Chapter 43.21A RCW

Department of ecology

Chapter Listing | RCW Dispositions

RCW Sections

43.21A.005 Intent -- Public involvement and outreach.

43.21A.010 Legislative declaration of state policy on environment and utilization of 

natural resources.

43.21A.020 Purpose.

43.21A.030 Definitions.

43.21A.040 Department of ecology -- Created.

43.21A.050 Department of ecology -- Director -- Appointment -- Powers and duties --

Salary -- Temporary appointment when vacancy.

43.21A.061 Powers and duties -- Reclamation.

43.21A.064 Powers and duties -- Water resources.

43.21A.067 Water resources -- "Basic data fund" created.

43.21A.068 Federal power act licensees -- Exemption from state requirements.

43.21A.069 Powers and duties -- Flood control.

43.21A.070 Application of administrative procedure act to the review of decisions by 

director.

43.21A.080 Rule-making authority.

43.21A.085 Technical assistance officer and units -- Coordination of voluntary 

compliance with regulatory laws.

43.21A.087 Technical assistance officer and units -- Authority to issue orders or 

assess penalties.

43.21A.090 Powers, duties and functions transferred to department to be performed 

by director -- Delegation by director, limitations.

43.21A.100 Departmental administrative divisions -- Deputy director, duties --

Assistant directors, duties -- As exempt from state civil service law --

Salaries.

43.21A.120 Director to employ personnel -- Application of state civil service law.

43.21A.130 Studies -- Limitations.

43.21A.140 Director to consult with department, state board of health.

43.21A.150 Director to consult with other states, federal government and Canadian 

provinces -- Authority to receive and disburse grants, funds and gifts.
43.21A.155 Environmental excellence program agreements--Effect on chapter.

43.21A.160 Request for certification of records as confidential -- Procedure.

43.21A.165 Environmental technology--Review of certification programs--

Demonstration activities.

43.21A.175 Environmental certification programs -- Fees -- Rules -- Liability.

43.21A.230 Certification of environmental laboratories authorized -- Fees -- Use of 

certified laboratories by persons submitting data or results to department.

43.21A.235 Exemption from laboratory certification and fee requirements.

43.21A.250 Pollution control hearings board of the state as affecting department, 

director and commission.

43.21A.350 Master plan of development.

43.21A.355 Master plan of development -- Public hearings.

43.21A.405 Marine pollution -- Baseline study program -- Legislative finding and 

declaration.

43.21A.410 Marine pollution -- Baseline study program established -- Utilization of 

related programs -- Coordination -- Contracts.

43.21A.415 Marine pollution -- Baseline study program -- Scope of database 

produced.

43.21A.420 Marine pollution -- Baseline study program -- Priority factors.

43.21A.430 Catalytic converters in police, ambulance or emergency aid vehicles --

Department's powers restricted in respect thereto.

43.21A.440 Department authorized to participate in and administer federal 

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability 

Act.

43.21A.445 Departments authorized to participate in and administer federal Safe 

Drinking Water Act -- Agreements with other departments.

43.21A.450 Control of outflow and level of Lake Osoyoos -- Lake Osoyoos 

International Water Control Structure authorized.

43.21A.470 Yakima enhancement project -- Duties -- Request for congressional 

authorization for pipeline.

43.21A.510 State environmental profile.

43.21A.515 Assistance to businesses interested in locating in Washington required --

Information on environmental laws and regulations to be provided.

43.21A.520 Environmental excellence awards program for products.

43.21A.600 Powers and duties -- Electric power resources.

43.21A.605 Development of electric power resources -- Cooperation with 
governmental units.

43.21A.610 Steam electric generating plant -- Study -- Construction.

43.21A.612 Steam electric generating plant -- Statement of intention -- Construction 

by public utility, operating agency, or the department, procedure -- Powers 

of director of community, trade, and economic development.

43.21A.614 Steam electric generating plant -- Powers of director in constructing, 

operating and maintaining.

43.21A.616 Steam electric generating plant -- Eminent domain.

43.21A.618 Steam electric generating plant -- State not financially obligated --

Separation and expenditure of funds.

43.21A.620 Steam electric generating plant -- Revenue bonds and warrants.

43.21A.622 Steam electric generating plant -- Special funds -- Payment of bonds, 

interest.

43.21A.624 Steam electric generating plant -- Considerations in issuance of bonds, 

limitations.

43.21A.626 Steam electric generating plant -- Resolution authorizing issuance of 

bonds, contents, covenants.

43.21A.628 Steam electric generating plant -- Sale of bonds.

43.21A.630 Steam electric generating plant -- Examination, registration of bonds by 

state auditor -- Defects, irregularities.

43.21A.632 Steam electric generating plant -- Rates or charges.

43.21A.634 Steam electric generating plant -- Refunding revenue bonds.

43.21A.636 Steam electric generating plant -- Signatures on bonds.

43.21A.638 Steam electric generating plant -- Provisions of law, resolution, a contract 

with bondholder -- Enforcement.

43.21A.640 Steam electric generating plant -- Bonds are legal security, investment, 

negotiable.

43.21A.642 Steam electric generating plant -- Director not authorized to acquire other 

facilities or engage in retail distribution.

43.21A.650 Freshwater aquatic weeds account.

43.21A.660 Freshwater aquatic weeds management program.

43.21A.662 Freshwater aquatic weeds management program -- Advisory committee.

43.21A.667 Freshwater aquatic algae control account -- Freshwater aquatic algae 

control program -- Reports to the legislature.

43.21A.680 Solid waste plan advisory committee abolished.

43.21A.681 Geoduck aquaculture operations -- Guidelines -- Rules.
43.21A.690 Cost-reimbursement agreements.

43.21A.900 Chapter to be liberally construed.

43.21A.910 Savings -- Permits, standards not affected -- Severability -- Effective date 

-- 1970 ex.s. c 62.

Notes:

Funding for radiation monitoring programs, department of ecology to seek: RCW 

70.98.122. 

Metals mining and milling operations, department of ecology responsibilities: Chapter 

78.56 RCW. 

Minimum flows and levels -- Departmental authority exclusive -- Other 

recommendations considered: RCW 90.03.247. 

43.21A.005

Intent — Public involvement and outreach.

See RCW 43.20A.005. 

43.21A.010

Legislative declaration of state policy on environment and utilization 

of natural resources.

The legislature recognizes and declares it to be the policy of this state, that it is a fundamental and inalienable right of 

the people of the state of Washington to live in a healthful and pleasant environment and to benefit from the proper 

development and use of its natural resources. The legislature further recognizes that as the population of our state 

grows, the need to provide for our increasing industrial, agricultural, residential, social, recreational, economic and 

other needs will place an increasing responsibility on all segments of our society to plan, coordinate, restore and 

regulate the utilization of our natural resources in a manner that will protect and conserve our clean air, our pure and 

abundant waters, and the natural beauty of the state. 

[1970 ex.s. c 62 § 1.]

Notes:

 Savings -- Other powers and rights not affected -- Permits, standards, not 

affected -- 1970 ex.s. c 62: "The provisions of this act shall not impair or supersede the 

powers or rights of any person, committee, association, public, municipal or private 

corporations, state or local governmental agency, federal agency, or political subdivision 

of the state of Washington under any other law except as specifically provided herein. 

Pollution control permits, water quality standards, air pollution permits, air quality 

standards, and permits for disposal of solid waste materials of this state are not 
changed hereby and the laws governing the same are to be protected and preserved." 

[1970 ex.s. c 62 § 61.] 

 Effective date -- 1970 ex.s. c 62: "This 1970 amendatory act shall take effect on 

July 1, 1970." [1970 ex.s. c 62 § 64.] 

 Severability -- 1970 ex.s. c 62: "If any provision of this 1970 amendatory act, or its 

application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the 

application of the provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected." 

[1970 ex.s. c 62 § 65.] 

43.21A.020

Purpose.

In recognition of the responsibility of state government to carry out the policies set forth in RCW 43.21A.010, it is the 

purpose of this chapter to establish a single state agency with the authority to manage and develop our air and water 

resources in an orderly, efficient, and effective manner and to carry out a coordinated program of pollution control 

involving these and related land resources. To this end a department of ecology is created by this chapter to 

undertake, in an integrated manner, the various water regulation, management, planning and development programs 

now authorized to be performed by the department of water resources and the water pollution control commission, 

the air regulation and management program now performed by the state air pollution control board, the solid waste 

regulation and management program authorized to be performed by state government as provided by chapter 70.95

RCW, and such other environmental, management protection and development programs as may be authorized by 

the legislature. 

[1970 ex.s. c 62 § 2.]

43.21A.030

Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise:

 (1) "Department" means the department of ecology.

 (2) "Director" means the director of the department of ecology.

 (3) "Commission" means the ecological commission. 

[1970 ex.s. c 62 § 3.]

43.21A.040

Department of ecology — Created.
There is created a department of state government to be known as the department of ecology. 

[1970 ex.s. c 62 § 4.]

