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FSEC approves NPDES permit for Grays Harbor Energy Center
Summary
The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council voted by voice to issue NPDES waste discharge permit WA0024916 for the Grays Harbor Energy Center after staff recommended issuance; the Title V air operating permit will return to the council after EPA review expected in January 2026.
The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council voted Nov. 19 to issue a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) waste discharge permit for the Grays Harbor Energy Center. Staff recommended the council approve the draft NPDES permit and associated fact sheet for issuance during the meeting.
Sarah Randolph, the site specialist reporting for Grays Harbor, told the council that the NPDES renewal had been out for public comment Sept. 29–Oct. 28 with no comments and that "staff now recommend that the council vote to approve the draft NPDES permit and fact sheet for issuance." Randolph also briefed the council on a separate Title V air operating permit amendment, which had a public comment period Oct. 6–Nov. 5 and will go to the EPA for a 45-day review; Randolph said the AOP is expected to return to the council in January 2026 after EPA review.
Councilor Pamplin moved to issue the NPDES permit; the motion was seconded and the council approved the issuance by voice vote. The transcript records affirmative vocal responses but not a roll-call tally. Staff clarified permit-numbering aloud during the motion because of an exchange about the correct permit identifier before the vote.
The council’s action applies to the NPDES permit on the table for Grays Harbor; staff noted that the separate Title V/acid rain permit follows a different review path through EPA and will be considered by the council after that federal review is complete.
