Document Library

Ecology's first preliminary draft rule language for Chapter 173-182 WAC, released May 18, 2026 for informal public comment. Covers administrative modernization, definitions, plan submittal and phase-in, NFO behavior and technical manual provisions (173-182-230, -349), one consolidated aerial surveillance standard incorporating UAS as an optional response tool (173-182-320/-321), and SCAT integration into shoreline cleanup planning (173-182-522). The drill provisions (173-182-700/-710) and a Middle Columbia River planning standard are NOT included in this first preliminary draft. First comments due June 17, 2026; informal comment period open until October 30, 2026.

Ecology's first preliminary draft rule language for Chapter 173-186 WAC (Railroad), released May 18, 2026 for informal public comment. Covers administrative modernization, definitions, plan submittal and phase-in, in-situ burning planning standards (173-186-340), enforcement/noncompliance, and alignment with WAC 173-182. The NFO drill provision (173-186-510) is NOT included in this first preliminary draft. First comments due June 17, 2026; informal comment period open until October 30, 2026.

Section-by-section table summarizing every proposed change in the May 2026 preliminary draft of WAC 173-182 and WAC 173-186 — WAC section, topic, summary of change, draft status, and date added or revised. Identifies which sections are in the first preliminary draft versus still under rule-team review (the drill sections 173-182-700/-710 and 173-186-510, marked TBD and not yet drafted).

Primary rule being amended - oil spill contingency planning for vessels, facilities, and pipelines

Railroad oil spill contingency plan rule - being amended

Formal announcement of rulemaking - filed January 21, 2026

Summary of the rulemaking kickoff meeting covering scope, three amendment goals, BAP objectives, timeline, and upcoming workshops.

Companion comment filed alongside WSMC's four substantive rulemaking comments. Formally objects to the Department's characterization of BAP Workgroup outputs (SRKW, UAS, SCAT, NFO, Technical Manuals) as consensus, unanimous agreement, or collective findings. The workgroups operated as discussion forums without adopted procedures, voting rights, or participant-signed outputs. Requests that the rulemaking record cite workgroup outputs as Department-authored summaries of stakeholder discussions and that rulemaking proposals articulate regulatory justification independently of workgroup consensus characterizations. Incorporated by reference into each substantive WSMC comment.