Regulations & Permits

Use this portal to filter and search for all of our regulatory information.

We oversee many state and federal laws designed to protect Washington's land, air, and water. See our laws, rules, & rulemaking page for more information about our current rules and rulemaking.

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401 Water Quality Certifications for non-hydropower permits

We review projects needing federal approval to assure compliance with state water quality standards.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/401-water-quality-certification/non-hydropower-401-certifications

Clean Water Act: Section 401 Water Quality Certifications

Under the Clean Water Act, we help make sure projects, actions, and activities don't harm state waters.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/401-water-quality-certification

Shellfish aquaculture 401 certification

We modified our certification process for shellfish growers because of new federal requirements.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/401-water-quality-certification/shellfish-aquaculture

Chapter 173-26 and 173-27 WAC, Shoreline Management Act

This is the rulemaking page for Chapter 173-26 WAC, Chapter 173-27 WAC

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/wac-173-26-27-shoreline-management-act

SEPA Supplemental Orca Checklist Guidance

This guidance helps applicants complete the SEPA Supplemental Orca Checklist.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/sepa-checklist-guidance/sepa-checklist-supplemental-orca-checklist-guidanc

Chapter 173-167 WAC Emergency Drought Funding (2021)

This is the emergency rulemaking page for Chapter 173-167 WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/closed-rulemaking/wac-173-167-2021

Chapter 173-501 WAC

On May 27, 2020, Ecology adopted amendments to Chapter 173-501 WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/closed-rulemaking/wac-173-501

Chapter 173-503A WAC

This is the rulemaking page for Chapter 173-503A WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/wac-173-503a-feb15

Chapter 173-525 WAC

This is the rulemaking page for Chapter 173-525 WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/wac-173-525-mar05

Chapter 173-526 WAC

This is the rulemaking page for Chapter 173-526 WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/wac-173-526-mar05

Chapter 173-167 WAC Emergency Drought Funding (2023)

This is the rulemaking page for Chapter 173-167 WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/closed-rulemaking/wac-173-167-2023

Chapter 173-167 WAC Emergency Drought Funding (2024)

This is the rulemaking page for Chapter 173-167 WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/closed-rulemaking/wac-173-167-2024

Frequently flooded areas: Critical Areas Ordinance

Frequently flooded areas are covered by Critical Areas Ordinances promoting safety from floods.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/guidance-for-floodplains-critical-areas-ordinanc

WAC 173-166 Emergency drought relief

This is the rulemaking page for Chapter 173-166 WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/wac-173-166

Overview of compliance & enforcement at Ecology

View the compliance and enforcement authority we have, and what actions we have recently taken.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/compliance-enforcement/overview-of-compliance-enforcement

Chapter 173-201A WAC (Aquatic Life Toxics Criteria)

This is the rulemaking page for Chapter 173-201A WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/wac-173-201a-aquatic-life-toxics-criteria

Chapter 173-201A WAC (Chelan UAA)

This is the rulemaking page for Chapter 173-201A WAC (Chelan UAA)

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/closed-rulemaking/wac173-201a-chelan-uaa

Chapter 173-201A WAC (Natural Conditions)

This is the rulemaking page for Chapter 173-201A WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/wac-173-201a-natural-conditions

Chapter 173-201A WAC (Outstanding Resource Waters)

This is the rulemaking page for Chapter 173-201A WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/closed-rulemaking/wac-173-201a-outstanding-resource-waters

Chapter 173-201A WAC (Salmon Spawning Habitat)

This is the rulemaking page for Chapter 173-201A WAC for salmon spawning habitat.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/closed-rulemaking/wac173-201a-salmon-spawning-habitat