordland, WA 98358
June 27, 2017
TO:
Stephen K. Causseaux, Esq.
Jefferson County Hearing Examiner
902 South 10th Street, Tacoma
Washington 98405
RE: Case: MLA17-00019
Building Permit: BLD 17-00093
Parcel No: 021204015
Address: 9272 Flagler Road, Nordland WA
Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board License #412943
Dear Mr. Causseaux,
It seems to me that there are a number of contradictions, causing confusion for me in the
public material regarding Jefferson County's attempt to permit Austin Smith's
Application for growing &processing recreational cannabis in a rural residential 1:10
property on Marrowstone Island, a septic served community. Some confusion is possibly
due to the pressure of too few hands at the DCD.
In his June 21, article in the PT Leader, Smith claimed, "The plants are grown in a closed
hydroponic system, where the state-approved nutrients feed the plants through a drip
system, and there is no runoff."
From BLD 17-00093 Permit Case Summary 4/20/17
Case condition#2 "JCPH approval for the septic system connection is approved
based on the growing operation using soil as the growing medium. The use of hydroponic
or water based growing media IS NOT approved."
Yet in the SUMMARY OF APPLICATION AND RECOMMENDATION presented by
the County for the Open Hearing, the word "hydroponic" is not mentioned. Not
approved, not disapproved, not addressed at all. Most of my confusion comes from the
reading of that material.
When contacted after the Hearing was announced, Susan Porto, at Jefferson
Environmental Health, who issued Case condition#2, confirmed her findings &
suggested we contact the WA State Ecology Dept. to see if a permit for hydroponics in a
septic only environment had been requested. Ellie Keys at ecy.wa.gov, said not to worry,
it will be covered in the SEPA review. But wait, the grower claims exemption from SEPA
siting first WAC 197-11-800 (I)(b)(iii) then corrects itself to (1)(b)(iv) likening it to a
school or commercial building with up to 40 parking spots allowed.
I received an e-mail on 6/26, from Gary Lee, also from the WA Department of Ecology.
In it he states the following:
Enclosed please find a checklist listing information that Ecology is asking
marijuana growing facilities to provide in order to determine if a discharge permit
is required for the facilities to discharge process wastewater. The checklist also
provides Ecology's recommendations for disposal of wastewater. I don't think
Ecology has received the checklist from the facility at this point. Please contact
Ms. Ellie Key if you have any more questions since I will be out of office next
week. Thanks.
Gary Lee, P.E.
Environmental Engineer
Water Quality Program
Department of Ecology
Southwest Regional Office
P.O. Box 47776
Olympia, WA 98504-7775
360-407-6291
Though there may be no purposeful runoff, in hydroponic growing of cannabis, as the
buds get ready for harvest, there is a recommended few day flushing as fertilizers can
become toxic. This according to several articles and a quote from the book
AQUAPONIC GARDENING by Sylvia Bernstein in its 10th printing,April 2015.
In the checklist referenced by Mr. Lee, the Wastewater Discharge Checklist, the grower
explains his/her process for removal of that toxic waste. For a septic served property, that
process also requires removal from the site. With no SEPA review, it's compliance is
confusing to Marrowstone residents who rely on Jefferson County oversight to protect its
citizens.
Another confusion comes from the claim to be hiring Jefferson County residents for this
project... Perhaps the erection of the greenhouse & attached, but seemingly separate,
Head House, would employ current Jefferson residents. He also claimed in the Leader
article, that "multiple people from the island"volunteered to help "crop the plants, when
they have matured." maintaining therefore that Islanders would be working "with us" not
"for us," which makes sense as he has also claimed to only have extended family working
on the site, all of whom will stay in his residence. He does not mention at that time where
his immediate family will reside, however, and that is confusing in a rural residential
neighborhood where the owner & the County claim that the residence is the primary
focus of the land use in this case.
More confusion in the SUMMARY 2.c. since Cottage Industries were permitted to allow
the resident to expand the existing home business, and here it is explained that the owner
"will reside" in the dwelling unit as a condition of the Cottage Industry Permit, per JCC
18.20.170 (4) a. and Staff Comments from b. yet it seems that the grow is the reason the
family, I mean extended family will reside here.
