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.
BAP Workshop: Drills
Workshop14:00 - 16:00 PT • Virtual (Zoom)
BAP-topic workshop focused on drill requirements for non-floating oil response and Southern Resident Killer Whale deterrence. Reviewed 2023 NW Area Committee Task Force report and 2025 BAP workgroup recommendations, analyzed current rule language gaps, and opened discussion on strengthening drill requirements.
Draft Rule Language Expected for Informal Review
MilestoneEcology indicated during March 2026 workshops that draft rule language will be available for informal stakeholder review in April or May 2026. A second draft is expected in summer 2026. This is an informal review period distinct from the formal public comment period later in the process. WSMC members should plan to review and provide feedback during this window.
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