We require oil-handling operations — such as facilities, pipelines, large commercial vessels, and railroads — to have oil spill contingency plans that detail how they would respond to oil spills. We review the plans and test them in complex deployment and tabletop drills as part of our public service.
Oil spill contingency planning
Washington state requires larger oil-handling facilities, pipelines, commercial vessels, and railroads to have state-approved oil spill contingency plans. These plans describe the plan holder's ability to respond to oil spills. Plans include information on spill response procedures, equipment, safety, communications, and training.
Each company is required to develop, maintain, and test their contingency plan. We review and approve plans on a five-year cycle. The oil spill contingency plan rule requires a 30-day public review and comment period for plan updates.
Guidance and assistance for specific industries
Railroads
On August 31, 2016, we adopted a new rule for railroads. The adoption of this rule requires railroads to develop and maintain contingency plans. The rule applies to all railroads (not owned by the state) operating in Washington that transport bulk oil as cargo. The rule went into effect on October 1, 2016.
Assistance documentation
Facilities & pipelines
A contingency plan must be submitted for review and approval at least 65 days prior to the beginning of operations at a new facility. Facilities with an approved contingency plan must resubmit the plan for review and approval every five years.
Assistance documentation
Vessels
All tank vessels and large commercial vessels greater than 300 gross tons are required to develop, maintain, and practice their contingency plan, or sign up with an approved Washington state umbrella plan.
Assistance documentation