Another point of confusion comes from the Leader article with Smith claiming that the
closest Grocery Store had a pot shop next to it, making the location a "perfect fit."
However, the closest Grocery store is on Marrowstone Island, begun in 1923, and has a
sail shop next to it & a goat farm behind it. No pot shop.
However, in Port Hadlock, on the mainland, is a supermarket chain store, QFC, which
has a pot store maybe a quarter or half a mile away. Curiously enough, Port Hadlock,
according to JCC 18.18 table 3A-1, prohibits recreational marijuana grows in any of its
residential designated areas. That only speaks to the in-attention the owner seems to be
paying to the actual nature of the area & its residents.
The items in the Summary of Application and Recommendation from 4. JCC - 18.20.170
Cottage Industries, refers to the dwelling use, the property use & the Head House section
only of the proposed BLD 17-00093, from page 9 into page 12. It does not relate to the
grow.
5. JCC 18.20.295 brings it back to the production side of the permit. The division in the
space, the JCC rules and the housing stipulation makes it sound like there should be a
request for two separate structure and attendant use permits for the property. ... It is here
that the stipulations from the Permit Case Summary are missing.(BLD17-00093, Case
conditions #2 and#23.) The greenhouse growing section has different "pollution"
mitigation needs from the Cottage Industry processing. The Processing itself is not
addressed,just its relation to owner residence. That is an omission and should perhaps be
a SEPA review item as well as the hydroponics & attendant waste removal. Waste water,
tool cleaning, apparatus cleaning, is not addressed. Venting of air and heat build up via
the ceiling vents, shown in the architectural drawing of the structure, is not addressed.
A quote from the newspaper article is that there are no "armed guards."Are there un-
armed guards?Are there guard dogs?This is a family dwelling... residential in nature. If
the family resides there, it's rural residential. If only extended family resides there to
work at the facility, it's a bunk house.
14 (j)As Smith's extended family likely does not already live in Jefferson County, it will
bring employed folks into Jefferson, but it will likely not add employment for current
residents as claimed.
Case condition#23 "No plumbing has been reviewed or approved for this project by
Jefferson County Public Health.Additional requirements may apply if plumbing is
proposed."
I am mystified as to how a drip irrigation hydroponic grow of this size needs no
plumbing.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter. There are more questions than answers
for me at this point.
Respectfu s miffed,
Patricia Earnest
Attachments to Mr. Causseaux only
cc:
Patty Charnas, Director of Community Development, pcharnas@co.jefferson.wa.us
Pat Hopper,Associate Planner, phopper@co.jefferson.wa.us
Kate Dean, County Commissioner District 1,jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us
Kathleen Kler, Commissioner District 3,jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us
David Sullivan, Commissioner District 2,jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us
Philip Morley, County Administrator,pmorley@co.jefferson.wa.us
aarthur@ptleader.com
cmcfarl and@peninsuladailynews.corn
from
AQUAPONIC GARDENING
by Sylvia Bernstein
copyright 2011 10th Printing April 2015
New Society Publishers
P.O. Box 189, Gabriola Island, BC VOR 1X0, Canada
(250) 247-9737
• Bernstein was part of the original founding team of AeroGrow, the makers ofaroGarden,
a counte droponic system for growing herbs & lettuces. She was there.from-2003 to 2009
& left as VP of ,eting & Product Development to pursue the symbiotic system called
Aquaponics. Early in the. book she discusses hydroponics...
p. xxi She refers to the ..."expensive and often unsafe chemical fertilizers in hydroponics..."
,x.
p. 3. "Hydroponics requires a constant replenishment and manual balancing of the chemical
nutrients, or the plants die."
"...hydroponics:. you might have also heard of it because it is the favored growing
method of marijuana producers."
