Regulations & Permits

Use this portal to filter and search for all of our regulatory information.

We oversee many state and federal laws designed to protect Washington's land, air, and water. See our laws, rules, & rulemaking page for more information about our current rules and rulemaking.

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Regulating facilities that handle mixed waste in Washington State

Ecology regulates low-level mixed waste facilities in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/radioactive-mixed-waste-permits

Shoreline permits & enforcement

We support local governments in administering and enforcing shoreline permits.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/shoreline-permits-enforcement

Solid waste facility permits

Learn which facilities are required to get solid waste permits in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/solid-waste-permits

Sand & Gravel General Permit

This permit covers sand and gravel operations, rock quarries, and concrete and asphalt batch plants.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/sand-gravel-general-permit

Stormwater general permits

We issue permits to protect lakes, rivers, and saltwater from polluted stormwater runoff.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/stormwater-general-permits

Upland Finfish Hatching & Rearing General Permit

This water quality permit covers certain hatcheries that raise finfish species.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/upland-finfish-permit

Vessel Deconstruction General Permit

This permit defines requirements for pollution prevention while dismantling vessels.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/vessel-deconstruction-general-permit

VBAP / ECOPRO voluntary certification program for tank vessel spill prevention

Our voluntary spill-prevention programs (VBAP and ECOPRO) improve the safety of Washington waters.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/voluntary-certification-program-spills-prevention

Wastewater Operator Certification Program

We assure wastewater treatment plant operators are competent, trained, and certified.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/wastewater-operator-certification

Water right permits

Use a pre-application request form before applying for a new or updated water right.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/water-right-permits

Water Treatment Plant General Permit

We regulate drinking water facilities through the use of this permit.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/water-treatment-plants

Winery general permit

The winery general permit helps prevent possible pollution problems from winery wastewater.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/winery-permit

Construction Stormwater General Permit

Construction that disturbs land and discharges stormwater may need a construction stormwater permit.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/stormwater-general-permits/construction-stormwater-permit

Beneficial use determinations

Learn about beneficial use determinations — exemptions from solid waste permitting requirements.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/solid-waste-permits/beneficial-use-determinations

Aquatic & Invasive Species Control general permit

We have issued a combined state agency general permit.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/aquatic-pesticide-permits/aquatic-invasive-species-control-general-permit

Certification information

We certify wastewater treatment plant operators to ensure that Washington’s waters are protected.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/wastewater-operator-certification/certification-information

Changes to existing water rights

If you want to change to an existing water right, we recommend a pre-application consultation.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/water-right-permits/changes-to-existing-water-rights

Air operating permit for large sources of air pollution

Air operating permit requirements for large sources of air pollution.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/air-quality-permits/air-operating-permit

Industrial Stormwater General Permit

Find information and helpful resources about the Industrial Stormwater General Permit.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/stormwater-general-permits/industrial-stormwater-permit

Stormwater Action Monitoring

Western Washington stormwater permittees cooperatively monitor permit effectiveness through SAM.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/stormwater-monitoring/stormwater-action-monitoring