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Chapter 173-175 WAC

Last Update: 2/27/12

DAM SAFETY

WAC Sections

PART ONE
GENERAL
HTMLPDF173-175-010Purpose and authority.
HTMLPDF173-175-020Applicability.
HTMLPDF173-175-030Definitions.
HTMLPDF173-175-040Activities that require department review, approval, acceptance, authorization, or notification.
HTMLPDF173-175-050Provision of guidelines.
HTMLPDF173-175-060Change of ownership.
PART TWO
CONSTRUCTION PERMIT PROCESS
HTMLPDF173-175-100Construction permit.
HTMLPDF173-175-110Sequence of permitting actions.
HTMLPDF173-175-120Application for construction permit.
HTMLPDF173-175-130Engineering design reports.
HTMLPDF173-175-140Plans and specifications.
HTMLPDF173-175-150Construction permit fee.
HTMLPDF173-175-160Review standards.
HTMLPDF173-175-170Construction inspection plan.
HTMLPDF173-175-180Issuance of construction permit.
HTMLPDF173-175-190Construction change orders.
HTMLPDF173-175-200Department role in construction inspection.
HTMLPDF173-175-210Operation and maintenance plan.
HTMLPDF173-175-220Emergency action plan.
HTMLPDF173-175-230Declaration of construction completion.
HTMLPDF173-175-240Authorization to commence or resume project operation.
HTMLPDF173-175-250Construction records summary.
HTMLPDF173-175-260Exceptions to construction permit process.
HTMLPDF173-175-270Department review response time.
PART THREE
CONSTRUCTION PERMIT FEES
HTMLPDF173-175-350Authority for construction permit fees.
HTMLPDF173-175-360Construction permit fees for new project construction.
HTMLPDF173-175-370Construction permit fees for modifications of existing dams.
HTMLPDF173-175-380Maintenance.
HTMLPDF173-175-390Payment of construction permit fees.
HTMLPDF173-175-400Cost of expert opinion.
PART FOUR
PROJECT OPERATION
HTMLPDF173-175-500Operation and maintenance.
HTMLPDF173-175-510Inspection by owner.
HTMLPDF173-175-520Emergency action plans.
HTMLPDF173-175-530Reporting of incidents.
PART FIVE
COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT
HTMLPDF173-175-600Right of entry.
HTMLPDF173-175-610Emergencies.
HTMLPDF173-175-620Enforcement.
HTMLPDF173-175-630Appeals.
PART SIX
PERIODIC INSPECTION PROGRAM
HTMLPDF173-175-705Periodic inspection by the department.
HTMLPDF173-175-725Nonroutine inspections by department.
HTMLPDF173-175-735Inspection at public request.
PART SEVEN
PERIODIC INSPECTION FEES
HTMLPDF173-175-755Periodic inspection fees.
HTMLPDF173-175-765Periodic inspection fee schedule.
HTMLPDF173-175-775Periodic inspection fee computation.
HTMLPDF173-175-785Periodic inspection fee payments.
HTMLPDF173-175-795Periodic inspection fees for transfer of ownership or control.
DISPOSITION OF SECTIONS FORMERLY CODIFIED IN THIS TITLE
173-175-070Effective date. [Statutory Authority: 1995 c 8. WSR 95-22-030 (Order 94-15), § 173-175-070, filed 10/24/95, effective 11/24/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A].080 and 86.16.061. WSR 93-01-090 (Order 92-35), § 173-175-070, filed 12/16/92, effective 1/16/93; WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-070, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.] Repealed by WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470.
173-175-700Applicability to projects licensed or exempted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A].080 and 86.16.061. WSR 93-01-090 (Order 92-35), § 173-175-700, filed 12/16/92, effective 1/16/93.] Repealed by WSR 95-22-030, filed 10/24/95, effective 11/24/95. Statutory Authority: 1995 c 8.
173-175-710Coordination between the department and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A].080 and 86.16.061. WSR 93-01-090 (Order 92-35), § 173-175-710, filed 12/16/92, effective 1/16/93.] Repealed by WSR 95-22-030, filed 10/24/95, effective 11/24/95. Statutory Authority: 1995 c 8.
173-175-720Construction or modification of FERC licensed projects and FERC exempted projects. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A].080 and 86.16.061. WSR 93-01-090 (Order 92-35), § 173-175-720, filed 12/16/92, effective 1/16/93.] Repealed by WSR 95-22-030, filed 10/24/95, effective 11/24/95. Statutory Authority: 1995 c 8.
173-175-730Construction permit fee for FERC licensed projects and FERC exempted projects. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A].080 and 86.16.061. WSR 93-01-090 (Order 92-35), § 173-175-730, filed 12/16/92, effective 1/16/93.] Repealed by WSR 95-22-030, filed 10/24/95, effective 11/24/95. Statutory Authority: 1995 c 8.
173-175-740Construction inspection of FERC licensed projects and FERC exempted projects. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A].080 and 86.16.061. WSR 93-01-090 (Order 92-35), § 173-175-740, filed 12/16/92, effective 1/16/93.] Repealed by WSR 95-22-030, filed 10/24/95, effective 11/24/95. Statutory Authority: 1995 c 8.
173-175-750Construction records reporting for FERC licensed projects and FERC exempted projects. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A].080 and 86.16.061. WSR 93-01-090 (Order 92-35), § 173-175-750, filed 12/16/92, effective 1/16/93.] Repealed by WSR 95-22-030, filed 10/24/95, effective 11/24/95. Statutory Authority: 1995 c 8.
173-175-760Exceptions to construction permit for FERC licensed projects and FERC exempted projects. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A].080 and 86.16.061. WSR 93-01-090 (Order 92-35), § 173-175-760, filed 12/16/92, effective 1/16/93.] Repealed by WSR 95-22-030, filed 10/24/95, effective 11/24/95. Statutory Authority: 1995 c 8.
173-175-770Operation of FERC licensed projects and FERC exempted projects. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A].080 and 86.16.061. WSR 93-01-090 (Order 92-35), § 173-175-770, filed 12/16/92, effective 1/16/93.] Repealed by WSR 95-22-030, filed 10/24/95, effective 11/24/95. Statutory Authority: 1995 c 8.
173-175-780Periodic inspection of FERC licensed projects and FERC exempted projects. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A].080 and 86.16.061. WSR 93-01-090 (Order 92-35), § 173-175-780, filed 12/16/92, effective 1/16/93.] Repealed by WSR 95-22-030, filed 10/24/95, effective 11/24/95. Statutory Authority: 1995 c 8.
173-175-790Emergency action plans for FERC licensed projects and FERC exempted projects. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A].080 and 86.16.061. WSR 93-01-090 (Order 92-35), § 173-175-790, filed 12/16/92, effective 1/16/93.] Repealed by WSR 95-22-030, filed 10/24/95, effective 11/24/95. Statutory Authority: 1995 c 8.
173-175-800Right of entry at FERC licensed projects and FERC exempted projects. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A].080 and 86.16.061. WSR 93-01-090 (Order 92-35), § 173-175-800, filed 12/16/92, effective 1/16/93.] Repealed by WSR 95-22-030, filed 10/24/95, effective 11/24/95. Statutory Authority: 1995 c 8.
173-175-810Enforcement at FERC licensed projects and FERC exempted projects. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A].080 and 86.16.061. WSR 93-01-090 (Order 92-35), § 173-175-810, filed 12/16/92, effective 1/16/93.] Repealed by WSR 95-22-030, filed 10/24/95, effective 11/24/95. Statutory Authority: 1995 c 8.
173-175-820Appeals for FERC licensed projects and FERC exempted projects. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A].080 and 86.16.061. WSR 93-01-090 (Order 92-35), § 173-175-820, filed 12/16/92, effective 1/16/93.] Repealed by WSR 95-22-030, filed 10/24/95, effective 11/24/95. Statutory Authority: 1995 c 8.