43.21A.050

Department of ecology — Director — Appointment — Powers and 

duties — Salary — Temporary appointment when vacancy.

The executive and administrative head of the department shall be the director. The director shall be appointed by the 

governor with the consent of the senate. He or she shall have complete charge of and supervisory powers over the 

department. He or she shall be paid a salary fixed by the governor in accordance with the provisions of RCW 

43.03.040. If a vacancy occurs in the position of director while the senate is not in session, the governor shall make a 

temporary appointment until the next meeting of the senate at which time he or she shall present to that body his or 

her nomination for the position. 

[2009 c 549 § 5081; 1970 ex.s. c 62 § 5.]

43.21A.061

Powers and duties — Reclamation.

The department of ecology shall exercise all the powers and perform all the duties prescribed by law with respect to 

the reclamation and development of arid, swamp, overflow, and logged-off lands in the state and such other duties as 

may be prescribed by law. 

[1987 c 109 § 26; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.110. Prior: 1921 c 7 § 70; RRS § 10828. Formerly RCW 43.21.110.]

Notes:

 Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 

c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001. 

43.21A.064

Powers and duties — Water resources.

Subject to RCW 43.21A.068, the director of the department of ecology shall have the following powers and duties:

 (1) The supervision of public waters within the state and their appropriation, diversion, and use, and of the various 

officers connected therewith;

 (2) Insofar as may be necessary to assure safety to life or property, the director shall inspect the construction of all 

dams, canals, ditches, irrigation systems, hydraulic power plants, and all other works, systems, and plants pertaining 

to the use of water, and may require such necessary changes in the construction or maintenance of said works, to be 

made from time to time, as will reasonably secure safety to life and property;
 (3) The director shall regulate and control the diversion of water in accordance with the rights thereto;

 (4) The director shall determine the discharge of streams and springs and other sources of water supply, and the 

capacities of lakes and of reservoirs whose waters are being or may be utilized for beneficial purposes;

 (5) The director shall, if requested, provide assistance to an applicant for a water right in obtaining or developing 

an adequate and appropriate supply of water consistent with the land use permitted for the area in which the water is 

to be used and the population forecast for the area under RCW 43.62.035. If the applicant is a public water supply 

system, the supply being sought must be used in a manner consistent with applicable land use, watershed and water 

system plans, and the population forecast for that area provided under RCW 43.62.035;

 (6) The director shall keep such records as may be necessary for the recording of the financial transactions and 

statistical data thereof, and shall procure all necessary documents, forms, and blanks. The director shall keep a seal 

of the office, and all certificates covering any of the director's acts or the acts of the director's office, or the records 

and files of that office, under such seal, shall be taken as evidence thereof in all courts;

 (7) The director shall render when required by the governor, a full written report of the office's work with such 

recommendations for legislation as the director deems advisable for the better control and development of the water 

resources of the state;

 (8) The director and duly authorized deputies may administer oaths;

 (9) The director shall establish and promulgate rules governing the administration of chapter 90.03 RCW;

 (10) The director shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law. 

[1997 c 443 § 2; 1995 c 8 § 3; 1977 c 75 § 46; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.130. Prior: 1961 c 19 § 1; prior: (i) 1951 c 57 § 3; 1921 c 7 § 72; RRS § 

10830. (ii) 1951 c 57 § 3; 1917 c 117 § 8; RRS § 7358. Formerly RCW 43.21.130.]

Notes:

 Finding -- Intent--1997 c 443: "The legislature finds that there is a need for 

development of additional water resources to meet the forecasted population growth in 

the state. It is the intent of chapter 443, Laws of 1997 to direct the responsible agencies 

to assist applicants seeking a safe and reliable water source for their use. Providing this 

assistance for public water supply systems can be accomplished through assistance in 

the creation of municipal interties and transfers, additional storage capabilities, 

enhanced conservation efforts, and added efficiency standards for using existing 

supplies." [1997 c 443 § 1.] 

 Findings -- 1995 c 8: "The legislature finds and declares:

 (1) The federal energy regulatory commission, under the federal power act, licenses 

hydropower projects in navigable waters and regularly and extensively inspects facilities 

for safety; and

 (2) Nothing in this act alters or affects the department of ecology's authority to: (a) 

Participate in the federal process of licensing hydropower projects; or (b) ensure that 

hydropower projects comply with federal statutes such as the coastal zone 

management act and the clean water act and, subject to RCW 43.21A.068, all 

applicable state law." [1995 c 8 § 1.] 

Review of permit applications to divert and store water, water flow policy: RCW 
77.57.020. 

Water power development, license fees: RCW 90.16.050, 90.16.060, 90.16.090. 

43.21A.067

Water resources — "Basic data fund" created.

The director of ecology may create within his or her department a fund to be known as the "basic data fund."

 Into such fund shall be deposited all moneys contributed by persons for stream flow, groundwater and water 

quality data or other hydrographic information furnished by the department in cooperation with the United States 

geological survey, and the fund shall be expended on a matching basis with the United States geological survey for 

the purpose of obtaining additional basic information needed for an intelligent inventory of water resources in the 

state.

 Disbursements from the basic data fund shall be on vouchers approved by the department and the district 

engineer of the United States geological survey. 

[2009 c 549 § 5082; 1987 c 109 § 27; 1967 c 53 § 1; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.140. Prior: 1951 c 57 § 4; 1943 c 30 § 1; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 5505-1. 

Formerly RCW 43.21.140.]

Notes:

 Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 

c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001. 

43.21A.068

Federal power act licensees — Exemption from state requirements.

(1) With respect to the safety of any dam, canal, ditch, hydraulic power plant, reservoir, project, or other work, 

system, or plant that requires a license under the federal power act, no licensee shall be required to:

 (a) Submit proposals, plans, specifications, or other documents for approval by the department;

 (b) Seek a permit, license, or other form, permission, or authorization from the department;

 (c) Submit to inspection by the department; or

 (d) Change the design, construction, modification, maintenance, or operation of such facilities at the demand of 

the department.

 (2) For the purposes of this section, "licensee" means an owner or operator, or any employee thereof, of a dam, 

canal, ditch, hydraulic power plant, reservoir, project, or other work, system, or plant that requires a license under the 

federal power act. 

[1995 c 8 § 2.]
Notes:

 Findings -- 1995 c 8: See note following RCW 43.21A.064. 

43.21A.069

Powers and duties — Flood control.

The department of ecology shall exercise all the powers and perform all the duties prescribed by law with respect to 

flood control. 

[1987 c 109 § 28; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.160. Prior: 1941 c 204 § 2, part; Rem. Supp. 1941 § 9663F-2, part. Formerly RCW 43.21.160.]

Notes:

 Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 

c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001. 

43.21A.070

Application of administrative procedure act to the review of decisions 

by director.

The administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW, shall apply to the review of decisions by the director to the 

same extent as it applied to decisions issued by the directors of the various departments whose powers, duties and 

functions are transferred by chapter 62, Laws of 1970 ex. sess. to the department of ecology. The administrative 

procedure act shall further apply to all other decisions of the director as in chapter 34.05 RCW provided. 

[1970 ex.s. c 62 § 7.]

43.21A.080

Rule-making authority.

The director of the department of ecology is authorized to adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary and 

appropriate to carry out the provisions of this chapter: PROVIDED, That the director may not adopt rules after July 

23, 1995, that are based solely on a section of law stating a statute's intent or purpose, on the enabling provisions of 

the statute establishing the agency, or on any combination of such provisions, for statutory authority to adopt the rule. 

[1995 c 403 § 103; 1970 ex.s. c 62 § 8.]

Notes:
 Findings -- Short title -- Intent -- 1995 c 403: See note following RCW 34.05.328. 

 Part headings not law -- Severability -- 1995 c 403: See RCW 43.05.903 and 

43.05.904. 

43.21A.085

Technical assistance officer and units — Coordination of voluntary 

compliance with regulatory laws.

The department, to the greatest extent possible, within available resources and without jeopardizing the department's 

ability to carry out its legal responsibilities, may designate one or more of its employees as a technical assistance 

officer, and may organize the officers into one or more technical assistance units within the department. The duties of 

a technical assistance officer are to coordinate voluntary compliance with the regulatory laws administered by the 

department and to provide technical assistance concerning compliance with the laws. 

[1992 c 19 § 1.]

43.21A.087

Technical assistance officer and units — Authority to issue orders or 

assess penalties.

(1) An employee designated by the department as a technical assistance officer or as a member of a technical 

assistance unit may not, during the period of the designation, have authority to issue orders or assess penalties on 

behalf of the department. Such an employee who provides on-site consultation at an industrial or commercial facility 

and who observes violations of the law shall inform the owner or operator of the facility of the violations. On-site 

consultation visits by such an employee may not be regarded as inspections or investigations and no notices or 

citations may be issued or civil penalties assessed during such a visit. However, violations of the law must be 

reported to the appropriate officers within the department. If the owner or operator of the facility does not correct the 

observed violations within a reasonable time, the department may reinspect the facility and take appropriate 

enforcement action. If a technical assistance officer or member of a technical assistance unit observes a violation of 

the law that places a person in danger of death or substantial bodily harm, or has caused or is likely to cause physical 

damage to the property of others in an amount exceeding one thousand dollars, the department may initiate 

enforcement action immediately upon observing the violation.