She mentions three styles of growing:
1. Flood & drain (ebb &flow)
2. Nutrient film technique (NFT)
3. Deep-water culture or Raft (DWC)
p. 4. "Water in hydroponic systems need to be discharged periodically, as the salts and
chemicals build up to levels that become toxic to the plants. This is both inconvenient &
problematic as the disposal location of this waste water needs to be carefully considered."
rrouuuer►rrocessor
Wastewater Discharge Checklist
DEPARTMENT OF
ECOLOGY
State of Washington
Washington State's water pollution control law requires a permit for the discharge of industrial or
commercial wastewater to"waters of the state",which includes surface and groundwater. Dischargers of
wastewater must provide all known available and reasonable methods of treatment(AKART), prevention and
control before discharge. The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology)regulates discharges of
wastewater with permits to ensure AKART is provided and that public health is protected.
Checklist
Ecology developed this checklist to determine if a process wastewater associated with an I-502 producer/
processor will discharge to waters of the state and require a discharge permit. Please submit the completed
checklist 60 days in advance of the start of producing/processing operations to allow sufficient time for review.
Wastewater Discharge Options
Ecology will not require a discharge permit when the completed checklist shows there will be no discharge of a
pollutant into waters of the state when the I-502 applicant implements AKART. Wastewater information on this
new industry is evolving. In the majority of cases to date,the volume of wastewater from I-502 producer/
processors is considered to be minimal or there is no discharge.
Potential discharge options:
1. Publicly Owned Wastewater Treatment Works
Discharge to a local municipal sanitary sewer system is the preferred option for 1-502 facilities that have
discharges associated with cleaning,rinsing,THC extraction,hydroponic irrigation, and the manufacture
of edible products. Discharges can be either direct connection to the sewer collection system, or by
collecting the I-502 wastewater in a tank and transporting it to the municipal sanitary system for
disposal. Written approval must be obtained from the local sewer agency prior to commencing any
discharge. It is highly recommended that I-502 facilities considering this option contact the Water
Quality Program's pre-treatment engineer at the appropriate regional Ecology office for guidance.
2. Septic Tank and Drain Field/French Drain
Ecology does not allow commercial or industrial wastewater to be discharged to a septic tank/drain field
or French drain system. Ecology does not accept that septic tanks/French drains provide AKART for
commercial and industrial wastewater, unless the discharge meets the requirements of the local health
department. Ecology generally considers the presence of floor drains in an I-502 producer/processor
facility to be connected to a septic tank/drain field system.
3. Surface Water Discharge
Ecology strongly discourages this discharge option. It would require that the operation be permitted
under the federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System(NPDES)under the authority of the
Clean Water Act. The permit would contain stringent discharge limitations and testing requirements.
4. Land Application/Spray Irrigation
This option could require the 1-502 proponent to submit an engineering report to Ecology that describes
AKART for the 1-502 facility and a groundwater analysis of the site. Ecology would subsequently issue
•
LL LtLLd VY(40(S-, ulOvllul 5, luuL LILUL VV Vulu hili lALLV 111V111LV11115 L11V VV UJw VV uwl U11,1 LL1, 51(l Ul All VY(Awl.
Contact the appropriate regional Ecology regional office for guidance on this option.
•
Prohibited discharge options:
1. Drywells
Drywells and infiltration trenches with perforated pipe are underground injection control wells and
cannot be used for disposing of any industrial or commercial process wastewater. For more information
see: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/grndwtr/uic/index.html.
2. Stormwater Collection Systems
The discharge of any industrial or commercial process wastewater into a stormwater system is
prohibited.
Other Environmental Considerations
Ecology maintains a website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/topics/marijuana.html providing information about other
environmental considerations for I-502 licensees.
Questions?
Ecology encourages I-502 producers/processors to contact their county's regional Water Quality Program office
for assistance in completing the wastewater discharge checklist.
• Southwest Regional Office (Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor,Jefferson, Mason, Lewis,Pacific,
and Pierce counties): (360) 407-6300
• Northwest Regional Office (Island, King, Kitsap, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom
counties): (425) 649-7000
• Central Regional Office(Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, and Yakima
counties): (509) 575-2490
• Eastern Regional Office (Adams,Asotin, Columbia, Ferry,Franklin, Garfield, Grant,Lincoln, Pend
Oreille, Spokane, Stevens,Walla Walla, and Whitman counties): (509) 329-3400
To request ADA accommodation including materials in a format for the visually impaired, call the Water Quality Program
at Ecology, 360-407-6600.Persons with impaired hearing may call Washington Relay Service at 711.Persons with speech
disability may call TTY at 877-833-6341.