PART ONE
GENERAL

PDF173-175-010

Purpose and authority.

These regulations provide for the comprehensive regulation and supervision of dams in order to reasonably secure safety to life and property pursuant to chapters 43.21A, 43.27A, 86.16, 90.03, 90.28, and 90.54 RCW. The purposes of these regulations are to:
(1) Designate the types of dams to which these regulations are applicable;
(2) Provide for the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and supervision of dams in a manner consistent with accepted engineering practice;
(3) Establish and administer a program for permitting of construction work for new dams and for modifications of existing dams;
(4) Establish a fee schedule based on dam size that will reflect the actual cost to the department of engineering review of plans and specifications and for construction inspections;
(5) Establish the requirements and owner responsibilities for developing and executing plans for operation and maintenance, owner inspection and emergency actions; and
(6) Establish a program for the periodic inspection by the department of existing dams, and a fee schedule for these inspections based on downstream hazard classification and frequency of inspections. This fee schedule will reflect the actual cost to the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-010, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-010, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-020

Applicability.

(1) These regulations are applicable to dams which can impound a volume of ten acre-feet or more of water as measured at the dam crest elevation. The ten acre-feet threshold applies to dams which can impound water on either an intermittent or permanent basis. Only water that can be stored above natural ground level or which could be released by a failure of the dam is considered in assessing the storage volume.
The ten acre-feet threshold applies to any dam which can impound water of any quality, or which contains any substance in combination with sufficient water to exist in a liquid or slurry state at the time of initial containment.
(2) For a dam whose dam height is six feet or less and which meets the conditions of subsection (1) of this section, the department may elect to exempt the dam from these regulations.
The decision by the department to exempt a dam will be made on a case-by-case basis for those dams whose failure is not judged to pose a risk to life and minimal property damage would be expected (downstream hazard class 3).
(3) These regulations do not apply to dams that are, or will be, owned, by an agency of the federal government which has oversight on operation and maintenance and has its own dam safety program for periodic inspection and repair of safety deficiencies of completed projects. The department will continue to be the state repository for pertinent plans, reports, and other documents related to the safety of federally owned dams.
(4) These regulations do not apply to transportation facilities such as roads, highways, or rail lines which cross watercourses and exist solely for transportation purposes and which are regulated by other governmental agencies.
Those transportation facilities which cross watercourses and which have been, or will be, modified with the intention of impounding water on an intermittent or permanent basis and which meet the conditions of subsection (1) of this section shall be subject to these regulations.
(5) These regulations do not apply to dikes or levees constructed adjacent to or along a watercourse for protection from natural flooding or for purposes of flood plain management.
(6) These regulations do not apply to concrete or steel water storage tanks.
(7) These regulations do not apply to FERC licensed projects and to FERC exempted projects. The department will continue to maintain a repository for pertinent plans, reports, and other documents related to the safety of FERC licensed and FERC exempted projects.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-020, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04. Statutory Authority: 1995 c 8. WSR 95-22-030 (Order 94-15), § 173-175-020, filed 10/24/95, effective 11/24/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A].080 and 86.16.061. WSR 93-01-090 (Order 92-35), § 173-175-020, filed 12/16/92, effective 1/16/93; WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-020, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-030

Definitions.