 (2) The state, the department, and officers or employees of the state shall not be liable for damages to a person to 

the extent that liability is asserted to arise from the performance by technical assistance officers of their duties, or if 

liability is asserted to arise from the failure of the department to supply technical assistance. 

[1992 c 19 § 2.]

43.21A.090

Powers, duties and functions transferred to department to be 

performed by director — Delegation by director, limitations.
All powers, duties and functions transferred to the department by the terms of chapter 62, Laws of 1970 ex. sess. 

shall be performed by the director: PROVIDED, That the director may delegate, by appropriate rule or regulation, the 

performance of such of his or her powers, duties, and functions, other than those relating to the adoption, amendment 

or rescission of rules and regulations, to employees of the department whenever it appears desirable in fulfilling the 

policy and purposes of this chapter. 

[2009 c 549 § 5083; 1970 ex.s. c 62 § 9.]

43.21A.100

Departmental administrative divisions — Deputy director, duties —

Assistant directors, duties — As exempt from state civil service law —

Salaries.

In order to obtain maximum efficiency and effectiveness within the department, the director may create such 

administrative divisions within the department as he or she deems necessary. The director shall appoint a deputy 

director as well as such assistant directors as shall be needed to administer the several divisions within the 

department. The deputy director shall have charge and general supervision of the department in the absence or 

disability of the director. In the case of a vacancy in the office of director, the deputy director shall administer the 

department until the governor appoints a successor to the director or an acting director. The officers appointed under 

this section and exempt from the provisions of the state civil service law as provided in RCW 41.06.073, shall be paid 

salaries to be fixed by the governor in accordance with the procedure established by law for the fixing of salaries for 

officers exempt from the operation of the state civil service law. 

[2009 c 549 § 5084; 1970 ex.s. c 62 § 10.]

43.21A.120

Director to employ personnel — Application of state civil service law.

The director shall have the power to employ such personnel as may be necessary for the general administration of 

this chapter: PROVIDED, That except as specified in RCW 41.06.073, such employment shall be in accordance with 

the rules of the state civil service law, chapter 41.06 RCW. 

[1970 ex.s. c 62 § 12.]

43.21A.130

Studies — Limitations.

(1) In addition to any other powers granted the director, the director may undertake studies dealing with all aspects of 

environmental problems involving land, water, or air; however, in the absence of specific legislative authority, such 

studies shall be limited to investigations of particular problems, and shall not be implemented by positive action.

 (2)(a) Any studies conducted by the department to establish the total maximum daily load of a water body under 

chapter 90.48 RCW must involve meaningful participation and opportunities to comment by the local watershed 

planning group established in chapter 90.82 RCW, the local governments whose jurisdictions are within the affected 

watershed, and any affected or concerned citizen who notifies the department of his or her interest in participating. 
Technical or procedural disputes or disagreements that arise during the participation and comment process may be 

presented to the director for review. The director shall conduct a review of the disputed items and issue written 

findings and conclusions to all interested participants.

 (b) If a study conducted on the total maximum daily load of a water body may affect a new or renewed national 

pollution discharge elimination permit under chapter 90.48 RCW, the department must disclose prior to the 

finalization of the study the precision and accuracy of data collected, computer models developed, and assumptions 

used. 

[2002 c 364 § 1; 1987 c 505 § 28; 1980 c 87 § 22; 1970 ex.s. c 62 § 13.]

43.21A.140

Director to consult with department, state board of health.

The director in carrying out his or her powers and duties under this chapter shall consult with the department of social 

and health services and the state board of health, or their successors, insofar as necessary to assure that those 

agencies concerned with the preservation of life and health may integrate their efforts to the fullest extent possible 

and endorse policies in common. 

[2009 c 549 § 5085; 1979 c 141 § 67; 1970 ex.s. c 62 § 14.]

43.21A.150

Director to consult with other states, federal government and 

Canadian provinces — Authority to receive and disburse grants, funds 

and gifts.

The director, whenever it is lawful and feasible to do so, shall consult and cooperate with the federal government, as 

well as with other states and Canadian provinces, in the study and control of environmental problems. On behalf of 

the department, the director is authorized to accept, receive, disburse, and administer grants or other funds or gifts 

from any source, including private individuals or agencies, the federal government, and other public agencies, for the 

purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter. 

[1970 ex.s. c 62 § 15.]

43.21A.155

Environmental excellence program agreements — Effect on chapter.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any legal requirement under this chapter, including any standard, 

limitation, rule, or order is superseded and replaced in accordance with the terms and provisions of an environmental 

excellence program agreement, entered into under chapter 43.21K RCW. 

[1997 c 381 § 20.]

Notes:
 Purpose -- 1997 c 381: See RCW 43.21K.005. 

43.21A.160

Request for certification of records as confidential — Procedure.

Whenever any records or other information furnished under the authority of this chapter to the director, the 

department, or any division of the department, relate to the processes of production unique to the owner or operator 

thereof, or may affect adversely the competitive position of such owner or operator if released to the public or to a 

competitor, the owner or operator of such processes or production may so certify, and request that such information 

or records be made available only for the confidential use of the director, the department, or the appropriate division 

of the department. The director shall give consideration to the request, and if such action would not be detrimental to 

the public interest and is otherwise within accord with the policies and purposes of this chapter, may grant the same. 

[1970 ex.s. c 62 § 16.]

43.21A.165

Environmental technology — Review of certification programs —

Demonstration activities.

(1) The legislature finds that:

 (a) New and innovative environmental technologies can help improve environmental quality at lower costs;

 (b) Current regulatory processes often include permits or approvals that require applicants to duplicate costly 

technical analysis;

 (c) The commercialization of innovative environmental technologies can be discouraged due to the costs of 

repeated environmental analysis;

 (d) The regulatory process can be improved by sharing and relying on information generated through 

demonstration projects and technical certification programs; and

 (e) Other states have developed programs to certify environmental technologies in order to streamline the 

permitting process and to encourage use of environmental technologies.

 (2) The legislature therefore declares that the department shall:

 (a) Review environmental technology certification programs established by other states or federal agencies, and 

enter into agreements to use the information from these programs if the department finds that this information will 

improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the state's environmental regulatory process; and

 (b) Participate in technology demonstration activities that support the state's needs for environmental technology. 

[1997 c 419 § 1.]
43.21A.175

Environmental certification programs — Fees — Rules — Liability.

(1) At the request of a project proponent, the department shall consider information developed through a certification 

program when making permit or other regulatory decisions. The department may not require duplicative 

demonstration of such information, but may require additional information as necessary to assure that state 

requirements are met. A local government that has a regulatory authority delegated by the department may use 

information developed through a certification program when making permit or other regulatory decisions.

 (2) The department shall develop a certification program for technologies for remediation of radioactive and mixed 

waste, as those terms are defined in chapter 70.105 RCW, if all program development and operational costs are paid 

by the federal government or persons seeking certification of the technologies.

 (3) Following the development of the certification program in subsection (2) of this section, the department may 

use the policies and procedures of that program on a pilot basis to evaluate the use of certification for site 

remediation technologies and other environmental technologies, if the operational costs of the certification are paid by 

the federal government or persons seeking certification of such technologies.

 (4) The department shall charge a reasonable fee to recover the operational costs of certifying a technology.

 (5) Subsections (1), (3), and (4) of this section apply to permit and other regulatory decisions made under the 

following: Chapters 70.94, 70.95, 70.105, 70.105D, 70.120, 70.138, 90.48, 90.54, and 90.56 RCW.

 (6) For the purposes of this section, "certification program" means a program, developed or approved by the 

department, to certify the quantitative performance of an environmental technology over a specified range of 

parameters and conditions. Certification of a technology does not imply endorsement of a specific technology by the 

department, or a guarantee of the performance of a technology.

 (7) The department may adopt rules as necessary to implement the requirements of subsections (2) and (3) of this 

section, and establish requirements and procedures for evaluation and certification of environmental technologies.

 (8) The state, the department, and officers and employees of the state shall not be liable for damages resulting 

from the utilization of information developed through a certification program, or from a decision to certify or deny 

certification to an environmental technology. Actions of the department under this section are not decisions 

reviewable under RCW 43.21B.110. 

[1997 c 419 § 2.]

43.21A.230

Certification of environmental laboratories authorized — Fees — Use of 

certified laboratories by persons submitting data or results to 

department.

The director of ecology may certify environmental laboratories which conduct tests or prepare data for submittal to the 

department. Fees for certification may be charged by the department to cover the department's costs. Such 

certification may consider:

 (1) Evaluating protocols and procedures;

 (2) Determining the accuracy and reliability of test results, including internal quality assurance and quality control 

procedures and proficiency at analyzing test samples supplied by the department;

 (3) Certifying laboratories based on prior certification by another state or federal agency whose certification 

requirements are deemed satisfactory by the director; and
 (4) Such other factors as the director considers appropriate.