YYaJIll11gWVU oIilIG LIIiUUC I.VUICVI Dual U k YY OLl.1))LIi:GIISC 1ypU k . ,'., I.ICI 1):
Number:
SECTION B. PRODUCTION WASTEWATER
Yes Is production(growing)proposed at this location?If no,proceed to Section C.
1. Describ any differences between the
Operation'. lan and the actual planned
production growing)
2. What is the water source? •,'
If private well,provide legal description of %S ' S S TWN
the well(to the nearest'A 1/4 section, ' R
township,range)
If public water supply,itOvide name
3. Production type(soil,hydroponic,
aeroponic)
If hydroponic,list reservoir size(gallons)
Frequency of water exchange(day\or
weeks)
Approximate volume of water exchan
(gallons) '• `
4. Estimated annual production(pounds)
5. Months of production
6. Number of harvests per year
7. Name(s)of craning products used f
8. Average volume of production wastewater
produced daily(gallons)
9. Dischar '" to publicly owned sanitary Yes No
wastew ter collection and treatment
syste .
If yqg,name of system
10. D you have written approval from the Yes No
blically owned system?
iy
If yes,attach the approval letter
If no,what i
11....._
is the proposed method of
wastewater disposal(e.g.,land application,
irrigation)?
. I ation or.....;.1; 'i "'is proposed,
provide the et ...; i
�0,aptyhtition
run,1LLG U 1G�,'41 LLGJGl 1FJLIVII Vl LII 743 743 3 1 W 1V
application site R
(to the nearest 1/41/4 section,township,
range)
Attach an aerial map of the acreage
12. Explain what steps or measures will be
taken to minimize the amount of wastewater
generated,or improve the quality of
wastewater produced.
vv iA'lllugtlln auate Lltiuui ILA/1111W l/uitlu vv Ll.13.1 LICCHJC type lG.g'., I IC! 1);
Number:
SECTION C. PROCESSING WASTEWATER
Yes No Is processing proposed at this location?If no, STOP.
1. Describe any differences between the
Operation Plan and the actual planned
processing
2. Average volume of processing wastewater
produced daily(gallons)
3. Will THC be extracted?
If yes,what extraction chemicals will be
used?
4. Will edible products be produced?
If yes,name products
5. What is the estimated annual production
(pounds)of each edible product?
6. Months of production
7. Discharge to publicly owned sanitary Yes No
wastewater collection and treatment
system?
If yes,name of system
8. Do you have written approval? Yes No
If yes,attach the approval letter
If no,what is the proposed method of
wastewater disposal(e.g.,land application,
irrigation)?
9. If land application or irrigation is proposed,
provide the number of acres used for
application
Provide a legal description of the '/4S '/4S S TWN
application site R
(to the nearest 1/4 1/4 section,township,
range)
Attach an aerial map of the acreage
10. Explain what steps or measures will be
taken to minimize the amount of wastewater
generated,or improve the quality of
wastewater produced.
11. What is the water source?
•
11 p11VtLG VVG11, }MUVIUG 1G ,c1.1 ucs iiptioii V1 740 /40 1. VVI'
the well(to the nearest 1/4 '/4 section, _R
township,range)
If public water supply,provide name
12. Estimated average daily water use(gallons/
day)
vvaJUIIIgWU a CQIC LIquu( <.VUICVI DVQIU Iry OLA-D) LILCU,C II mum': 1ypv t,v.gy 11v1 1);
SECTION A. GENERAL INFORMATION
Attach a copy of the Operation Plan submitted with the WSLCB License Application.