As used in this chapter:
"Acceptance" means acceptance by the department that the proposed plan(s) will satisfactorily address issues associated with proper operation, maintenance, inspection, or emergency action.
"Annual exceedance probability" means the chance that a specified magnitude of some phenomenon of interest, such as a flood or earthquake, is equaled or exceeded during a given year.
"Approval" means approval by the department that the proposed design, and plans and specifications conform to accepted engineering practice and department guidelines.
"Appurtenant works" means such structures as outlet works and associated gates and valves; water conveyance structures such as spillways, channels, fish ladders, tunnels, pipelines, or penstocks; powerhouse sections; and navigation locks, either in the dam or adjacent thereto.
"Authorization" means written acknowledgement from the department to proceed with proposed actions.
"Construction change order" means a revision to the department approved plans and specifications that is initiated during construction.
"Construction permit" means the permit which authorizes construction and that the project's plans and specifications and construction inspection plan have been reviewed and approved by the department.
"Construction permit process" means the sequence of activities specified in WAC 173-175-110 inclusive, beginning with the application for construction permit and ending with the submission of a report summarizing construction records.
"Crest length" means the total horizontal distance measured along the axis of the dam, at the elevation of the top of the dam, between abutments or ends of the dam. Where applicable, this includes the spillway, powerhouse sections, and navigation locks, where they form a continuous part of the impounding structure.
"Critical project element" means an element of a project whose failure could result in the uncontrolled release of the reservoir.
"Dam" means any artificial barrier and/or any controlling works, together with appurtenant works that can or does impound or divert water.
"Dam abutment" means that contact location at either end and beneath the flanks of a dam where the artificial barrier joins or faces against the natural earth or rock foundation material upon which the dam is constructed.
"Dam height" means the vertical distance from the natural bed of the stream or watercourse at the downstream toe of the impounding barrier to the maximum storage elevation. If the dam is not across a stream or watercourse, the height is measured from the lowest elevation of the outside limit of the impounding barrier to the maximum storage elevation.
"Department" means the department of ecology.
"Design step level" means an integer value between one and eight used to designate increasingly stringent design loadings and conditions for design of critical project elements. Design steps have a range in annual exceedance probability from one in five hundred at Step 1 to one in one million at Step 8.
"Downstream hazard classification" means a rating to describe the potential for loss of human life and/or property damage if the dam were to fail and release the reservoir onto downstream areas. Downstream hazard classifications of 3, 2 and 1C, 1B, 1A correspond to low, significant, and high downstream hazard classes respectively.
"Emergency condition" means a situation where life and property are at imminent risk and actions are needed within minutes or hours to initiate corrective actions and/or warn the public.
"Enlargement" means any modification of a project that will result in an increase in normal pool height and/or dam height.
"Exigency condition" means a situation where the dam is significantly underdesigned according to generally accepted engineering standards or is in a deteriorated condition and life and property are clearly at risk. Although present conditions do not pose an imminent threat, if adverse conditions were to occur, the situation could quickly become an emergency.
"FERC exempted project" means a project that is classified as exempt by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under provisions of the Federal Power Act.
"FERC licensed project" means a project whose operation is licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under provisions of the Federal Power Act.
"Freeboard" means the vertical distance between the dam crest elevation and some reservoir level of interest.
"Hydrograph" means a graphical representation of discharge, stage, or other hydraulic property with respect to time for a particular location on a watercourse.
"Impounding barrier" means the structural element of the dam that has the primary purpose of impounding or diverting water. It may be constructed of natural and/or man-made materials.
"Incident" means the occurrence of any dam-related event where problems or conditions arise which may have posed a threat to the safety or integrity of the project or which may have posed a threat of loss of life or which resulted in loss of life.
"Inflow design flood (IDF)" means the reservoir inflow flood hydrograph used for sizing the spillways and for determining freeboard. It represents the largest flood that a given project is designed to safely accommodate.
"Maintenance" means those tasks generally accepted as routine in keeping the project and appurtenant works in a serviceable condition.
"Maximum storage elevation" means the maximum attainable water surface elevation of the reservoir pool that could occur during extreme operating conditions. This elevation normally corresponds to the crest elevation of the dam.
"Miscellaneous construction elements" means a variety of construction elements or activities such as, but not limited to: Reservoir linings; parapet walls or low berms for wave containment; minor reconstruction of isolated portions of the impounding barrier; internal drainage improvements; and erosion protection.
"Modification" means any structural alteration of a dam, its reservoir, spillway(s), outlet(s), or other appurtenant works that could significantly influence or affect the project safety.
"Normal pool height" means the vertical distance between the lowest point of the upstream toe of the impounding barrier and the normal storage elevation.
"Normal storage elevation" means the maximum elevation to which the reservoir may rise under normal operating conditions. Where the principal spillway is ungated, the normal storage elevation is usually established by the elevation of the spillway crest.
"100-year flood plain" means the area inundated during the passage of a flood with a peak discharge having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year at a specified location on a watercourse.
"Outlet" means a conduit and/or channel structure for the controlled release of the contents normally impounded by a dam and reservoir.
"Owner" means the person holding lawful title to the dam or any person who owns or proposes to construct a dam.
"Periodic inspection" means a detailed inspection of the dam and appurtenant works conducted on regular intervals and includes, as necessary, associated engineering analyses to confirm the continued safe operation of the project.
"Person" means any individual, firm, association, county, public or municipal or private corporation, agency, or other entity whatsoever.
"Plans and specifications" means the detailed engineering drawings and specifications used to describe the layout, materials, construction methods, etc., for assembling a project or project element. These do not include shop drawings or other drawings prepared by the construction contractor for temporary construction support systems.
"Population at risk" means the number of people who may be present in areas downstream of a dam and could be in danger in the event of a dam failure.
"Project" means a dam and its reservoir either proposed or existing.
"Project engineer" means a professional engineer licensed in Washington, having direct supervision, as defined in WAC 196-24-095, in managing the engineering aspects of the project as representative of the owner.
"Reservoir" means any basin that contains or will contain the water impounded by a dam.
"Reservoir routing" means the procedures used to determine the attenuating effect of reservoir storage on a flood as it passes through a reservoir.
"Rule curve" means the rules and procedures used to regulate reservoir levels and project operation for various reservoir inflows and for both normal and unusual seasonal conditions.
"Significant enlargement" means any modification of an existing dam that results in the dam height or normal pool height being increased by an amount greater than 5.0 feet, and which also represents a ten percent or greater increase in dam height or normal pool height over that which existed prior to the modification.
"Spillway" means a channel structure and/or conduit for the safe release of water or floodwater.
"Stop work order" means an administrative order issued to temporarily halt construction work until a problem can be resolved.
"Substantially complete" means that a plan, action, or project element requires only minor additions to be complete, and in its present state will perform the necessary functions for its intended use.
"Surficial inspection" means a visual inspection conducted to identify obvious defects or changed conditions.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-030, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04. Statutory Authority: 1995 c 8. WSR 95-22-030 (Order 94-15), § 173-175-030, filed 10/24/95, effective 11/24/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A].080 and 86.16.061. WSR 93-01-090 (Order 92-35), § 173-175-030, filed 12/16/92, effective 1/16/93; WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-030, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-040

Activities that require department review, approval, acceptance, authorization, or notification.

(1) Activities related to the safety of dams that require review and approval by the department as detailed in this chapter include:
(a) Construction of a new dam;
(b) Modification of an existing dam;
(c) Removal or abandonment of an existing dam;
(d) Construction change orders for project elements that could have an effect on public safety.
(2) Activities related to the safety of dams that require review and acceptance by the department as detailed in this chapter include:
(a) Adoption of an operation and maintenance (O&M) plan;
(b) Adoption of an emergency action plan (EAP);
(c) Changes to existing operation and maintenance procedures or to an emergency action plan that could have an effect on public safety.
(3) Activities related to the safety of dams that require authorization from the department before proposed actions can proceed include:
(a) Startup of construction: For a new dam; modifications to an existing dam; or removal or abandonment of an existing dam.
(b) Initial controlled filling of a reservoir following new dam construction and implementation of procedures for normal reservoir operation.
(c) Resumption of normal reservoir operation following dam modifications or emergency action.
(4) Activities related to the safety of dams that require a notification to the department as detailed in this chapter include:
(a) Change of dam ownership;
(b) Advance notice of the startup of dam construction;
(c) Declaration by the project engineer of project completion in accordance with the department approved plans and specifications and construction change orders;
(d) Advance notice of periodic inspection; and
(e) The occurrence of an incident at the dam.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-040, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-050

Provision of guidelines.