 The director of ecology may require that any person submitting laboratory data or test results to the department 

use laboratories certified by the department or laboratories which participate in quality assurance programs 

administered by the federal environmental protection agency.

 Persons receiving a federal permit for wastewater discharge who operate a lab solely for their own use and who 

require certification for only conventional pollutants shall not be charged an annual certification fee in excess of the 

actual costs of providing the certification or four thousand dollars, whichever is less. Conventional pollutants as used 

in this subsection means those conventional pollutants regulated under the federal clean water act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 

1314).

 Fees and lab quality control requirements for persons receiving state or federal wastewater discharge permits 

shall not be implemented before September 30, 1988. The department shall not duplicate any laboratory quality 

control requirements imposed by the United States environmental protection agency. 

[1987 c 481 § 1.]

43.21A.235

Exemption from laboratory certification and fee requirements.

Laboratories owned by persons holding wastewater discharge permits and operated solely for their own use which 

participate in quality assurance programs administered by the federal environmental protection agency shall be 

exempt from certification and fee requirements for the specific methods and tests which are the subject of such 

quality assurance programs. 

[1987 c 481 § 2.]

43.21A.250

Pollution control hearings board of the state as affecting department, 

director and commission.

See chapter 43.21B RCW. 

43.21A.350

Master plan of development.

The department of ecology shall prepare and perfect from time to time a state master plan for flood control, state 

public reservations, financed in whole or in part from moneys collected by the state, sites for state public buildings 

and for the orderly development of the natural and agricultural resources of the state. The plan shall address how the 

department will expedite the completion of projects of statewide significance. The plan shall be a guide in making 

recommendations to the officers, boards, commissions, and departments of the state.

 Whenever an improvement is proposed to be established by the state, the state agency having charge of the 
establishment thereof shall request of the director a report thereon, which shall be furnished within a reasonable time 

thereafter. In case an improvement is not established in conformity with the report, the state agency having charge of 

the establishment thereof shall file in its office and with the department a statement setting forth its reasons for 

rejecting or varying from such report which shall be open to public inspection.

 The department shall insofar as possible secure the cooperation of adjacent states, and of counties and 

municipalities within the state in the coordination of their proposed improvements with such master plan. 

[2009 c 421 § 7; 1997 c 369 § 6; 1987 c 109 § 29; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.190. Prior: 1957 c 215 § 22; 1933 ex.s. c 54 § 3; RRS § 10930-3. 

Formerly RCW 43.21.190.]

Notes:

 Effective date -- 2009 c 421: See note following RCW 43.157.005. 

 Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 

c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001. 

Industrial project of statewide significance -- Defined: RCW 43.157.010. 

43.21A.355

Master plan of development — Public hearings.

The director may hold public hearings, in connection with any duty prescribed in RCW 43.21A.350 and may compel 

the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence. 

[1988 c 127 § 7; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.200. Prior: 1957 c 215 § 23; 1933 ex.s. c 54 § 4; RRS § 10930-4. Formerly RCW 43.21.200.]

43.21A.405

Marine pollution — Baseline study program — Legislative finding and 

declaration.

 *** CHANGE IN 2010 *** (SEE 6239-S.SL) ***

The legislature recognizes that there exists a great risk of potential damage from oil pollution of the waters of the 

state of Washington and further declares that immediate steps must be undertaken to reduce this risk. The legislature 

also is aware that such danger is expected to increase in future years in proportion to the increase in the size and 

cargo capacity of ships, barges, and other waterborne carriers, the construction and operational characteristics of 

these carriers, the density of waterborne traffic, and the need for a greater supply of petroleum products.

 A program of systematic baseline studies to be conducted by the department of ecology has been recognized as a 

vital part of the efforts to reduce the risk of oil pollution of marine waters, and the legislature recognizes that many 

factors combine to make this effort one of considerable magnitude and difficulty. The marine shoreline of the state is 

about two thousand seven hundred miles long, a greater length than the combined coastlines of Oregon and 

California. There are some three million acres of submerged land and more than three hundred islands in these 

marine waters. The average depth of Puget Sound is two hundred twenty feet. There is a great diversity of animal life 
in the waters of the state. These waters have a multitude of uses by both humans and nonhumans, and the 

interaction between man's activities and natural processes in these waters varies greatly with locale. 

[1973 2nd ex.s. c 30 § 1.]

Notes:

Oil and hazardous substances pollution: RCW 90.56.010 through 90.56.280. 

43.21A.410

Marine pollution — Baseline study program established — Utilization of 

related programs — Coordination — Contracts.

As part of the state effort to prevent and control oil pollution, a continuing, comprehensive program of systematic 

baseline studies for the waters of the state shall be established by the department of ecology. Full utilization of 

related historical data shall be made in planning these studies. Data from these and other scientific investigations 

made pursuant to RCW 43.21A.405 through 43.21A.420 should, whenever possible, have multiple use, including use 

as supporting evidence of environmental damage resulting from oil pollution, as indicators of the potential or existing 

risks and impacts of oil pollution, as aids to developing a methodology for implementing the reduction of risks, and as 

aids to maintaining water quality standards.

 A baseline study program shall take full advantage of the data and information produced by related programs, 

such as the marine ecosystems analysis (MESA) program of the national oceanic and atmospheric administration, 

studies and inventories made pursuant to the state shorelines management act of 1971, and others. All phases of the 

program, including planning, operations, data analysis, interpretation, storage, retrieval, and dissemination phases, 

shall be coordinated to the greatest possible extent with appropriate governmental, academic, and industrial 

organizations. Whenever possible, the department shall contract with existing state agencies, boards, commissions, 

and institutions of higher education for the scientific investigation programs to be conducted. 

[1973 2nd ex.s. c 30 § 2.]

43.21A.415

Marine pollution — Baseline study program — Scope of database 

produced.

The database produced by such studies should include chemical, physical, and biological parameters of the waters, 

complete information on marine pollution accidents, and an economic evaluation of the marine resources and 

shoreline properties that may be damaged or impaired by oil pollution. Where oceanographic and water quality 

instrumentation is used to gather data, such instruments shall be standardized and intercalibrated. 

[1973 2nd ex.s. c 30 § 3.]
43.21A.420

Marine pollution — Baseline study program — Priority factors.

In planning the state baseline studies program, priority shall be given to those waters (1) in which the greatest risk of 

damage from oil spills exists; (2) which contain marine and fresh water life that is particularly sensitive to toxins 

contained in crude oil, oil products, and oil wastes; and (3) which are used or may be used for the harvesting, 

gathering, or production of food or food products. 

[1973 2nd ex.s. c 30 § 4.]

43.21A.430

Catalytic converters in police, ambulance or emergency aid vehicles —

Department's powers restricted in respect thereto.

The department of ecology may not adopt, maintain in effect, or enforce any rule requiring the installation or 

maintenance of a catalytic converter in the exhaust system of any motor vehicle used as a police vehicle, or 

ambulance, an emergency aid vehicle, or a fire department vehicle, and any catalytic converter in the exhaust system 

of any such vehicle may be lawfully removed. 

[1977 ex.s. c 264 § 1.]

43.21A.440

Department authorized to participate in and administer federal 

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability 

Act.

The department of ecology is authorized to participate fully in and is empowered to administer all programs of the 

federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.), as it 

exists on July 24, 1983, contemplated for state participation and administration under that act. 

[1983 c 270 § 3.]

Notes:

 Severability -- 1983 c 270: See note following RCW 90.48.260. 

43.21A.445

Departments authorized to participate in and administer federal Safe 

Drinking Water Act — Agreements with other departments.
The department of ecology, the department of natural resources, the department of health, and the *oil and gas 

conservation committee are authorized to participate fully in and are empowered to administer all programs of Part C 

of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 300h et seq.), as it exists on June 19, 1986, contemplated for 

state participation in administration under the act.

 The department of ecology, in the implementation of powers provided herein shall enter into agreements of 

administration with the departments of health and natural resources and the *oil and gas conservation committee to 

administer those portions of the state program, approved under the federal act, over which the said departments and 

committee have primary subject-matter authority under existing state law. The departments of health and natural 

resources and the *oil and gas conservation committee are empowered to enter into such agreements and perform 

the administration contained therein. 

[1989 1st ex.s. c 9 § 218; 1988 c 279 § 1; 1983 c 270 § 4.]

Notes:

 *Reviser's note: The duties of the oil and gas conservation committee were 

transferred to the department of natural resources by 1994 sp.s. c 9. 

 Effective date -- Severability -- 1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 

43.70.920. 

 Severability -- 1983 c 270: See note following RCW 90.48.260. 

Adoption of rules for on-site sewage disposal systems adjacent to marine waters: RCW 

90.48.264. 

