Safety of Oil Transportation Act (ESHB1578)

The Board of Pilotage Commissioners (BCP) provided us a scope of work for a tug escort analysis. We used our model to quantitatively evaluate tug escorts based on the scope provided by BPC. Ecology submitted a summary of the escort analysis to the Legislature by September 1, 2023. The final report can be found here: Summary of Tug Escort Analysis Results.

The Board of Pilotage (BPC) completed a synopsis of vessel traffic trends  by December 31, 2021. BPC approved the scope of work for the synopsis. Ecology provided technical assistance to BPC by conducting the analysis and preparing the draft synopsis. The intent of this work was to look at how vessel traffic patterns change following the implementation of the September 1, 2020, tug escort requirement for Rosario Strait and connected waters to the east.

The synopsis reviewed vessel trends for Washington waters east of a line extending from Discovery Island light south to New Dungeness light. This included transboundary waters of Haro Strait, Boundary Pass, and the southern Strait of Georgia. The BPC approved the synopsis and submitted it to the Legislature. The final report can be found here: Synopsis of Changing Vessel Traffic Trends.

In consultation with our agency, the Board of Pilotage Commissioners (BPC) must adopt rules implementing tug escorts in Puget Sound for oil tankers, articulated tug-barges (ATBs), and towed vessels or barges. The rulemaking applies to waters east of Discovery Island light, south to New Dungeness light, and all points in the Puget Sound area.

Ecology is leading the rulemaking process and outreach efforts for BPC, and will conduct regulatory analyses required by the Administrative Procedures Act, State Environmental Policy Act, and the Regulatory Fairness Act. This rulemaking must be completed by December 2025. For more information, visit the rulemaking website.