The department will develop and maintain Dam Safety Guidelines to aid dam owners and project engineers in complying with the department requirements in developing, producing, or conducting:
(1) Engineering design reports;
(2) Plans and specifications;
(3) Construction inspection plans;
(4) Operation and maintenance plans;
(5) Periodic inspections; and
(6) Emergency action plans.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-050, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-060

Change of ownership.

When a change of ownership of a dam occurs, the new owner shall notify the department within ninety days following the transaction and provide:
(1) The mailing address and telephone number where the owner can be contacted.
(2) The name(s) and telephone number(s) of the individual(s) who will be responsible for operation and maintenance of the dam.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-060, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PART TWO
CONSTRUCTION PERMIT PROCESS

PDF173-175-100

Construction permit.

(1) Any person intending to construct or modify any dam shall, before beginning said construction or modification, submit plans and specifications and a construction inspection plan for review and approval by the department.
(2) The approval of these documents will be indicated by the department's plan approval stamp on the cover sheet of the plans signed by the department's professional engineer who had primary responsibility for the engineering review.
(3) The return of the construction plans to the owner will be accompanied by a construction permit which authorizes construction and which must be prominently displayed at the construction site.
(4) A copy of the department approved plans and specifications shall be maintained at the construction site.
(5) Construction work shall not proceed until the plans, specifications, and construction inspection plan have been approved by the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-100, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-110

Sequence of permitting actions.

The sequence of tasks to be completed by the owner or the project engineer, and the actions taken by the department in permitting dam construction are outlined below. A more complete description of the required tasks, reports, and plans are described in later sections, and additional guidance in meeting department requirements is contained in the department documents titled Dam Safety Guidelines. The following outline is listed to give an overview of the normal sequence of actions for construction of a new dam. Subsections (9), (10), and (11) of this section will not be required for modification of an existing dam where the department has previously accepted the project's operation and maintenance plan and emergency action plan.
(1) Submission of application for construction permit, including initial nonrefundable fee payment.
(2) Submission of engineering design report(s).
(3) Submission of plans and specifications.
(4) Payment of construction permit fee.
(5) Submission of construction inspection plan.
(6) Resolution of any outstanding engineering issues.
(7) Department approves plans and specifications and issues construction permit.
(8) Construction or modification of dam.
(9) Submission of operation and maintenance (O&M) plan.
(10) Submission of emergency action plan (EAP).
(11) Department accepts O&M plan and EAP.
(12) Declaration by project engineer that project was constructed or modified in accordance with approved plans and specifications and construction change orders.
(13) Department concurs with project engineer that project was constructed or modified in accordance with approved plans and specifications and construction change orders.
(14) Department authorizes filling of reservoir at new dam or resumption of normal operations at existing dam.
(15) Submission of a report summarizing the construction records.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-110, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-120

Application for construction permit.

(1) The department shall supply an application form to be used to initiate the process for obtaining the construction permit.
(2) The application form shall be submitted to the department at the time that the first substantive engineering information becomes available about the proposed project.
(3) An initial, nonrefundable payment which may represent all or a portion of the construction permit fee, shall be included along with the application form. The amount of the initial construction permit fee payment is defined in WAC 173-175-390.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-120, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-130

Engineering design reports.

(1) Engineering design reports summarizing the various engineering investigations and pertinent project information are an important element of the project design documents. All pertinent engineering design reports that have been prepared during project formulation shall be submitted for review. The engineering design report(s) must bear the seal and signature of the project engineer.
(2) The engineering design reports shall be sufficiently complete so as to support the development of plans and specifications without substantial change or additional information.
(3) The engineering design report(s) shall be comprehensive in description of the various engineering investigations.
(a) For new project construction, the engineering design report(s) shall include, as a minimum, the items listed in subsection (4) of this section:
(b) For modifications of existing dams, the engineering design report(s) shall include, as a minimum, those items listed in subsection (4) of this section which represent changed conditions from original construction or which address items that have not been previously addressed in prior reports that were submitted to the department.
(4) Contents of engineering design report(s):
(a) A description of the basic purposes of the project, normal operational characteristics and any unique or important design considerations associated with the site or project configuration.
(b) A description of the site geology, seismicity and geotechnical considerations including: A presentation of the findings from subsurface explorations based on test pits and/or boring logs; field tests; laboratory testing and classification of samples; and an identification of the seismotectonic provinces that could generate earthquakes large enough to significantly affect the project site.
(c) A description of the climatic and hydrologic characteristics of the site and tributary watershed including the computation of the inflow design flood and, where applicable, a listing of the input and output data for the computer model used to determine the inflow design flood.
(d) A listing of all sources of inflow to the reservoir.
(e) The size classification of the proposed project as defined by Table 1.
TABLE 1. DAM SIZE CLASSIFICATION
size classification
dam height
Small Dam
Less than 15 feet
Intermediate Dam
15 feet or greater but less than 50 feet
Large Dam
50 feet or greater
(f) The reservoir operation classification of the proposed project as defined by Table 2.
TABLE 2. RESERVOIR OPERATION CLASSIFICATION
reservoir operation classification
determining factor
Permanent Pool or
Seasonal Pool Operation
Steady state seepage or saturated flow conditions occur in impounding barrier and foundation at or near normal pool conditions.
Intermittent Operation
Duration of normal high pool condition is insufficient for steady state seepage or saturated flow conditions to develop in impounding barrier and foundation.
(g) An assessment of the consequences of dam failure on downstream areas, including:
(i) An estimation of the magnitude of the dam break flood hydrographs resulting from hypothetical dam failures occurring with the reservoir at normal storage elevation and maximum storage elevation;
(ii) A general description of the areas downstream of the dam that could be affected by floodwater from a dam failure;
(iii) If there is the potential for loss of life, an inundation map delineating the maximum areal extent of flooding that could be produced by a dam failure. Inundation mapping should extend to a point downstream where the inundation from the dam failure is within the 100-year flood plain for the affected watercourse;
(iv) The downstream hazard classification as defined by Table 3, which reflects the current conditions of development in downstream areas. The most serious potential consequences of failure of those listed in columns 3A, 3B, and 3C shall be used to establish the appropriate downstream hazard classification.
TABLE 3. DOWNSTREAM HAZARD CLASSIFICATION
DOWNSTREAM
HAZARD
POTENTIAL
DOWNSTREAM
HAZARD
CLASSIFICATION
COLUMN 3A
POPULATION
AT RISK
COLUMN 3B
ECONOMIC LOSS
GENERIC DESCRIPTIONS
COLUMN 3C
ENVIRONMENTAL
DAMAGES
Low
3
0
Minimal.
No inhabited structures.
Limited agricultural development.
No deleterious materials in reservoir contents
Significant
2
1 to 6
Appreciable.
1 or 2 inhabited structures.
Notable agriculture or work sites.
Secondary highway and/or rail lines.
Limited water quality degradation from reservoir contents and only short term consequences.
High
1C
7 to 30
Major.
3 to 10 inhabited structures.
Low density suburban area with some industry and work sites.
Primary highways and rail lines.
 
