Uncrewed Aerial Systems

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

10:00 - 11:00 PT • Virtual (Zoom)

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

14:00 - 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.

11:00 - 12:00 PT • Virtual (Zoom)

BAP-topic workshop on Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). Discussed incorporating SCAT into WAC shoreline cleanup language, the relationship between WAC and area plan requirements, and whether aerial surveillance language should be updated for UAS. Ecology indicated draft rule language is expected in April or May 2026.

WSMC submitted five comment letters to the Department of Ecology on the informal draft rule language and rulemaking topics: SRKW deterrence, UAS, draft WAC 173-182-710 drills, technical manuals (WAC 173-182-349), and a companion comment on BAP Workgroup process and representations of consensus.

Ecology released its first preliminary draft rule language for Chapter 173-182 WAC and Chapter 173-186 WAC, along with an overview table of changes, for informal public review and comment. This first draft covers administrative modernization, NFO behavior and technical manuals, a consolidated aerial surveillance standard incorporating UAS, and SCAT integration into shoreline cleanup. Drill provisions (173-182-700/-710, 173-186-510) and a Middle Columbia planning standard are not yet included. Documents are in the WSMC document library. This is an informal review period distinct from the formal public comment period in spring 2027.

To ensure comments are reviewed before Ecology prepares subsequent preliminary drafts, submit comments on the May 2026 preliminary draft rule language within 30 days — by June 17, 2026. The comment period stays open longer (until October 30, 2026), but comments received by this date inform the next draft. Submit through Ecology's online comment portal.

The informal comment period on the preliminary draft rule language closes at 11:59 p.m. on October 30, 2026. All comments submitted — through the online form, workshops, meetings, or other engagement — are reviewed by Ecology's rule development team and documented in the rulemaking record.