Chapter 173-217 WAC – State Waters Alteration Permit

The Department of Ecology is beginning a rulemaking for a new rule, Chapter 173-217 WAC to establish a formal permitting program for projects that could alter or impact wetlands, streams, and other state waters. Currently, we issue administrative orders under the Water Pollution Control Act to authorize projects seeking to alter or impact state waters. While administrative orders protect the environment, the process lacks public notice opportunities and timeline obligations for issuing decisions.

The new statewide permitting program will improve customer service by: 

  • Providing better clarity and predictability regarding our actions and requirements
  • Creating general permits to streamline approvals for projects with minor impacts 
  • Establishing opportunities for public review
  • Setting mitigation requirements for projects 

Rulemaking timeline

Timeline

Announcement phase (CR-101)

Filing date:
June 10, 2025


Announcement documents

Rule development phase

June 10, 2025 - spring 2026

Public input & involvement

We plan to hold public meetings to provide information about the rulemaking and seek your input. We'll update this page with meeting specifics.

To get updates about these meetings and this rulemaking, join our mailing list.

Additional languages

Español (Spanish) 中文 (Chinese) Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese) 한국어 (Korean) русский (Russian) український (Ukrainian)

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.