Drinking water quality consumer complaints: RCW 80.04.110. 

43.21A.450

Control of outflow and level of Lake Osoyoos — Lake Osoyoos 

International Water Control Structure authorized.

(1) The legislature recognizes the need for the state of Washington to implement an understanding reached with the 

Province of British Columbia in relation to a joint venture with British Columbia for controlling the outflow and level of 

Lake Osoyoos, an international lake, and in connection therewith to replace an existing lake control structure on the 

Okanogan river in Washington state which has been classified as deteriorated and unsafe.

 (2) For the purpose of implementing subsection (1) of this section, the department of ecology may acquire, design, 

construct, own, operate, and maintain a project to be known as the Lake Osoyoos International Water Control 

Structure and may acquire all real property interests necessary thereto by purchase, grant, gift, or eminent domain; 

provided that the authority of eminent domain as granted to the department under this section is limited to acquiring 

property necessary for access to the control structure, location of abutments for the control structure, and flowage 

easements if necessary.

 (3) The department may accept and administer grants or gifts from any source for the purpose of carrying out 

subsection (2) of this section.

 (4) The department may exercise its powers under subsection (2) of this section directly or through contracts, 

except that it may not delegate its authority of eminent domain. The department may also enter into agreements with 
any public or municipal corporation with respect to operation and maintenance of the project authorized under 

subsection (2) of this section. 

[1985 c 27 § 1; 1982 c 76 § 1.]

Notes:

 Intent -- 1985 c 27; 1982 c 76: "It is the intent of this legislature in enacting RCW 

43.21A.450 that total capital costs for the said project be shared equally by Washington 

state and British Columbia." [1985 c 27 § 2; 1982 c 76 § 2.] 

43.21A.470

Yakima enhancement project — Duties — Request for congressional 

authorization for pipeline.

(1) The director of the department of ecology shall:

 (a) Continue to participate with the federal government in its studies of the Yakima enhancement project and of 

options for future development of the second half of the Columbia Basin project;

 (b) Vigorously represent the state's interest in said studies, particularly as they relate to protection of existing water 

rights and resolution of conflicts in the adjudication of the Yakima river within the framework of state water rights law 

and propose means of resolving the conflict that minimize adverse effects on the various existing uses;

 (c) As a cooperative federal and nonfederal effort, work with members of the congressional delegation to identify 

and advance, subject to the limitations in subsection (2) of this section, for federal authorization elements of the 

Yakima enhancement project which: Have general public support and acceptable cost-sharing arrangements, meet 

study objectives, and otherwise have potential for early implementation; and

 (d) In developing acceptable cost-sharing arrangements, request federal recognition of state credit for 

expenditures of moneys from Washington state utility ratepayers.

 (2) In the interest of promoting cooperation between all interested parties and to effectuate the efficient and 

satisfactory implementation of the Yakima enhancement project, the state requests that Congress authorize the 

construction of a pipeline between Keechelus Lake and Kachess Lake as one of the elements of early 

implementation of the Yakima enhancement project for the purpose of supplying the water which is demanded for 

and caused by the operation of the fish passage facilities at the Easton Dam. The department, in concert with other 

state agencies, shall work diligently to assure that the pipeline element is included in the federal legislation. 

[1987 c 517 § 1; 1986 c 316 § 3.]

43.21A.510

State environmental profile.

In order to assist the *department of community, trade, and economic development in providing information to 

businesses interested in locating in Washington state, the department shall develop an environmental profile of the 

state. This profile shall identify the state's natural resources and describe how these assets are valuable to industry. 
Examples of information to be included are water resources and quality, air quality, and recreational opportunities 

related to natural resources. 

[1995 c 399 § 66; 1985 c 466 § 51; 1984 c 94 § 2.]

Notes:

 *Reviser's note: The "department of community, trade, and economic development" 

was renamed the "department of commerce" by 2009 c 565. 

 Effective date -- Severability -- 1985 c 466: See notes following RCW 43.31.125. 

 Findings -- 1984 c 94: "The legislature finds (1) that a locality's natural environment 

is an important factor in determining where new businesses will locate, (2) that 

environmental regulations that preserve the quality of the environment can enhance 

economic development and the determination by new businesses where to locate and 

can lead to the creation of jobs and new industries, and (3) that some areas of the state 

have been and might be handicapped in their economic development efforts because of 

perceived environmental problems. Thus, the legislature declares that it is the policy of 

this state to recognize and emphasize the importance of the state's natural environment 

in its economic development efforts in attracting and maintaining businesses." [1984 c 

94 § 1.] 

43.21A.515

Assistance to businesses interested in locating in Washington required 

— Information on environmental laws and regulations to be provided.

In order to emphasize the importance of the state's environmental laws and regulations and to facilitate compliance 

with them, the department of ecology shall provide assistance to businesses interested in locating in Washington 

state. When the *department of community, trade, and economic development receives a query from an interested 

business through its industrial marketing activities, it shall arrange for the department of ecology to provide 

information on the state's environmental laws and regulations and methods of compliance. This section shall facilitate 

compliance with state environmental laws and regulations and shall not weaken their application or effectiveness. 

[1995 c 399 § 67; 1985 c 466 § 52; 1984 c 94 § 3.]

Notes:

 *Reviser's note: The "department of community, trade, and economic development" 

was renamed the "department of commerce" by 2009 c 565. 

 Effective date -- Severability -- 1985 c 466: See notes following RCW 43.31.125. 

 Findings -- 1984 c 94: See note following RCW 43.21A.510. 
43.21A.520

Environmental excellence awards program for products.

 *** CHANGE IN 2010 *** (SEE 2617-S2.SL) ***

(1) The department of ecology shall develop and implement an environmental excellence awards program that 

recognizes products that are produced, labeled, or packaged in a manner that helps ensure environmental protection. 

The award shall be in recognition of products that are made from recycled materials, easy to recycle, substitute for 

more hazardous products, or otherwise help protect the environment. Application for the award shall be voluntary. 

The awards may be made in a variety of product categories including, but not limited to:

 (a) Paint products;

 (b) Cleaning products;

 (c) Pest control products;

 (d) Automotive, marine, and related maintenance products;

 (e) Hobby and recreation products; and

 (f) Any other product available for retail or wholesale sale.

 (2) The state solid waste advisory committee shall establish an environmental excellence product award 

subcommittee to develop and recommend criteria for awarding environmental excellence awards for products. The 

subcommittee shall also review award applications and make recommendations to the department. The 

subcommittee shall consist of equal representation of: (a) Product manufacturing or other business representatives; 

(b) environmental representatives; (c) labor or consumer representatives; and (d) independent technical experts. 

Members of the subcommittee need not necessarily be regular members of the state solid waste advisory committee.

 (3) Products receiving an environmental excellence award pursuant to this section shall be entitled to display a 

logo or other symbol developed by the department to signify the award. Awards shall be given each year to as many 

products as qualify. The award logo may be displayed for a period to be determined by the department. 

[1989 c 431 § 47; 1987 c 67 § 1.]

Notes:

 Severability -- Section captions not law -- 1989 c 431: See RCW 70.95.901 and 

70.95.902. 

43.21A.600

Powers and duties — Electric power resources.

The department shall make studies and surveys, collect, compile and disseminate information and statistics to 

facilitate development of the electric power resources of the state by public utility districts, municipalities, electric 

cooperatives, joint operating agencies and public utility companies. The director may cause studies to be made 
relating to the construction of steam generating plants using any available fuel and their integration with hydro-electric 

facilities. He or she may cause designs for any such plant to be prepared. He or she shall employ such engineers and 

other experts and assistants as may be necessary to carry out his or her power resources functions. 

[2009 c 549 § 5086; 1988 c 127 § 8; 1965 c 8 §43.21.220 . Prior: 1957 c 284 § 2. Formerly RCW 43.21.220.]

Notes:

Joint operating agencies: Chapter 43.52 RCW. 

43.21A.605

Development of electric power resources — Cooperation with 

governmental units.

The director may represent the state and aid and assist the public utilities therein to the end that its resources shall 

be properly developed in the public interest insofar as they affect electric power and to this end he or she shall 

cooperate and may negotiate with Canada, the United States, the states thereof and their agencies to develop and 

integrate the resources of the region. 

[2009 c 549 § 5087; 1988 c 127 § 9; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.230. Prior: 1957 c 284 § 3. Formerly RCW 43.21.230.]

43.21A.610

Steam electric generating plant — Study — Construction.

The director shall continue the study of the state power commission made in 1956 relating to the construction of a 

steam power electric generating plant, and if the construction of a steam electric generating plant is found to be 

feasible by the director, the director may construct such plant at a site determined by him or her to be feasible and 

operate it as a state owned facility. 

[2009 c 549 § 5088; 1988 c 127 § 10; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.250. Prior: 1957 c 275 § 3. Formerly RCW 43.21.250.]

43.21A.612

Steam electric generating plant — Statement of intention —

Construction by public utility, operating agency, or the department, 

procedure — Powers of director of community, trade, and economic 

development.

