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Middle Columbia River Planning Standards

WAC 173-182

New equipment planning standards for vessels operating in the Middle Columbia River corridor, addressing changes in spill risks in that area. This topic is focused on clarifying existing requirements to eliminate ambiguity and improve consistent application of the rule. Not part of the BAP workgroup process.

Rulemaking Progress

CR-101
2
Rule Development
3
CR-102
4
Public Comment
5
CR-103
6
Effective

New planning standards being developed for Middle Columbia River vessel operations.

Key Issues

  • New equipment planning standards for Middle Columbia River vessels
  • Changes in spill risks in the Middle Columbia corridor
  • Clarification of existing requirements
  • Consistent application of rule language

Related Events

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Jan
21
2026

CR-101 Filed - Rulemaking Announced

Milestone

Department of Ecology filed Preproposal Statement of Inquiry (WSR 26-03-094) announcing rulemaking to amend WAC 173-182 and WAC 173-186.

NFO SCAT SRKW UAS Middle Columbia Administrative
Feb
18
2026

Rulemaking Kickoff Meeting

Public_meeting

Virtual (Zoom)

Initial public meeting to introduce the rulemaking scope, process, and timeline. Covered all six topic areas.

NFO SCAT SRKW UAS Middle Columbia Administrative
May
20
2026

Workshop: Clarity, Consistency & Modernization

Workshop

Virtual (Zoom)

First workshop focused on draft rule language related to clarity, consistency, and modernization. Draft language will be shared in advance. Workshop details sent via GovDelivery at least 2 weeks in advance.

Administrative Middle Columbia

Quick Facts

Current Stage
Rule Development
CR-101 Filed
2026-01-21
WAC Sections
WAC 173-182

Reference Documents

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Have Input?

Send comments to Ecology's rulemaking team during the rule development phase.

spillsrulemaking@ecy.wa.gov