Regulations & Permits

We oversee many state and federal laws designed to protect Washington's land, air, and water. Rules and regulations that direct state agencies, local governments, businesses, and others on how to comply with relevant laws are compiled in the Washington Administrative Code. See our laws, rules, & rulemaking page for more information about our current rules and rulemaking.

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Dam safety policies

Policies guide our dam safety work.

Spill response plans for Class 2 mobile facilities

We require Class 2 mobile oil-handling facilities in Washington to have a spill response plan.

Contingency planning for oil industry

Oil-handling operations must have contingency plans describing how they would respond to oil spills.

Geographic Response Plans (GRPs)

GRPs, a Northwest Area Contingency Plan tool, guide early, localized actions when oil spills happen.

Policies and guidance for site cleanups

Policies and guidance interpret the MTCA cleanup law and help you clean up contaminated sites.

Oil spill drills

We require oil spill drills to test and improve industry contingency plans.

Requirements for submitting cleanup site data

You must submit your lab data electronically through EIM.

Emergency response towing vessel

The emergency response towing vessel (ERTV) helps prevent oil spills from ships and barges.

Solid waste facility forms

Find commonly used Ecology reporting forms, facility checklists for solid waste facilities.

Water metering reporting

You can report your water meter use data using our online reporting system.

Well construction reporting & well report gateway

Resource protection well reports can be submitted online.

Municipal stormwater permit audit program

Our audits help adjust Phase II municipal stormwater permit requirements and ensure compliance.

Oil transfers and transfer inspections

Our oil-transfer requirements help prevent spills during bulk-oil transfers.

TransAlta power plant agreement

The TransAlta agreement reduces harmful air pollutants from the state's only coal-fired power plant.

Inspecting ships for substantial risks

We inspect ships operating in Washington waters and take further action if they pose a substantial risk.

Water use compliance and enforcement

Enforcing water use laws reduces conflict among competing water users and protects the resource.

What to do if you spill oil or hazardous substances

Spills to water must be reported immediately to help reduce impacts to the environment.

Well construction notice of intent

Before you drill a well, you must submit a notice of intent to us 72 hours before drilling starts.

Vessel emergency reporting

We require vessels to report spills — or threats of spills — within one hour.