Before the director shall construct said steam generating facility within the state, or make application for any permit, 

license or other right necessary thereto, the director shall give notice thereof by publishing once a week for four 

consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or counties in which such project is located a 

statement of intention setting forth the general nature, extent and location of the project. If any public utility in the 

state or any operating agency desires to construct such facility, such utility or operating agency shall notify the 
director thereof within ten days after the last date of publication of such notice. If the director determines that it is in 

the best public interest that the director proceed with such construction rather than the public utility or operating 

agency, the director shall so notify the *director of community, trade, and economic development, who shall set a 

date for hearing thereon. If after considering the evidence introduced the *director of community, trade, and economic 

development finds that the public utility or operating agency making the request intends to immediately proceed with 

such construction and is financially capable of carrying out such construction and further finds that the plan of such 

utility or operating agency is equally well adapted to serve the public interest, the director shall enter an order so 

finding and such order shall divest the director of authority to proceed further with such construction or acquisition 

until such time as the other public utility or agency voluntarily causes an assignment of its right or interest in the 

project to the director or fails to procure any further required governmental permit, license or authority or having 

procured such, has the same revoked or withdrawn, in accordance with the laws and regulations of such 

governmental entity, in which event the director shall have the same authority to proceed as though the director had 

originally entered an order so authorizing the director to proceed. If, after considering the evidence introduced, the 

*director of community, trade, and economic development finds that the public utility or agency making the request 

does not intend to immediately proceed with such construction or acquisition or is not financially capable of carrying 

out such construction or acquisition, or finds that the plan of such utility or operating agency is not equally well 

adapted to serve the public interest, the director shall then enter an order so finding and authorizing the director to 

proceed with the construction or acquisition of the facility. 

[1995 c 399 § 68; 1988 c 127 § 11; 1985 c 466 § 49; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.260. Prior: 1957 c 275 § 4. Formerly RCW 43.21.260.]

Notes:

 *Reviser's note: The "director of community, trade, and economic development" 

was changed to the "director of commerce" by 2009 c 565. 

 Effective date -- Severability -- 1985 c 466: See notes following RCW 43.31.125. 

43.21A.614

Steam electric generating plant — Powers of director in constructing, 

operating and maintaining.

In order to construct, operate and maintain the single steam power electric generating plant provided for in RCW 

43.21A.610 the director shall have authority:

 (1) To generate, produce, transmit, deliver, exchange, purchase or sell electric energy and to enter into contracts 

for any or all such purposes.

 (2) To construct, condemn, purchase, lease, acquire, add to, extend, maintain, improve, operate, develop and 

regulate such steam electric power plant, work and facilities for the generation and/or transmission of electric energy 

and to take, condemn, purchase, lease and acquire any real or personal, public or private property, franchise and 

property rights, including but not limited to state, county and school lands and properties, for any of the purposes 

herein set forth and for any facilities or works necessary or convenient for use in the construction, maintenance or 

operation of such work, plant and facilities; providing that the director shall not be authorized to acquire by 

condemnation any plant, work and facility owned and operated by any city or district, or by a privately owned public 

utility.

 (3) To apply to the appropriate agencies of the state of Washington, the United States or any state thereof, or to 

any other proper agency for such permits, licenses or approvals as may be necessary, and to construct, maintain and 

operate facilities in accordance with such licenses or permits, and to obtain, hold and use such licenses and permits 

in the same manner as any other person or operating unit.

 (4) To establish rates for electric energy sold or transmitted by the director. When any revenue bonds or warrants 
are outstanding the director shall have the power and shall be required to establish and maintain and collect rates or 

charges for electric energy furnished or supplied by the director which shall be fair and nondiscriminatory and 

adequate to provide revenues sufficient for the payment of the principal and interest on such bonds or warrants and 

all payments which the director is obligated to set aside in any special fund or funds created for such purposes, and 

for the proper operation and maintenance of the public utility owned by the director and all necessary repairs, 

replacements and renewals thereof.

 (5) To employ legal, engineering and other professional services and fix the compensation of a managing director 

and such other employees as the director may deem necessary to carry on its business, and to delegate to such 

manager or other employees such authority as the director shall determine. Such manager and employees shall be 

appointed for an indefinite time and be removable at the will of the director. 

[1988 c 127 § 12; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.270. Prior: 1957 c 275 § 5. Formerly RCW 43.21.270.]

43.21A.616

Steam electric generating plant — Eminent domain.

For the purpose of carrying out any or all of the powers herein granted the director shall have the power of eminent 

domain for the acquisition of either real or personal property used or useful in connection with the construction of 

facilities authorized hereunder. Actions in eminent domain pursuant to RCW 43.21A.610 through 43.21A.642 shall be 

brought in the name of the state in any court of competent jurisdiction under the procedure set out in chapter 8.04

RCW. The director may institute condemnation proceedings in the superior court of any county in which any of the 

property sought to be condemned is located or in which the owner thereof does business, and the court in any such 

action shall have jurisdiction to condemn property wherever located within the state. It shall not be necessary to 

allege or prove any offer to purchase or inability to agree with the owners thereof for the purchase of any such 

property in said proceedings. Upon the filing of a petition for condemnation, as provided in this section, the court may 

issue an order restraining the removal from the jurisdiction of the state of any personal property sought to be acquired 

by the proceedings during the pendency thereof. The court shall further have the power to issue such orders or 

process as shall be necessary to place the director into possession of any property condemned. 

[1988 c 127 § 13; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.280. Prior: 1957 c 275 § 6. Formerly RCW 43.21.280.]

43.21A.618

Steam electric generating plant — State not financially obligated —

Separation and expenditure of funds.

The director shall have no right or power to impose any debt nor to suffer or create any financial obligation upon the 

state of Washington or its subdivisions in the execution of RCW 43.21A.610 through 43.21A.642.

 No revenues received by the director for the sale of electricity or otherwise, shall be expended except for the 

payment of lawful obligations of the director and all such revenues and receipts shall be kept and maintained in a 

separate fund. 

[1988 c 127 § 14; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.290. Prior: 1957 c 275 § 7. Formerly RCW 43.21.290.]
43.21A.620

Steam electric generating plant — Revenue bonds and warrants.

For the purposes provided for in RCW 43.21A.610 through 43.21A.642, the state finance committee shall, upon being 

notified to do so by the director, issue revenue bonds or warrants payable from the revenues from the steam electric 

plant provided for in RCW 43.21A.610. When the director deems it advisable that he or she acquire or construct said 

steam electric plant or make additions or betterments thereto, he or she shall so notify the state finance committee 

and he or she shall also notify the state finance committee as to the plan proposed, together with the estimated cost 

thereof. The state finance committee, upon receiving such notice, shall provide for the construction thereof and the 

issuance of revenue bonds or warrants therefor by a resolution which shall specify and adopt the system or plan 

proposed, and declare the estimated cost thereof, as nearly as may be, including as part of the cost, funds necessary 

for working capital for the operation of such utility and the payment of the expenses incurred in the acquisition or 

construction thereof. Such resolution shall specify that utility revenue bonds are to be issued to defray the cost 

thereof and the amount of such bonds to be issued. Bonds issued under the provisions of RCW 43.21A.610 through 

43.21A.642 shall distinctly state that they are not a general obligation of the state. 

[2009 c 549 § 5089; 1988 c 127 § 15; 1965 c 8 §43.21.300 . Prior: 1957 c 275 § 8. Formerly RCW 43.21.300.]

43.21A.622

Steam electric generating plant — Special funds — Payment of bonds, 

interest.

When the state finance committee issues revenue bonds as provided in RCW 43.21A.620, it shall, as a part of the 

plan and system, request the state treasurer to establish a special fund or funds to defray the cost of the steam 

electric utility, or additions or betterments thereto or extensions thereof. The state finance committee may obligate 

and bind the director to set aside and pay to the state treasurer for deposit into such fund or funds a fixed proportion 

of the gross revenue of the steam electric utility and all additions or betterments thereto or extensions thereof, or any 

fixed amount out of, and not exceeding the fixed proportion of such revenue, or a fixed amount without regard to any 

fixed proportion, or an amount of the revenue equal to a fixed percentage of the aggregate principal amount of 

revenue bonds at any time issued against the special fund or funds. It may issue and sell utility bonds payable as to 

both principal and interest only out of such fund or funds.

 The revenue bonds shall be payable at such places and times, both as to principal and interest, and bear interest 

at such rates payable semiannually as the state finance committee shall determine. 

[1988 c 127 § 16; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.310. Prior: 1957 c 275 § 9. Formerly RCW 43.21.310.]

43.21A.624

Steam electric generating plant — Considerations in issuance of 

bonds, limitations.

