A spill response plan prepares a facility owner or operator to respond to an oil spill. There are both federal and Washington state requirements for oil spill response plans. We require an approved response plan for all Class 2 facilities operating in Washington.
Federal response plans for marine transportation-related facilities are required and regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard. Facilities often elect to develop one plan to address both federal and state requirements in the same document, but the two regulations function as separate programs.
Requirements
Class 2 facilities must prepare and submit an facility response plan at least 90 days prior to conducting the first transfer operation to a non-recreational vessel. The Mobile Facility Response Plan Preparation Guide will assist owners and operators with preparation of a facility response plan.
We review and approve Class 2 response plans. Our approvals are valid for five years. Facilities with an expiring approval must submit an updated plan for re-approval, or a letter asking us to review and re-approve the existing plan, at least 90 days before expiration.