1. Business name
2. Owner
3. Operator
4. Primary contact
5. Business address
6. Phone
7. Email
8. Latitude/longitude in decimal degrees(NAD83/
WGS84)
9. Site size(dimensions in feet) X
10. Zoning
11. Soil type(available from NRCS at:
http://websoilsurvey.nres.usda.gov/app/)
12. Nearest surface water body(stream, lake, wetland)
13. Distance from surface water body(feet)
14. Depth to groundwater(feet)
15. Average ground slope of production site(percent)
16. Nearest well(feet),well type and owner
17. Legal description of the nearest well 1/4S 1/4S S TWN R
(to the nearest 1/4 1/4 section,township,range)
Z1 Jo
Patricia Earnest
P.O. Box 184
Nordland, WA 98358
June 27, 2017
TO:
Stephen K. Causseaux, Esq.
Jefferson County Hearing Examiner
902 South 10th Street, Tacoma
Washington 98405
RE: Case: MLA17-00019
Building Permit: BLD 17-00093
Parcel No: 021204015
Address: 9272 Flagler Road, Nordland WA
Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board License #412943
Dear Mr. Causseaux,
It seems to me that there are a number of contradictions, causing confusion for me in the
public material regarding Jefferson County's attempt to permit Austin Smith's
Application for growing &processing recreational cannabis in a rural residential 1:10
property on Marrowstone Island, a septic served community. Some confusion is possibly
due to the pressure of too few hands at the DCD.
In his June 21, article in the PT Leader, Smith claimed, "The plants are grown in a closed
hydroponic system, where the state-approved nutrients feed the plants through a drip
system, and there is no runoff."
From BLD 17-00093 Permit Case Summary 4/20/17
Case condition#2 "JCPH approval for the septic system connection is approved
based on the growing operation using soil as the growing medium. The use of hydroponic
or water based growing media IS NOT approved."
Yet in the SUMMARY OF APPLICATION AND RECOMMENDATION presented by
the County for the Open Hearing, the word "hydroponic" is not mentioned. Not
approved, not disapproved, not addressed at all. Most of my confusion comes from the
reading of that material.
When contacted after the Hearing was announced, Susan Porto, at Jefferson
Environmental Health, who issued Case condition#2, confirmed her findings &
suggested we contact the WA State Ecology Dept. to see if a permit for hydroponics in a
septic only environment had been requested. Ellie Keys at ecy.wa.gov, said not to worry,
it will be covered in the SEPA review. But wait, the grower claims exemption from SEPA
siting first WAC 197-11-800 (I)(b)(iii) then corrects itself to (1)(b)(iv) likening it to a
school or commercial building with up to 40 parking spots allowed.
I received an e-mail on 6/26, from Gary Lee, also from the WA Department of Ecology.
In it he states the following:
Enclosed please find a checklist listing information that Ecology is asking
marijuana growing facilities to provide in order to determine if a discharge permit
is required for the facilities to discharge process wastewater. The checklist also
provides Ecology's recommendations for disposal of wastewater. I don't think
Ecology has received the checklist from the facility at this point. Please contact
Ms. Ellie Key if you have any more questions since I will be out of office next
week. Thanks.
Gary Lee, P.E.
Environmental Engineer
Water Quality Program
Department of Ecology
Southwest Regional Office
P.O. Box 47776
Olympia, WA 98504-7775
360-407-6291
Though there may be no purposeful runoff, in hydroponic growing of cannabis, as the
buds get ready for harvest, there is a recommended few day flushing as fertilizers can
become toxic. This according to several articles and a quote from the book
AQUAPONIC GARDENING by Sylvia Bernstein in its 10th printing,April 2015.
In the checklist referenced by Mr. Lee, the Wastewater Discharge Checklist, the grower
explains his/her process for removal of that toxic waste. For a septic served property, that
process also requires removal from the site. With no SEPA review, it's compliance is
confusing to Marrowstone residents who rely on Jefferson County oversight to protect its
citizens.
Another confusion comes from the claim to be hiring Jefferson County residents for this
project... Perhaps the erection of the greenhouse & attached, but seemingly separate,
Head House, would employ current Jefferson residents. He also claimed in the Leader
article, that "multiple people from the island"volunteered to help "crop the plants, when
they have matured." maintaining therefore that Islanders would be working "with us" not
"for us," which makes sense as he has also claimed to only have extended family working
on the site, all of whom will stay in his residence. He does not mention at that time where
his immediate family will reside, however, and that is confusing in a rural residential
neighborhood where the owner & the County claim that the residence is the primary
focus of the land use in this case.