High
1B
31-300
Extreme.
11 to 100 inhabited structures.
Medium density suburban or urban area with associated industry, property and transportation features.
Severe water quality degradation potential from reservoir contents and long term effects on aquatic and human life.
High
1A
More than 300
Extreme.
More than 100 inhabited structures.
Highly developed, densely populated suburban or urban area with associated industry, property, transportation and community life line features.
 
(h) Engineering calculations and data supporting the detailed design of project elements. This would include, as a minimum:
(i) The design step levels used in design of the various critical project elements, based on guidance contained in the department's Dam Safety Guidelines;
(ii) Stability analyses corroborating the design of the proposed embankment/barrier section under static and seismic loadings and rapid drawdown conditions;
(iii) Calculations for the design of any hydraulic structures, which are subject to high lateral earth pressures, relatively large seismic loads and/or uplift pressures;
(iv) Computations for sizing the principal and emergency spillway, including, where applicable, reservoir routing computations defining the reservoir inflow and outflow design flood hydrographs.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-130, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-140

Plans and specifications.

(1) Two copies of the plans and specifications, bearing the seal and signature of the project engineer, shall be submitted to the department for engineering review. Upon approval, one copy will be retained by the department and the other copy will be returned to the owner or the project engineer.
(2) For large or complex projects, one copy of the preliminary or intermediate level plans, in addition to the final plans, shall be submitted to the department for review.
(3) To be approved, the plans and specifications must contain sufficient detail to describe the proposed construction work.
(a) The following items, as a minimum, shall be included as part of the construction plans:
(i) Project location and vicinity maps;
(ii) Site map of dam, reservoir area, and appurtenances;
(iii) Sectional view along longitudinal axis of dam and foundation;
(iv) Cross-sectional view of dam at location of maximum height;
(v) Cross-sectional views and profiles of spillway(s), outlet facilities, and other appurtenances;
(vi) Steel reinforcement placement and bar sizing for concrete construction must be shown in at least one section or profile; and
(vii) The plan for diversion and control of water during construction.
(b) The following items, as a minimum, shall be included as part of the construction specifications:
(i) Type, class, or description of all materials to be used;
(ii) The requirements for fill placement, moisture conditioning, and minimum level of compaction of all earthen zones;
(iii) The requirements, procedures, and minimum standards for concrete construction and/or structural details.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-140, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-150

Construction permit fee.

There is a fee for the review of plans and specifications and for construction inspections conducted by the department. The amount of the fee and owner requirements for fee payment are contained in WAC 173-175-350 through 173-175-400.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-150, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-160

Review standards.

The department will review engineering design reports, plans, and specifications and the construction inspection plan to ascertain that the proposed project will be designed and constructed in a manner which will reasonably secure safety to life and property.
(1) The department's review is intended to address issues of safety directly related to the structural stability and integrity of the completed project. The review is not intended to extend to more general issues of safety not directly related to the structural stability and integrity of the project which are the purview of other governmental agencies such as the Washington department of labor and industries (L&I), which administers the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA).
(2) In addition to the above, the department will review documents submitted pursuant to this chapter to ascertain that they conform to accepted engineering and construction practice and are in conformance with guidance contained in the department's Dam Safety Guidelines.
(3) Those elements of a document(s) which are found not to be in conformance with the above will be identified to the owner or the project engineer and changes may be required as appropriate to conform to accepted engineering practice.
(4) Where differences of opinion arise on the suitability of certain engineering or construction practices and cannot be readily resolved, the burden of proof will rest on the owner and the project engineer to demonstrate the suitability of the proposed plan or action.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-160, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-170

Construction inspection plan.

(1) A detailed plan shall be submitted to the department describing how adequate and competent construction inspection will be provided.
(2) The construction inspection plan shall be prepared by a professional engineer and shall bear his/her seal and signature.
(3) The construction inspection plan shall include, as a minimum:
(a) A listing of construction activities related to critical project elements and planned inspection effort including staffing levels, responsibilities, frequency, and duration of site visits;
(b) A description of the quality assurance testing program which describes the type of test, general frequency, acceptable results, handling of deficient materials, and the individual(s) responsible for overseeing the testing;
(c) Description of construction management organization, lines of communication, and responsibilities;
(d) Description of the change order process including who is responsible for coordinating the change order review process with the department;
(e) Description of the technical records handling and the content and frequency of construction progress reports.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-170, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-180

Issuance of construction permit.

(1) After the department has determined that the plans and specifications and construction inspection plan conform to accepted engineering practice, these documents will be approved and a construction permit will be issued which authorizes construction to commence.
Construction shall not commence until the construction permit has been issued by the department.
Preliminary work such as mobilization of equipment, stripping and grubbing and other site access and preparation work is allowed prior to receipt of the construction permit, provided no permanent features of the dam are initiated.
(2) Receipt of the construction permit does not relieve the owner of the responsibility to secure all other applicable permits and approvals before proceeding with construction work.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-180, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-190

Construction change orders.

(1) All dam projects subject to the provisions of this regulation shall be constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications approved by the department. Any proposed changes to the department-approved plans which could have an effect on structural integrity or safe operations of the project must first be presented to the department for a determination if an approval is required.
(2) If the department determines that the proposed construction change order represents a significant modification of the approved plans or specifications that could have an effect on structural integrity or safe operations of the project, then approval of the change order will be required.
The department will review the construction change order and provide a response to the project engineer in a timely manner consistent with the complexity and safety concerns of the situation.
(3) If department approval of the proposed construction change order is required, no action can be taken by the owner to make the construction change until approval is given by the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-190, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-200

Department role in construction inspection.

