Ecology to exercise regulatory flexibility during COVID-19 crisis

During the COVID-19 outbreak, the Washington Department of Ecology will continue to respond to spills, provide technical assistance, ensure permit coverage for regulated activities, and enforce the laws that protect the environment throughout the current crisis. However, we recognize the public health crisis and economic disruptions related to the COVID-19 outbreak may temporarily affect some of the regulated entities’ ability to comply with all state requirements.

All applicable state requirements remain in effect, but Ecology will exercise reasonable discretion within our authority when deciding whether to pursue potential violations that may be linked to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

For permitting, inspection and compliance questions and concerns, please visit our COVID-19 Regulatory Flexibility page at http://ecy.wa.gov/covid19response.