Chapter 173-228 WAC

On April 9, 2018, Ecology adopted a new rule, Chapter 173-228 WAC Vessel Sewage No Discharge Zones. This rule establishes a Puget Sound No Discharge Zone, which prohibits the release of sewage (black water) from vessels, whether treated or not.

The Puget Sound No Discharge Zone covers approximately 2,300 square miles of marine waters of Washington State inward from the line between New Dungeness Lighthouse and the Discovery Island Lighthouse to the Canadian border, and fresh waters of Lake Washington, Lake Union, and connecting waters between and to Puget Sound.

Rulemaking timeline

Announcement phase (CR-101)

Filing date:
July 5, 2017


Announcement documents

Rule development phase

July 5 - October 4, 2017

Rule proposal phase (CR-102)

Filing date:
Oct. 4, 2017

Rule proposal documents:

Comment period

Comments were received through November 30, 2017
We received comments in the following ways:

  • Online
  • During public hearings
  • By mail

All comments are available for review.

 

November 13, 2017: Public Hearing Webinars
Ecology accepted verbal comments at an afternoon and an evening webinar hearing.

November 15, 2017 - In-person Public Hearing
Ecology accepted written and verbal comments during the in-person hearing at South Seattle College's Georgetown Campus.

Additional languages

Accessibility

To request ADA accommodation for disabilities, or printed materials in a format for the visually impaired, contact Ecology's ADA Coordinator by email at ecyadacoordinator@ecy.wa.gov, or call 360-407-6831. People with impaired hearing may call Washington Relay Service at 711. People with speech disability may call TTY at 877-833-6341.