The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 is proposing to reissue a general permit under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for specific marine net pen facilities in Puget Sound. This draft permit would apply to tribal enhancement net pens, which can raise up to 200,000 pounds of native salmonids annually, and federal research net pen facilities, which can raise up to 100,000 pounds of native finfish each year. Facilities currently eligible for the permit coverage must submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) within 90 days of the permit's effective date, while new facilities starting operations afterward must submit their NOI at least 180 days before they start operating. The EPA is currently accepting public comments on this proposal until March 26, 2021.
Simple Explanation
The EPA wants to make new rules for special fish farms in Puget Sound where they can grow a lot of fish each year. They are asking people what they think about this plan until March 26, 2021.