In the issuance of any bonds hereunder the state finance committee shall have due regard to the cost of operation 

and maintenance of the steam electric utility as acquired, constructed or added to, and to any proportion or amount of 

the revenue previously pledged as a fund for the payment of revenue bonds. It shall not require to be set aside into 

the fund a greater amount or proportion of the revenue than in its judgment and as agreed to by the director will be 

available over and above the cost of maintenance and operation and any amount or proportion of the revenue so 

previously pledged. Revenue bonds and interest thereon issued against such fund shall be a valid claim of the holder 

thereof only as against the fund and the proportion or amount of the revenue pledged thereto, but shall constitute a 

prior charge over all other charges or claims whatsoever against the fund and the proportion or amount of the 
revenues pledged thereto. Each revenue bond shall state on its face that it is payable from a special fund, naming the 

fund and the resolution creating it. 

[1988 c 127 § 17; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.320. Prior: 1957 c 275 § 10. Formerly RCW 43.21.320.]

43.21A.626

Steam electric generating plant — Resolution authorizing issuance of 

bonds, contents, covenants.

The resolution of the state finance committee authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds shall specify the title of the 

bonds as determined by the state finance committee, and may contain covenants by the committee to protect and 

safeguard the security and the rights of the holders thereof, including covenants as to, among other things:

 (1) The purpose or purposes to which the proceeds of the sale of the revenue bonds may be applied and the use 

and disposition thereof;

 (2) The use and disposition of the gross revenue of the steam electric utility and any additions or betterments 

thereto or extensions thereof, the cost of which is to be defrayed with such proceeds, including the creation and 

maintenance of funds for working capital to be used in the operation of the steam electric utility and for renewals and 

replacements thereof;

 (3) The amount, if any, of additional revenue bonds payable from such fund which may be issued and the terms 

and conditions on which such additional revenue bonds or warrants may be issued;

 (4) The establishment and maintenance of adequate rates and charges for electric power and energy and other 

services, facilities, and commodities, sold, furnished or supplied by the steam electric utility;

 (5) The operation, maintenance, management, accounting and auditing of the electric utility;

 (6) The terms upon which the revenue bonds, or any of them, may be redeemed at the election of the agency;

 (7) Limitations upon the right to dispose of the steam electric utility or any part thereof without providing for the 

payment of the outstanding revenue bonds; and

 (8) The appointment of trustees, depositaries, and paying agents to receive, hold, disburse, invest, and reinvest all 

or any part of the income, revenue, receipts and profits derived by the director from the operation, ownership, and 

management of its steam electric utility. 

[1988 c 127 § 18; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.330. Prior: 1957 c 275 § 11. Formerly RCW 43.21.330.]

43.21A.628

Steam electric generating plant — Sale of bonds.

All bonds issued under or by authority of RCW 43.21A.610 through 43.21A.642 shall be sold to the highest and best 

bidder after such advertising for bids as the state finance committee may deem proper. The state finance committee 

may reject any and all bids so submitted and thereafter sell such bonds so advertised under such terms and 

conditions as the state finance committee may deem most advantageous to its own interests. 

[1988 c 127 § 19; 1970 ex.s. c 56 § 61; 1969 ex.s. c 232 § 32; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.340. Prior: 1957 c 275 § 12. Formerly RCW 43.21.340.]

Notes:
 Purpose -- 1970 ex.s. c 56: See note following RCW 39.52.020.

 Validation -- Saving -- Severability -- 1969 ex.s. c 232: See notes following RCW 

39.52.020. 

43.21A.630

Steam electric generating plant — Examination, registration of bonds 

by state auditor — Defects, irregularities.

Prior to the issuance and delivery of any revenue bonds, such bonds and a certified copy of the resolution authorizing 

them shall be delivered to the state auditor together with any additional information that he or she may require. When 

the bonds have been examined they shall be registered by the auditor in books to be kept by him or her for that 

purpose, and a certificate of registration shall be endorsed upon each bond and signed by the auditor or a deputy 

appointed by him or her for the purpose. The bonds shall then be prima facie valid and binding obligations of the state 

finance committee in accordance with their terms, notwithstanding any defects or irregularities in the authorization 

and issuance of the bonds, or in the sale, execution or delivery thereof. 

[2009 c 549 § 5090; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.350. Prior: 1957 c 275 § 13. Formerly RCW 43.21.350.]

43.21A.632

Steam electric generating plant — Rates or charges.

When revenue bonds are outstanding the director shall establish, maintain, and collect rates or charges for electric 

power and energy, and other services, facilities and commodities sold and supplied by the director which shall be fair 

and nondiscriminatory and adequate to provide revenue sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on revenue 

bonds outstanding, and all payments which the director is obligated to make to the state treasurer for deposit in any 

special fund or funds created for such purpose, and for the proper operation and maintenance of the utility and all 

necessary repairs, replacements and renewals thereof. 

[1988 c 127 § 20; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.360. Prior: 1957 c 275 § 14. Formerly RCW 43.21.360.]

43.21A.634

Steam electric generating plant — Refunding revenue bonds.

When the state finance committee has outstanding revenue bonds, the state finance committee, with the concurrence 

of the director, may by resolution provide for the issuance of refunding revenue bonds with which to refund the 

outstanding revenue bonds, or any part thereof at maturity, or before maturity if they are by their terms or by other 

agreement, subject to call for prior redemption, with the right in the state finance committee to combine various series 

and issues of the outstanding revenue bonds by a single issue of refunding revenue bonds. The refunding bonds 

shall be payable only out of a special fund created out of the gross revenue of the steam electric utility, and shall only 

be a valid claim as against such special fund and the amount or proportion of the revenue of the utility pledged to said 

fund. The rate of interest on refunding revenue bonds shall not exceed the rate of interest on revenue bonds refunded 

thereby. The state finance committee may exchange the refunding revenue bonds for the revenue bonds which are 
being refunded, or it may sell them in such manner as it deems for its best interest. Except as specifically provided in 

this section, the refunding revenue bonds shall be issued in accordance with the provisions contained in RCW 

43.21A.610 through 43.21A.642 with respect to revenue bonds. 

[1988 c 127 § 21; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.370. Prior: 1957 c 275 § 15. Formerly RCW 43.21.370.]

43.21A.636

Steam electric generating plant — Signatures on bonds.

All revenue bonds, including refunding revenue bonds, shall be signed by the governor and the state auditor under 

the seal of the state, one of which signatures shall be made manually and the other signature may be in printed 

facsimile, and any coupons may have printed or lithographic facsimile of the signatures of such officers. 

[1965 c 8 § 43.21.380. Prior: 1957 c 275 § 16. Formerly RCW 43.21.380.]

43.21A.638

Steam electric generating plant — Provisions of law, resolution, a 

contract with bondholder — Enforcement.

The provisions of RCW 43.21A.610 through 43.21A.642 and any resolution providing for the issuance of revenue 

bonds shall constitute a contract with the holder or holders from time to time of the revenue bonds of the state finance 

committee. Such provisions of RCW 43.21A.610 through 43.21A.642 and of any such resolution shall be enforceable 

by any such bondholders by appropriate action in any court of competent jurisdiction. 

[1988 c 127 § 22; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.390. Prior: 1957 c 275 § 17. Formerly RCW 43.21.390.]

43.21A.640

Steam electric generating plant — Bonds are legal security, 

investment, negotiable.

All revenue bonds issued hereunder shall be legal securities, which may be used by a bank or trust company for 

deposit with the state treasurer, or by a county or city or town treasurer, as security for deposits in lieu of a surety 

bond under any law relating to deposits of public moneys. They shall constitute legal investments for trustees and 

other fiduciaries other than corporations doing a trust business in this state, and for savings and loan associations, 

banks and insurance companies doing business in this state. All revenue bonds and all coupons appertaining thereto 

shall be negotiable instruments within the meaning and for all purposes of the negotiable instruments law. 

[1965 c 8 § 43.21.400. Prior: 1957 c 275 § 18. Formerly RCW 43.21.400.]
43.21A.642

Steam electric generating plant — Director not authorized to acquire 

other facilities or engage in retail distribution.

Nothing in RCW 43.21A.610 through 43.21A.642 shall authorize or empower the director to purchase or acquire any 

transmission or distribution system or facilities or to engage in the retail distribution of electric energy, or to purchase 

or acquire any operating hydroelectric generating plant owned by any city or district, or by a privately owned public 

utility, or which hereafter may be acquired by any city or district by condemnation. 

[1988 c 127 § 23; 1965 c 8 § 43.21.410. Prior: 1957 c 275 § 19. Formerly RCW 43.21.410.]

43.21A.650

Freshwater aquatic weeds account.

The freshwater aquatic weeds account is hereby created in the state treasury. Expenditures from this account may 

only be used as provided in RCW 43.21A.660. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. 

[1991 c 302 § 2.]

Notes:

 Findings -- 1991 c 302: "The legislature hereby finds that Eurasian water milfoil and 

other freshwater aquatic weeds can adversely affect fish populations, reduce habitat for 

desirable plant and wildlife species, and decrease public recreational opportunities. The 

legislature further finds that the spread of freshwater aquatic weeds is a statewide 

problem and requires a coordinated response among state agencies, local 

governments, and the public. It is therefore the intent of the legislature to establish a 

funding source to reduce the propagation of Eurasian water milfoil and other freshwater 

aquatic weeds and to manage the problems created by such freshwater aquatic plants." 

