Southern Resident Killer Whales
WAC 173-182 & WAC 173-186
If an oil spill occurs near the endangered Southern Resident orcas, trained teams would attempt to deter the whales from entering oiled waters. The BAP workgroup identified significant challenges: federal permits are required before deterrence can begin, there's no established pool of trained personnel, and funding for whale monitoring networks is uncertain. Recommendations focus on building this capacity through planning standards and drills.
Rulemaking Progress
BAP SRKW deterrence workgroup recommendations submitted. Legal and jurisdictional questions being evaluated.
Key Issues
- Drill requirements for SRKW deterrence tactics
- Access to trained deterrence personnel and equipment
- Coordination with NOAA, WDFW, and USCG
- ICS processes for deterrence operations
- Whale monitoring and reconnaissance during spill response
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: Technical Manuals
WorkshopVirtual (Zoom)
BAP-topic workshop on technical manual components including non-floating oil response and SRKW deterrence planning. 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
- NOAA SRKW 5-Year Review PDF NOAA Fisheries
- EO 18-02 Governor Jay Inslee
- Quiet Sound Quiet Sound / Maritime Blue
- WDFW Orca Recovery Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
- CR-101 Filing Department of Ecology
Have Input?
Send comments to Ecology's rulemaking team during the rule development phase.
spillsrulemaking@ecy.wa.gov