(1) It will be the department's role during construction to confirm that the project engineer, as representative for the owner, is properly implementing the department approved construction inspection plan.
(2) The department will periodically observe the construction work to independently confirm that conditions assumed in the design stage are valid for field conditions and that construction is proceeding in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.
(3) Changes may be required by the department to be made to the approved plans and specifications to reasonably secure safety to life and property. Reasons for changes may include, but are not limited to the following:
(a) To address unanticipated field conditions;
(b) To correct omissions or errors in the approved plans and specifications;
(c) To correct situations where the construction work clearly is not being performed in a workmanlike manner and does not, in the opinion of the department, meet the performance intent of the specifications.
(4) Where deemed necessary by the department, a stop work order may be issued to temporarily halt construction until a problem can be resolved.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-200, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-210

Operation and maintenance plan.

(1) An operation and maintenance (O&M) plan shall be developed and submitted to the department for review and acceptance. The O&M plan shall outline and summarize how the project is to be operated and how the basic elements of monitoring, inspection and maintenance, as listed in WAC 173-175-500(1), are to be accomplished.
The department may issue an acceptance after determining the O&M plan is substantially complete.
(2) Owners are responsible for incorporating the details of the O&M plan into an O&M manual suitable for use by dam operators. Requirements associated with O&M manuals are listed in WAC 173-175-500.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-210, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-220

Emergency action plan.

In those cases where a failure of the dam could pose a risk to life based on the current level of development in downstream areas (downstream hazard classes 1A, 1B, 1C, and 2, WAC 173-175-130), an emergency action plan (EAP) shall be developed and submitted to the department for review and acceptance. The purpose of the plan is to establish procedures for responding to unusual or emergency situations and procedures for detecting, evaluating, communicating and initiating notification or warning to individuals who may be at risk in downstream/upstream areas. Requirements associated with EAP's are listed in WAC 173-175-520.
The department may issue an acceptance after determining the EAP is substantially complete.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-220, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-230

Declaration of construction completion.

Within sixty days following substantial completion of construction or modification of a dam, the project engineer shall submit to the department:
A declaration stating the project was constructed in accordance with the department approved plans and specifications and construction change orders.
The department will provide a declaration form which may be used or altered, as appropriate, by the project engineer.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-230, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-230, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-240

Authorization to commence or resume project operation.

(1) Upon receipt of the project engineer's declaration of construction completion, the department will authorize the owner or the project engineer, as appropriate, to commence or resume normal project operation, provided that:
(a) The department concurs with the project engineer that the project was constructed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications and construction change orders;
(b) The proposed O&M plan is acceptable to the department;
(c) The proposed emergency action plan, if required (see WAC 173-175-220), is acceptable to the department.
(2) If the above conditions are not met, the owner shall not commence or resume normal operation of the project until all outstanding issues or problems are resolved. When outstanding issues or problems are not resolved in a timely manner, the department may:
(a) Order the outlet works to remain fully open and not allow filling of the reservoir;
(b) Restrict reservoir water levels or reservoir operation;
(c) Order the breaching of the impounding barrier;
(d) Take other measures as appropriate to reasonably secure safety to life and property.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-240, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-250

Construction records summary.

Within one hundred twenty days following completion of construction or modification of a dam, the project engineer, as representative of the owner, shall submit a report to the department on construction activities which includes:
(1) A summary of results from field testing of materials used in construction. The summary shall identify both representative values and the range of test values;
(2) A discussion of any notable items encountered during construction;
(3) One complete set of drawings describing the as-built condition of the dam. These drawings shall be submitted in both paper and electronic format.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-250, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-250, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-260

Exceptions to construction permit process.

If the department determines that emergency or exigency conditions exist at a dam and that it is in the best interests of public safety to expedite the construction or modification of a dam, the department may elect to temporarily suspend the normal construction permit process. To allow this exception, the department will issue a written conditional construction permit, which:
(1) May initially be oral;
(2) Will specify the construction activities to be allowed;
(3) May be terminated at a time deemed appropriate by the department;
(4) Shall incorporate, to the extent possible, and not inconsistent with the situation, all applicable requirements of this chapter.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-260, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-270

Department review response time.

In reviewing the various documents required in the construction permit process, the department shall respond in a timely manner to the owner or project engineer with written review comments, approval, or acceptance as appropriate.
If the department response is anticipated to occur sixty days or more beyond the date of receipt of the document(s), the department shall notify the owner and/or project engineer in writing and advise them of the expected response date.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-270, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PART THREE
CONSTRUCTION PERMIT FEES

PDF173-175-350

Authority for construction permit fees.

It is required by RCW 90.03.470(9) that fees be collected by the department for the examination of plans and specifications. The fee shall be a minimum of ten dollars or the actual cost. In addition, the department is required by RCW 43.21A.064(2) to inspect the construction of all dams. It is required by RCW 90.03.470(8) that fees be collected for the actual cost to the department for inspection including the expense incident thereto.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-350, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-360

Construction permit fees for new project construction.