[1991 c 302 § 1.] 

 Effective date -- 1991 c 302: See note following RCW 46.16.670. 

43.21A.660

Freshwater aquatic weeds management program.

Funds in the freshwater aquatic weeds account may be appropriated to the department of ecology to develop a 

freshwater aquatic weeds management program. Funds shall be expended as follows:

 (1) No less than two-thirds of the appropriated funds shall be issued as grants to (a) cities, counties, tribes, special 

purpose districts, and state agencies to prevent, remove, reduce, or manage excessive freshwater aquatic weeds; (b) 

fund demonstration or pilot projects consistent with the purposes of this section; and (c) fund hydrilla eradication 

activities in waters of the state. Except for hydrilla eradication activities, such grants shall only be issued for lakes, 

rivers, or streams with a public boat launching ramp or which are designated by the department of fish and wildlife for 
fly-fishing. The department shall give preference to projects having matching funds or in-kind services; and

 (2) No more than one-third of the appropriated funds shall be expended to:

 (a) Develop public education programs relating to preventing the propagation and spread of freshwater aquatic 

weeds; and

 (b) Provide technical assistance to local governments and citizen groups. 

[1999 c 251 § 1; 1996 c 190 § 1; 1991 c 302 § 4.]

Notes:

 Findings -- 1991 c 302: See note following RCW 43.21A.650. 

 Effective date -- 1991 c 302: See note following RCW 46.16.670. 

43.21A.662

Freshwater aquatic weeds management program — Advisory 

committee.

(1) The department shall appoint an advisory committee to oversee the freshwater aquatic weeds management 

program.

 (2) The advisory committee shall include representatives from the following groups:

 (a) Recreational boaters interested in freshwater aquatic weed management;

 (b) Residents adjacent to lakes, rivers, or streams with public boat launch facilities;

 (c) Local governments;

 (d) Scientific specialists;

 (e) Pesticide registrants, as defined in *RCW 15.58.030(34);

 (f) Certified pesticide applicators, as defined in **RCW 17.21.020(5), who specialize in the use of aquatic 

pesticides; and

 (g) If ***chapter . . ., Laws of 1999 (Senate Bill No. 5315) is enacted by June 30, 1999, the aquatic nuisance 

species coordinating committee.

 (3) The advisory committee shall review and provide recommendations to the department on freshwater aquatic 

weeds management program activities and budget and establish criteria for grants funded from the freshwater 

aquatic weeds account. 

[1999 c 251 § 2.]

Notes:

 Reviser's note: *(1) RCW 15.58.030 was amended by 2000 c 96 § 1, changing 

subsection (34) to subsection (35). RCW 15.58.030 was subsequently amended by 
2003 c 212 § 1, changing subsection (35) to subsection (36).

 **(2) RCW 17.21.020 was amended by 2001 c 333 § 1, changing subsection (5) to 

subsection (6), effective July 1, 2002.

 ***(3) Senate Bill No. 5315 (1999) was not enacted into law by June 30, 1999. 

43.21A.667

Freshwater aquatic algae control account — Freshwater aquatic algae 

control program — Reports to the legislature.

(1) The freshwater aquatic algae control account is created in the state treasury. Moneys directed to the account from 

RCW 88.02.050 must be deposited in the account. Expenditures from the account may only be used as provided in 

this section. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation.

 (2) Funds in the freshwater aquatic algae control account may be appropriated to the department to develop a 

freshwater aquatic algae control program. Funds must be expended as follows:

 (a) As grants to cities, counties, tribes, special purpose districts, and state agencies to manage excessive 

freshwater algae, with priority for the treatment of lakes in which harmful algal blooms have occurred within the past 

three years; and during the 2009-2011 fiscal biennium to provide grants for sea lettuce research and removal to 

assist Puget Sound communities that are impacted by hyperblooms of sea lettuce; and

 (b) To provide technical assistance to applicants and the public about aquatic algae control.

 (3) The department shall submit a biennial report to the appropriate legislative committees describing the actions 

taken to implement this section along with suggestions on how to better fulfill the intent of chapter 464, Laws of 2005. 

The first report is due December 1, 2007. 

[2009 c 564 § 933; 2005 c 464 § 4.]

Notes:

 Effective date -- 2009 c 564: See note following RCW 2.68.020. 

 Findings -- Intent -- 2005 c 464: See note following RCW 88.02.050. 

43.21A.680

Solid waste plan advisory committee abolished.

The director of ecology shall abolish the solid waste plan advisory committee effective July 1, 1994. 

[1994 sp.s. c 9 § 804.]
Notes:

 Severability -- Headings and captions not law -- Effective date -- 1994 sp.s. c 9:

See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902. 

43.21A.681

Geoduck aquaculture operations — Guidelines — Rules.

(1) The department of ecology shall develop, by rule, guidelines for the appropriate siting and operation of geoduck 

aquaculture operations to be included in any master program under this section. The guidelines adopted under this 

section must be prepared with the advice of the shellfish aquaculture regulatory committee created in section 4, 

chapter 216, Laws of 2007, which shall serve as the advisory committee for the development of the guidelines.

 (2) The guidelines required under this section must be filed for public review and comment no later than six 

months after the delivery of the final report by the shellfish aquaculture regulatory committee created in section 4, 

chapter 216, Laws of 2007.

 (3) The department of ecology shall update the guidelines required under this section, as necessary, after the 

completion of the geoduck research by the sea grant program at the University of Washington required under RCW 

28B.20.475. 

[2007 c 216 § 5.]

43.21A.690

Cost-reimbursement agreements.

(1) The department may enter into a written cost-reimbursement agreement with a permit applicant or project 

proponent to recover from the applicant or proponent the reasonable costs incurred by the department in carrying out 

the requirements of this chapter, as well as the requirements of other relevant laws, as they relate to permit 

coordination, environmental review, application review, technical studies, and permit processing.

 (2) The cost-reimbursement agreement shall identify the tasks and costs for work to be conducted under the 

agreement. The agreement must include a schedule that states:

 (a) The estimated number of weeks for initial review of the permit application;

 (b) The estimated number of revision cycles;

 (c) The estimated number of weeks for review of subsequent revision submittals;

 (d) The estimated number of billable hours of employee time;

 (e) The rate per hour; and

 (f) A date for revision of the agreement if necessary.

 (3) The written cost-reimbursement agreement shall be negotiated with the permit applicant or project proponent. 

Under the provisions of a cost-reimbursement agreement, funds from the applicant shall be used by the department 

to contract with an independent consultant to carry out the work covered by the cost-reimbursement agreement. The 

department may also use funds provided under a cost-reimbursement agreement to hire temporary employees, to 
assign current staff to review the work of the consultant, to provide necessary technical assistance when an 

independent consultant with comparable technical skills is unavailable, and to recover reasonable and necessary 

direct and indirect costs that arise from processing the permit. The department shall, in developing the agreement, 

ensure that final decisions that involve policy matters are made by the agency and not by the consultant. The 

department shall make an estimate of the number of permanent staff hours to process the permits, and shall contract 

with consultants or hire temporary employees to replace the time and functions committed by these permanent staff 

to the project. The billing process shall provide for accurate time and cost accounting and may include a billing cycle 

that provides for progress payments. 

 (4) The cost-reimbursement agreement must not negatively impact the processing of other permit applications. In 

order to maintain permit processing capacity, the agency may hire outside consultants, temporary employees, or 

make internal administrative changes. Consultants or temporary employees hired as part of a cost-reimbursement 

agreement or to maintain agency capacity are hired as agents of the state not of the permit applicant. The restrictions 

of chapter 42.52 RCW apply to any cost-reimbursement agreement, and to any person hired as a result of a costreimbursement agreement. 

[2009 c 97 § 8; 2007 c 94 § 10; 2003 c 70 § 1; 2000 c 251 § 2.]

Notes:

 Intent -- 2000 c 251: "It is the intent of the legislature to allow applicants for 

environmental permits for complex projects to compensate permitting agencies for 

providing environmental review through the voluntary negotiation of cost-reimbursement 

agreements with the permitting agency. It is the further intent of the legislature that costreimbursement agreements for complex projects free permitting agency resources to 

focus on the review of small projects permits." [2000 c 251 § 1.] 

 Captions not law -- 2000 c 251: "Captions used in this act are not any part of the 

law." [2000 c 251 § 8.] 

 Effective date -- 2000 c 251: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation 

of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing 

public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 31, 2000]." [2000 c 251 § 9.] 

43.21A.900

Chapter to be liberally construed.

The rule of strict construction shall have no application to this chapter and it shall be liberally construed in order to 

carry out the broad purposes set forth in RCW 43.21A.020. 

[1970 ex.s. c 62 § 27.]

43.21A.910

Savings — Permits, standards not affected — Severability — Effective 

date — 1970 ex.s. c 62.