More confusion in the SUMMARY 2.c. since Cottage Industries were permitted to allow
the resident to expand the existing home business, and here it is explained that the owner
"will reside" in the dwelling unit as a condition of the Cottage Industry Permit, per JCC
18.20.170 (4) a. and Staff Comments from b. yet it seems that the grow is the reason the
family, I mean extended family will reside here.
Another point of confusion comes from the Leader article with Smith claiming that the
closest Grocery Store had a pot shop next to it, making the location a "perfect fit."
However, the closest Grocery store is on Marrowstone Island, begun in 1923, and has a
sail shop next to it & a goat farm behind it. No pot shop.
However, in Port Hadlock, on the mainland, is a supermarket chain store, QFC, which
has a pot store maybe a quarter or half a mile away. Curiously enough, Port Hadlock,
according to JCC 18.18 table 3A-1, prohibits recreational marijuana grows in any of its
residential designated areas. That only speaks to the in-attention the owner seems to be
paying to the actual nature of the area & its residents.
The items in the Summary of Application and Recommendation from 4. JCC - 18.20.170
Cottage Industries, refers to the dwelling use, the property use & the Head House section
only of the proposed BLD 17-00093, from page 9 into page 12. It does not relate to the
grow.
5. JCC 18.20.295 brings it back to the production side of the permit. The division in the
space, the JCC rules and the housing stipulation makes it sound like there should be a
request for two separate structure and attendant use permits for the property. ... It is here
that the stipulations from the Permit Case Summary are missing.(BLD17-00093, Case
conditions #2 and#23.) The greenhouse growing section has different "pollution"
mitigation needs from the Cottage Industry processing. The Processing itself is not
addressed,just its relation to owner residence. That is an omission and should perhaps be
a SEPA review item as well as the hydroponics & attendant waste removal. Waste water,
tool cleaning, apparatus cleaning, is not addressed. Venting of air and heat build up via
the ceiling vents, shown in the architectural drawing of the structure, is not addressed.
A quote from the newspaper article is that there are no "armed guards."Are there un-
armed guards?Are there guard dogs?This is a family dwelling... residential in nature. If
the family resides there, it's rural residential. If only extended family resides there to
work at the facility, it's a bunk house.
14 (j)As Smith's extended family likely does not already live in Jefferson County, it will
bring employed folks into Jefferson, but it will likely not add employment for current
residents as claimed.
Case condition#23 "No plumbing has been reviewed or approved for this project by
Jefferson County Public Health.Additional requirements may apply if plumbing is
proposed."
I am mystified as to how a drip irrigation hydroponic grow of this size needs no
plumbing.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter. There are more questions than answers
for me at this point.
Respectfu s miffed,
Patricia Earnest
Attachments to Mr. Causseaux only
cc:
Patty Charnas, Director of Community Development, pcharnas@co.jefferson.wa.us
Pat Hopper,Associate Planner, phopper@co.jefferson.wa.us
Kate Dean, County Commissioner District 1,jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us
Kathleen Kler, Commissioner District 3,jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us
David Sullivan, Commissioner District 2,jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us
Philip Morley, County Administrator,pmorley@co.jefferson.wa.us
aarthur@ptleader.com
cmcfarl and@peninsuladailynews.corn
from
AQUAPONIC GARDENING
by Sylvia Bernstein
copyright 2011 10th Printing April 2015
New Society Publishers
P.O. Box 189, Gabriola Island, BC VOR 1X0, Canada
(250) 247-9737
• Bernstein was part of the original founding team of AeroGrow, the makers ofaroGarden,
a counte droponic system for growing herbs & lettuces. She was there.from-2003 to 2009
& left as VP of ,eting & Product Development to pursue the symbiotic system called
Aquaponics. Early in the. book she discusses hydroponics...
p. xxi She refers to the ..."expensive and often unsafe chemical fertilizers in hydroponics..."
