WAC 173-182 & WAC 173-186

Oil Spill Contingency Plan Rulemaking

Tracking Ecology's rulemaking process for WSMC members

The Washington Department of Ecology is amending the rules governing oil spill contingency plans for vessels, facilities, pipelines, and railroads. Four of the six topic areas draw on recommendations from the 2025 Best Achievable Protection (BAP) workgroups. This page helps you follow the process, understand what's being proposed, and know when to weigh in.

Where Things Stand

The CR-101 was filed January 21, 2026 (WSR 26-03-094). Ecology is currently in the Rule Development phase — drafting proposed language with stakeholder input. Proposed rule text is expected early spring 2027.

CR-101
Jan 2026
2
Rule Development
2026 – 2027
Current
3
CR-102
Spring 2027
4
Public Comment
Spring 2027
5
CR-103
Fall 2027
6
Effective
Late 2027
This page is maintained by the Washington State Maritime Cooperative as a resource for its members. It is not the official rulemaking page. For official information, visit Ecology's rulemaking page or contact spillsrulemaking@ecy.wa.gov.