All Washington projects require an environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act. For most projects, the local jurisdiction will lead the review. However, for some projects we are legally required to lead this review, including when a project is capable of storing one million or more gallons of any liquid fuel not under the jurisdiction of EFSEC (WAC 197-11-938(9)).
Ecology and local clean air agencies regulate Washington’s air quality. This map of Washington clean air agencies can help determine if a project would be regulated by Ecology or a local clean air agency.
An air operating permit is needed for commercial and industrial businesses emitting large amounts of air pollution. This permit lists all the requirements that apply to a business or industry.
A notice of construction permit is required to install a new source of air pollution, modify an existing source, or replace or change air pollution control equipment. Whether a permit is needed depends on the equipment or its emission levels.
Construction stormwater general permits are required when construction activities disturb more than an acre of land with the potential to discharge stormwater to state waters such as a marine or freshwaters, including wetlands. A stormwater general permit is also needed when construction has the potential to significantly contribute pollutants or result in a violation of state or federal water quality standards.
Industrial stormwater general permits are required for stormwater discharges associated with industrial activities and a limited number of non-stormwater discharges.
Individual water quality permits are required for industries discharging wastewater to surface water not covered by a general permit. In addition, this permit is required for municipalities or industries discharging wastewater to underground sources of water. Some municipalities and sewer districts have delegated authority to write permits.
Section 401 water quality certification is required for any facility needing a federal permit or license that may result in discharges to waters of the United States, including wetlands.
State administrative orders are required to authorize projects impacting wetlands and other waters not protected by the federal Clean Water Act. We approve shoreline conditional use permits while shoreline variance permits are issued by cities and counties.
Federal consistency reviews are needed for actions that may affect any land use, water use, or natural resources in the 15 counties within Washington’s coastal zone. These actions must be consistent with the enforceable policies in the state Coastal Zone Management Program.
New water rights are generally required for new withdrawals of surface water and from underground sources of water. Changes to existing water rights are required to modify an existing surface or groundwater right.
Oil spill contingency plans are required for large oil-handling facilities, pipelines, commercial vessels, and railroads.
For cleanup sites, state and federal law holds the people or entities who pollute the air, land, or water responsible for cleaning up the contamination.
If a project would generate or handle hazardous materials or solid waste, there are likely to be additional requirements and permits. Examples of clean energy projects likely to need additional permits include facilities using biosolids or anaerobic digesters. This means a developer may need to engage other Ecology technical experts.