,x.
p. 3. "Hydroponics requires a constant replenishment and manual balancing of the chemical
nutrients, or the plants die."
"...hydroponics:. you might have also heard of it because it is the favored growing
method of marijuana producers."
She mentions three styles of growing:
1. Flood & drain (ebb &flow)
2. Nutrient film technique (NFT)
3. Deep-water culture or Raft (DWC)
p. 4. "Water in hydroponic systems need to be discharged periodically, as the salts and
chemicals build up to levels that become toxic to the plants. This is both inconvenient &
problematic as the disposal location of this waste water needs to be carefully considered."
rrouuuer►rrocessor
Wastewater Discharge Checklist
DEPARTMENT OF
ECOLOGY
State of Washington
Washington State's water pollution control law requires a permit for the discharge of industrial or
commercial wastewater to"waters of the state",which includes surface and groundwater. Dischargers of
wastewater must provide all known available and reasonable methods of treatment(AKART), prevention and
control before discharge. The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology)regulates discharges of
wastewater with permits to ensure AKART is provided and that public health is protected.
Checklist
Ecology developed this checklist to determine if a process wastewater associated with an I-502 producer/
processor will discharge to waters of the state and require a discharge permit. Please submit the completed
checklist 60 days in advance of the start of producing/processing operations to allow sufficient time for review.
Wastewater Discharge Options
Ecology will not require a discharge permit when the completed checklist shows there will be no discharge of a
pollutant into waters of the state when the I-502 applicant implements AKART. Wastewater information on this
new industry is evolving. In the majority of cases to date,the volume of wastewater from I-502 producer/
processors is considered to be minimal or there is no discharge.
Potential discharge options:
1. Publicly Owned Wastewater Treatment Works
Discharge to a local municipal sanitary sewer system is the preferred option for 1-502 facilities that have
discharges associated with cleaning,rinsing,THC extraction,hydroponic irrigation, and the manufacture
of edible products. Discharges can be either direct connection to the sewer collection system, or by
collecting the I-502 wastewater in a tank and transporting it to the municipal sanitary system for
disposal. Written approval must be obtained from the local sewer agency prior to commencing any
discharge. It is highly recommended that I-502 facilities considering this option contact the Water
Quality Program's pre-treatment engineer at the appropriate regional Ecology office for guidance.
2. Septic Tank and Drain Field/French Drain
Ecology does not allow commercial or industrial wastewater to be discharged to a septic tank/drain field
or French drain system. Ecology does not accept that septic tanks/French drains provide AKART for
commercial and industrial wastewater, unless the discharge meets the requirements of the local health
department. Ecology generally considers the presence of floor drains in an I-502 producer/processor
facility to be connected to a septic tank/drain field system.
3. Surface Water Discharge
Ecology strongly discourages this discharge option. It would require that the operation be permitted
under the federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System(NPDES)under the authority of the
Clean Water Act. The permit would contain stringent discharge limitations and testing requirements.
4. Land Application/Spray Irrigation
This option could require the 1-502 proponent to submit an engineering report to Ecology that describes
AKART for the 1-502 facility and a groundwater analysis of the site. Ecology would subsequently issue
•
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Contact the appropriate regional Ecology regional office for guidance on this option.
•
Prohibited discharge options:
1. Drywells
Drywells and infiltration trenches with perforated pipe are underground injection control wells and
cannot be used for disposing of any industrial or commercial process wastewater. For more information
see: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/grndwtr/uic/index.html.
2. Stormwater Collection Systems
The discharge of any industrial or commercial process wastewater into a stormwater system is
prohibited.
Other Environmental Considerations
Ecology maintains a website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/topics/marijuana.html providing information about other
environmental considerations for I-502 licensees.
Questions?
Ecology encourages I-502 producers/processors to contact their county's regional Water Quality Program office
for assistance in completing the wastewater discharge checklist.