(1) Fees for the review of plans and specifications and for construction inspection for new project construction shall be the amounts shown in Table 4A through June 30, 2012, and as shown in Table 4B thereafter, as determined by the nearest values of dam height and crest length, in feet, which correspond to the project's planned dam height and crest length.
(2) Fees for the review of plans and specifications and for construction inspection for new dairy waste impoundments, and conservation dams, shall be one thousand eight hundred ninety dollars through June 30, 2012, and one thousand nine hundred seventy-seven dollars thereafter, provided the project meets the following requirements:
(a) The facility has a low downstream hazard classification;
(b) The maximum embankment height is less than fifteen feet;
(c) The facility conforms with a set of standard plans and specifications prepared by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and approved by the department; and
(d) The NRCS or its designee provides periodic oversight of construction to ensure that the facility conforms to the standard plans.
If the project fails to meet any of the above requirements, the standard fees as described under subsection (1) of this section shall apply.
TABLE 4A. CONSTRUCTION PERMIT FEES
For use through June 30, 2012
Dam Height (ft)
Crest Length (ft)
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
500
600
700
800
1000
1500
2000
4000
400
74451
83068
86270
88200
89756
90979
92016
92911
94181
94181
94181
94181
94181
94181
94181
94181
300
64420
76381
81561
84245
85893
87118
88155
89095
90602
91827
92863
93804
94181
94181
94181
94181
250
57215
71107
77087
80950
82975
84669
85753
86647
88155
89425
90462
91357
92863
94181
94181
94181
200
47561
62442
70636
74827
78217
80666
82032
83304
85187
86412
87447
88389
89896
92627
94181
94181
180
42052
58251
66351
71813
75062
77841
80195
81373
83444
85045
86082
86976
88484
91262
93193
94181
160
36401
53636
61877
67528
71720
74356
76663
78736
81326
82975
84434
85422
86930
89708
91639
94181
150
33670
51046
59287
64984
69553
72520
74780
76805
80195
81843
83257
84528
86082
88861
90791
94181
140
30939
47467
56509
62395
66775
70588
72802
74780
78171
80619
82032
83257
85187
87918
89896
94181
130
28301
43606
53684
59428
63902
67528
70730
72661
75957
78736
80713
81938
83963
86930
88908
93617
120
25664
39556
50245
56273
60889
64420
67528
70306
73603
76334
78736
80478
82551
85893
87824
92534
110
23074
35600
45866
52978
57357
61171
64138
66775
71201
73838
76146
78171
80995
84763
86694
91403
100
20579
31739
40875
48504
53684
57310
60512
63148
67575
71154
73368
75346
78783
83020
85422
90132
95
19354
29808
38426
45960
51846
55285
58440
61265
65550
69318
71955
73885
77229
82080
84763
89472
90
18130
27924
35977
43040
49021
53307
56273
59004
63525
67151
70353
72331
75628
81137
83775
86270
85
16906
26041
33575
40169
46149
50953
54108
56744
61406
64891
68046
70777
73980
80149
81561
81561
80
15728
24204
31221
67343
42947
47844
51894
54437
58911
62630
65645
68376
72284
76852
76852
76852
75
14551
22415
28867
34565
39745
44548
48597
52083
56367
60183
63196
65832
70448
72144
72144
72144
70
13374
20625
26559
31787
36590
40969
45112
48597
53778
57403
60605
63243
67433
67433
67433
67433
65
12243
18883
24298
29101
33434
37484
41299
44878
50764
54531
57639
60417
62725
62725
62725
62725
60
11113
17140
22086
26418
30373
34047
37531
40780
46761
51564
54579
57215
58016
58016
58016
58016
55
10030
15445
19919
23827
27406
30703
33810
36730
42240
47137
51235
53307
53307
53307
53307
53307
50
8947
13797
17753
21285
24440
27406
30186
32775
37720
42240
46431
48597
48597
48597
48597
48597
46
8100
12479
16105
19260
22133
24817
27313
29714
34141
38237
42147
44830
44830
44830
44830
44830
42
7252
11207
14457
17282
19872
22273
24534
26653
30655
34329
37813
41062
41062
41062
41062
41062
38
6451
9936
12808
15352
17659
19778
21802
23687
27218
30515
33575
36543
37296
37296
37296
37296
34
5651
8758
11254
13467
15492
17377
19118
20767
23874
26747
29478
32022
33528
33528
33528
33528
30
4897
7534
9701
11631
13374
14975
16482
17941
20625
23121
25428
27642
29762
29762
29762
29762
28
4521
6970
8947
10736
12337
13844
15210
16529
19024
21332
23450
25523
27877
27877
27877
27877
26
4144
6404
8240
9841
11302
12667
13938
15163
17423
19542
21520
23403
25994
25994
25994
25994
24
3861
5792
7487
8947
10312
11537
12714
13844
15916
17799
19637
21332
24111
24111
24111
24111
22
3626
5274
6781
8100
9324
10454
11489
12526
14362
16105
17753
19260
22180
22226
22226
22226
20
3343
4708
6075
7252
8334
9371
10312
11207
12856
14457
15869
17282
19872
20343
20343
20343
18
3107
4191
5368
6451
7393
8287
9135
9936
11396
12808
14080
15304
17612
18459
18459
18459
16
2872
3767
4708
5651
6451
7252
8005
8664
9983
11160
12337
13374
15398
16576
16576
16576
15
2778
3626
4379
5227
6027
6733
7439
8052
9277
10407
11442
12432
14315
15634
15634
15634
14
2683
3437
4050
4850
5556
6215
6875
7439
8571
9606
10596
11489
13232
14692
14692
14692
13
2590
3249
3813
4473
5132
5745
6309
6875
7911
8853
9748
10596
12150
13751
13751
13751
12
2543
3060
3626
4097
4708
5227
5792
6262
7204
8100
8900
9701
11113
12808
12808
12808
11
2496
2920
3391
3813
4284
4756
5227
5698
6546
7346
8100
8806
10125
11866
11866
11866
10
2448
2778
3154
3578
3908
4284
4708
5132
5886
6593
7299
7911
9088
10925
10925
10925
9
2401
2636
2967
3296
3626
3908
4237
4568
5274
5886
6498
7063
8100
9983
9983
9983
8
2354
2543
2778
3013
3343
3578
3813
4050
4614
5179
5698
6215
7110
9040
9040
9040
7
2354
2448
2590
2825
3013
3249
3484
3673
4002
4473
4945
5368
6169
7958
8100
8100
6
2354
2401
2496
2636
2778
2967
3107
3296
3626
3861
4191
4568
5227
6733
7157
7157
5
2354
2354
2401
2496
2590
2683
2825
2920
3202
3437
3673
3861
4332
5556
6215
6215
TABLE 4B. CONSTRUCTION PERMIT FEES
For use beginning July 1, 2012
Dam Height (ft)
Crest Length (ft)
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
500
600
700
800
1000
1500
2000
4000
400
77890
86905
90255
92274
93902
95182
96267
97203
98532
98532
98532
98532
98532
98532
98532
98532
300
67396
79909
85329
88137
89861
91142
92227
93211
94787
96069
97153
98137
98532
98532
98532
98532
250
59858
74392
80648
84689
86808
88580
89714
90650
92227
93556
94641
95577
97153
98532
98532
98532
200
49758
65326
73899
78284
81830
84392
85821
87152
89122
90404
91487
92472
94049
96906
98532
98532
180
43994
60942
69416
75130
78529
81437
83900
85132
87299
88974
90058
90994
92571
95478
97498
98532
160
38082
56113
64735
70647
75033
77791
80204
82373
85083
86808
88334
89368
90946
93852
95872
98532
150
35225
53404
62026
67986
72766
75870
78234
80353
83900
85624
87103
88433
90058
92966
94985
98532
140
32368
49659
59119
65277
69860
73849
76165
78234
81782
84343
85821
87103
89122
91979
94049
98532
130
29608
45620
56164
62173
66854
70647
73997
76017
79466
82373
84441
85723
87842
90946
93015
97942
120
26849
41383
52566
58872
63702
67396
70647
73554
77003
79860
82373
84196
86364
89861
91881
96809
110
24140
37244
47985
55425
60006
63997
67101
69860
74490
77249
79663
81782
84736
88679
90699
95625
100
21529
33205
42763
50744
56164
59957
63307
66065
70696
74441
76757
78826
82422
86855
89368
94296
95
20248
31185
40201
48083
54241
57839
61139
64095
68578
72520
75279
77298
80796
85872
88679
93605
90
18967
29214
37639
45028
51285
55769
58872
61729
66459
70253
73603
75672
79122
84885
87645
90255
85
17687
27244
35126
42024
48281
53307
56607
59365
64242
67888
71189
74046
77397
83851
85329
85329
80
16454
25322
32663
70454
44931
50054
54291
56951
61632
65523
68677
71534
75623
80402
80402
80402
75
15223
23450
30200
36161
41581
46606
50842
54489
58971
62963
66115
68873
73702
75477
75477
75477
70
13991
21577
27786
33255
38280
42861
47196
50842
56262
60055
63404
66164
70548
70548
70548
70548
65
12808
19755
25420
30445
34978
39215
43207
46951
53109
57050
60301
63208
65622
65622
65622
65622
60
11626
17931
23106
27638
31776
35619
39264
42664
48921
53946
57100
59858
60696
60696
60696
60696
55
10493
16158
20839
24927
28672
32121
35372
38426
44191
49314
53602
55769
55769
55769
55769
55769
50
9360
14434
18573
22268
25569
28672
31580
34289
39462
44191
48576
50842
50842
50842
50842
50842
46
8474
13055
16849
20149
23155
25963
28574
31086
35718
40003
44094
46901
46901
46901
46901
46901
42
7587
11724
15124
18080
20790
23302
25667
27884
32071
35915
39559
42959
42959
42959
42959
42959
38
6749
10395
13399
16061
18474
20691
22809
24781
28475
31924
35126
38231
39019
39019
39019
39019
34
5912
9162
11773
14089
16207
18179
20001
21726
24976
27982
30839
33501
35076
35076
35076
35076
30
5123
7882
10149
12168
13991
15666
17243
18769
21577
24189
26602
28919
31137
31137
31137
31137
28
4729
7292
9360
11232
12906
14483
15912
17292
19902
22317
24533
26702
29164
29164
29164
29164
26
4335
6699
8620
10295
11824
13252
14581
15863
18227
20444
22514
24484
27194
27194
27194
27194
24
4039
6059
7832
9360
10788
12070
13301
14483
16651
18621
20544
22317
25224
25224
25224
25224
22
3793
5517
7094
8474
9754
10936
12019
13104
15025
16849
18573
20149
23204
23252
23252
23252
20
3497
4925
6355
7587
8719
9803
10788
11724
13449
15124
16602
18080
20790
21282
21282
21282
18
3250
4384
5616
6749
7734
8669
9557
10395
11922
13399
14730
16011
18425
19311
19311
19311
16
3004
3941
4925
5912
6749
7587
8374
9064
10444
11675
12906
13991
16109
17341
17341
17341
15
2906
3793
4581
5468
6305
7044
7782
8424
9705
10887
11970
13006
14976
16356
16356
16356
14
2806
3595
4237
5074
5812
6502
7192
7782
8966
10049
11085
12019
13843
15370
15370
15370
13
2709
3399
3989
4679
5369
6010
6600
7192
8276
9262
10198
11085
12711
14386
14386
14386
12
2660
3201
3793
4286
4925
5468
6059
6551
7536
8474
9311
10149
11626
13399
13399
13399
11
2611
3054
3547
3989
4481
4975
5468
5961
6848
7685
8474
9212
10592
12414
12414
12414
10
2561
2906
3299
3743
4088
4481
4925
5369
6157
6897
7636
8276
9507
11429
11429
11429
9
2511
2757
3104
3448
3793
4088
4432
4779
5517
6157
6798
7389
8474
10444
10444
10444
8
2462
2660
2906
3152
3497
3743
3989
4237
4827
5418
5961
6502
7438
9457
9457
9457
7
2462
2561
2709
2955
3152
3399
3644
3842
4186
4679
5173
5616
6454
8325
8474
8474
6
2462
2511
2611
2757
2906
3104
3250
3448
3793
4039
4384
4779
5468
7044
7487
7487
5
2462
2462
2511
2611
2709
2806
2955
3054
3349
3595
3842
4039
4532
5812
6502
6502
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.21A, 43.27A, 86.16, 90.03, 90.28, 90.54 RCW, RCW 43.135.055 and 2011 1st sp.s. c 50 § 302(2). WSR 12-06-013 (Order 10-09), § 173-175-360, filed 2/27/12, effective 3/29/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-360, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-360, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-370

