(1) At the close of the public comment period required pursuant to WAC 173-226-130 (3)(d) the department shall prepare a response to all relevant comments received (both written and oral) and shall briefly describe any changes, other than editing changes, and the principal reasons for making the changes to the draft general permit.

(2) General permits shall be deemed issued upon signing by the director or by a person delegated the authority to issue general permits pursuant to chapter 173-06 WAC.

(3) The department shall provide public notice of the issuance of all final general permits pursuant to WAC 173-226-130 (4)(a).

(4) General permits become effective thirty days after the date of publication in the State Register of the public notice required pursuant to WAC 173-226-130 (4)(a) unless a later date is specified by the department.