• Southwest Regional Office (Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor,Jefferson, Mason, Lewis,Pacific,
and Pierce counties): (360) 407-6300
• Northwest Regional Office (Island, King, Kitsap, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom
counties): (425) 649-7000
• Central Regional Office(Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, and Yakima
counties): (509) 575-2490
• Eastern Regional Office (Adams,Asotin, Columbia, Ferry,Franklin, Garfield, Grant,Lincoln, Pend
Oreille, Spokane, Stevens,Walla Walla, and Whitman counties): (509) 329-3400
To request ADA accommodation including materials in a format for the visually impaired, call the Water Quality Program
at Ecology, 360-407-6600.Persons with impaired hearing may call Washington Relay Service at 711.Persons with speech
disability may call TTY at 877-833-6341.
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Number:
SECTION B. PRODUCTION WASTEWATER
Yes Is production(growing)proposed at this location?If no,proceed to Section C.
1. Describ any differences between the
Operation'. lan and the actual planned
production growing)
2. What is the water source? •,'
If private well,provide legal description of %S ' S S TWN
the well(to the nearest'A 1/4 section, ' R
township,range)
If public water supply,itOvide name
3. Production type(soil,hydroponic,
aeroponic)
If hydroponic,list reservoir size(gallons)
Frequency of water exchange(day\or
weeks)
Approximate volume of water exchan
(gallons) '• `
4. Estimated annual production(pounds)
5. Months of production
6. Number of harvests per year
7. Name(s)of craning products used f
8. Average volume of production wastewater
produced daily(gallons)
9. Dischar '" to publicly owned sanitary Yes No
wastew ter collection and treatment
syste .
If yqg,name of system
10. D you have written approval from the Yes No
blically owned system?
iy
If yes,attach the approval letter
If no,what i
11....._
is the proposed method of
wastewater disposal(e.g.,land application,
irrigation)?
. I ation or.....;.1; 'i "'is proposed,
provide the et ...; i
�0,aptyhtition
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application site R
(to the nearest 1/41/4 section,township,
range)
Attach an aerial map of the acreage
12. Explain what steps or measures will be
taken to minimize the amount of wastewater
generated,or improve the quality of
wastewater produced.
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Number:
SECTION C. PROCESSING WASTEWATER
Yes No Is processing proposed at this location?If no, STOP.
1. Describe any differences between the
Operation Plan and the actual planned
processing
2. Average volume of processing wastewater
produced daily(gallons)
3. Will THC be extracted?
If yes,what extraction chemicals will be
used?
4. Will edible products be produced?
If yes,name products
5. What is the estimated annual production
(pounds)of each edible product?
6. Months of production
7. Discharge to publicly owned sanitary Yes No
wastewater collection and treatment
system?
If yes,name of system
8. Do you have written approval? Yes No
If yes,attach the approval letter
If no,what is the proposed method of
wastewater disposal(e.g.,land application,
irrigation)?
9. If land application or irrigation is proposed,
provide the number of acres used for
application
Provide a legal description of the '/4S '/4S S TWN
application site R
(to the nearest 1/4 1/4 section,township,
range)
Attach an aerial map of the acreage
10. Explain what steps or measures will be
taken to minimize the amount of wastewater
generated,or improve the quality of
wastewater produced.
11. What is the water source?
•
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the well(to the nearest 1/4 '/4 section, _R
township,range)
If public water supply,provide name
12. Estimated average daily water use(gallons/
day)
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SECTION A. GENERAL INFORMATION
Attach a copy of the Operation Plan submitted with the WSLCB License Application.
1. Business name
2. Owner
3. Operator
4. Primary contact
5. Business address
6. Phone
7. Email
8. Latitude/longitude in decimal degrees(NAD83/
WGS84)
9. Site size(dimensions in feet) X
10. Zoning
11. Soil type(available from NRCS at:
http://websoilsurvey.nres.usda.gov/app/)
12. Nearest surface water body(stream, lake, wetland)
13. Distance from surface water body(feet)
14. Depth to groundwater(feet)
15. Average ground slope of production site(percent)
16. Nearest well(feet),well type and owner
17. Legal description of the nearest well 1/4S 1/4S S TWN R
(to the nearest 1/4 1/4 section,township,range)