Environmental & Cultural review process

Projects funded by a Water Quality Program grant or loan require a review for potential impacts to environmental or cultural resources. We must consider social, cultural, economic, and environmental impacts before financing projects that improve water quality. Federal, state, and local regulatory standards vary by project type, type of funding, and location. This webpage provides our information for projects that require a review for potential impacts. 

Training for new recipients

We provide recipient training annually by webinars, that are typically held in July. See below for the most current information (dates/times of current trainings or presentations of previous trainings). We recommend recipients attend their project type training and any Environmental and Cultural Resources training necessary.

Current recipient training presentations

Environmental review

Stormwater Projects

Stormwater projects receiving Stormwater Financial Assistance Program (SFAP) or Community Based Public Private Partnership (CBP3) funding follow the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) — Environmental Information Document (EID) and Guidance 

All CWSRF agreements must complete the SERP Environmental Information Document (EID) (revised August 2024).  For information on the State Environmental Review Process (SERP) for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, please read the Environmental Information Document Guidance for Clean Water State Revolving Fund (revised August 2024).

Planning and phasing

Identify what the phase or step of your action is (Planning, Design, Design and Construct, or Construction). Ensure that your Environmental Review documentation (SEPA, NEPA, or TEPA, other) is consistent with this stage of your project planning. Please do not submit non-project phase documentation to fulfill your SERP construction phase requirements.

Download Environmental Review forms and guidance

Communicate with us early and often

Coordinate with the Environmental Review Coordinator and your project manager regularly to ensure project success. Request a meeting if you have questions.

Update your documentation

Keep your documentation updated as you move from phase to phase. You can use documentation from an earlier phase to inform later phases of review. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Ellis

List of State Environmental Review Process (SERP) Environmental Information Document (EID) determinations:

We review all SERP EIDs before financing a project. Our SERP EID determinations will be posted on this website. Please direct any comments or question about the projects listed, to Liz Ellis Environmental Review Coordinator, 360 628-4410.

Cultural Resources Review and Discovery Protocol

Learn about Ecology's Cultural Resources Review Process

Cultural Resources Review and Consultation

Ecology is the presumptive lead agency for all financial management section agreements unless other arrangements have been made. Complete the Cultural Resources Review Form and submit to your Ecology Project Manager or Cultural Resources contact. If you do not know who that is, submit to Liz Ellis.

Do not upload any Cultural Resources forms, reports, or surveys to EAGL. 

Inadvertent Discovery Plan (IDP)

For all projects involving ground disturbing activities, an Ecology IDP is required in the event of an unanticipated discovery of human remains, and/or historic or prehistoric resources. An IDP is non-discretionary; it is part of the Agency Grant and Loan Terms Conditions. Your IDP is required on-site, separated from other documents. The IDP must be uploaded to our Ecology Administration of Grants and Loans (EAGL) system and a copy provided to your Ecology Project Manager.

You must upload your completed IDP to EAGL.