Important change in the timing for the State Environmental Review Process (SERP) as of October 2017:
The EPA requires a review of the potential environmental impacts of all treatment works projects financed through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). In Washington state, Ecology has an EPA-approved SERP, based upon meeting the requirements of the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), as well as additional practices and procedures. Some changes have recently been made to the timeframe for SERP reviews.
Starting with the State Fiscal Year 2019 funding cycle for the Water Quality Combined funding program, we no longer require SERP be completed as part of the application process. Loan recipients now have more time to complete the required reviews, consultation, and planning prior to submitting their SERP package.
The updated rule allows recipients (of most kinds of CWSRF loans) to start their SERP even after the Water Quality Program has signed the funding agreement with them, as long as their SERP is planned for as a deliverable in their project plan,and paid for by the loan funding.
Recipients of "Step 3 Construction" loan funding must still complete their SERP before funding agreement can be signed.
For all projects, their SERP must be timely, updated, and completed before any ground disturbance happens.
EAGL (Ecology Administration of Grants and Loans) system and recordkeeping:
Starting with the State Fiscal Year 2019 funding cycle of the Water Quality Combined Funding Program, we are introducing a new form within EAGL (Ecology’s online grants and loans application and management system) to better track Environmental Review and Cultural Review documents. This new EAGL form allows you to upload non-sensitive Environmental Review and Cultural Review documentation all in one place.
Update of the Cultural Review Form:
Our Water Quality Program's Cultural Review Form has been recently revised. Updates reflect
WISAARD requirements, allow for streamlined review areas under one grant, and clarify what we require for cultural resource compliance. Questions? Please contact the Water Quality Program's
Environmental Review Coordinator.