Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique
WAC 173-182 & WAC 173-186
When oil reaches shore, systematic survey teams assess the damage and direct cleanup efforts. The BAP workgroup found that current rules barely mention this process and recommended building it into a broader Shoreline Response Program with defined roles, earlier mobilization timelines, and pre-mapped shoreline segments so responders aren't starting from scratch during an incident.
Rulemaking Progress
BAP SCAT workgroup recommendations for Shoreline Response Program integration submitted.
Key Issues
- Integration of SCAT into contingency planning standards
- Shoreline Response Program (SRP) framework
- SCAT mobilization timeframes
- Roles and responsibilities (Coordinator, Data Manager, Field Team Lead)
- SCAT-OPS Liaison position for ICS communication
Related Events
View all →CR-101 Filed - Rulemaking Announced
MilestoneDepartment of Ecology filed Preproposal Statement of Inquiry (WSR 26-03-094) announcing rulemaking to amend WAC 173-182 and WAC 173-186.
Rulemaking Kickoff Meeting
Public_meetingVirtual (Zoom)
Initial public meeting to introduce the rulemaking scope, process, and timeline. Covered all six topic areas.
BAP Workshop: Drills
WorkshopVirtual (Zoom)
BAP-topic workshop focused on drill requirements. Workshop details sent via GovDelivery at least 2 weeks in advance.
BAP Workshop: SCAT & UAS
WorkshopVirtual (Zoom)
BAP-topic workshop covering Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) recommendations. Workshop details sent via GovDelivery at least 2 weeks in advance.
Quick Facts
- Current Stage
- Rule Development
- CR-101 Filed
- 2026-01-21
- WAC Sections
- WAC 173-182, WAC 173-186
- BAP Workgroup
- Yes — recommendations submitted
Reference Documents
All →- WAC 173-182 Washington State Legislature
- WAC 173-186 Washington State Legislature
- NWACP RRT10 / Northwest Area Committee
- NTSB Cosco Busan Report PDF National Transportation Safety Board
- NOAA SCAT Resources NOAA Office of Response and Restoration
- IPIECA Shoreline Guide IPIECA
- CR-101 Filing Department of Ecology
- Kickoff Meeting Summary WSMC
Have Input?
Send comments to Ecology's rulemaking team during the rule development phase.
spillsrulemaking@ecy.wa.gov