Ecology has initiated state rulemaking to establish a new permitting program for projects that could alter or impact state waters. We are responsible for protecting Washington waters, including wetlands and streams, under the 1945 state Water Pollution Control Act, the 1972 state Shoreline Management Act, and 1990 state Growth Management Act. We are using our long-standing authority under the state Water Pollution Control Act to add a new chapter, 173-217, to the Washington Administrative Code to establish a formal “State Waters Alteration Permit” program within Ecology. To protect state waters and process authorizations more effectively, permits issued through the new program will also outline the measures proponents must take to avoid, minimize and offset the adverse environmental impacts their projects pose to water quality and aquatic habitats. Currently, we issue administrative orders under the Water Pollution Contract Act to authorize projects seeking to alter or impact state waters. While administrative orders protect the environment, the process lacks public notice opportunities and timeline obligations for issuing decisions. A new state permitting program would replace the current administrative order process and provide positive customer service benefits by: - Providing better clarity and predictability about our actions and requirements. - Creating general permits to streamline approvals for projects with minor impacts. - Establishing opportunities for public review. - Setting mitigation requirements for projects.