Chapter 173-201A WAC (revisions)

Dec. 30, 2019, we adopted amendments to Chapter 173-201A WAC, Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters of the State of Washington.

We considered the following revisions:

  • Amending the numeric criteria for total dissolved gas in the Snake and Columbia rivers:
    • WAC 173-201A-200(1)(f)(ii)
  • Amending specific sections of the rule to meet legal obligations in a 2018 Stipulated Order of Dismissal:
    • WAC 173-201A-200(1)(c)(ii)(B)
    • WAC 173-201A-210(1)(c)(ii)(B)
    • WAC 173-201A-240(5) Table 240 footnote dd
  • Aligning the rule with the Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Program:
    • WAC 173-201A-210(2)(b)  (This was not included in proposed language see Proposal Notice for more information) 
  • Clarifying the descriptions of marine water aquatic life use designations:
    • WAC 173-201A-210(1)(a)
    • WAC 173-201A-610 Table 610

Rulemaking timeline

Announcement phase (CR-101)

Filing date:
May 8, 2019


Announcement documents

Rule development phase

May 2019 - July 2019

Public input & involvement

May 8 to May 29, 2019: We held a public comment period on the scope of the Environmental Impact Statement.

Rule proposal phase (CR-102)

Filing date:
July 30, 2019

Rule proposal documents:

Comment period

July 31 to Sept. 26, 2019: We held a public comment period on the proposed rule language.

We held public hearings on Sept. 16, 2019, in Vancouver, and Sept. 19, 2019, online via a webinar. Each hearing began with a short presentation and a question and answer session, followed by an opportunity to provide testimony.

Rule adoption phase (CR-103)

Adoption date:
Dec. 30, 2019


Rule effective date:
Jan. 30, 2020


Rule adoption documents:

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