Construction permit fees for modifications of existing dams.

(1) Fees for the review of plans and specifications and for construction inspections for project modifications involving significant enlargements shall be the amount determined by those applicable percentages shown in Table 5A of the fees in Table 4A through June 30, 2012, or Table 4B thereafter, but no less than one thousand eight hundred ninety dollars through June 30, 2012, or one thousand nine hundred seventy-seven dollars thereafter. The appropriate Table 4A or B fee amount is to be determined using the nearest values of dam height and crest length, in feet, which correspond to the overall dimensions of the modified dam.
(2) Fees for the review of plans and specifications and for construction inspection for project modifications not involving significant enlargements shall be the amount determined by those applicable percentages shown in Table 5B of the fees in Table 4A through June 30, 2012, or Table 4B thereafter, but no less than one thousand eight hundred ninety dollars through June 30, 2012, or one thousand nine hundred seventy-seven dollars thereafter. The appropriate Table 4A or B fee amount is to be determined using the nearest values of dam height and crest length, in feet, which correspond to the overall dimensions of the modified dam.
(3) Fees for the review of plans and specifications and for construction inspection for repair of a dam with safety deficiencies as required by the department shall be one thousand eight hundred ninety dollars through June 30, 2012, or one thousand nine hundred seventy-seven dollars thereafter.
(4) Fees for the review of plans and specifications and for construction inspection for the removal or partial removal of a dam with safety deficiencies for the purpose of eliminating a public safety hazard shall be the minimum fee of ten dollars.
(5) Fees for the review of plans and specifications and for construction inspection for the planned abandonment and reclamation of dams and reservoir areas used in mining operations shall be one thousand eight hundred ninety dollars through June 30, 2012, or one thousand nine hundred seventy-seven dollars thereafter.
TABLE 5. FEES FOR MODIFICATIONS OF DAMS
MODIFICATION FEE AS PERCENTAGE OF FEE FOR NEW DAM CONSTRUCTION
FEATURES MODIFIED
TABLE 5A
MODIFICATIONS INVOLVING
SIGNIFICANT ENLARGEMENTS
TABLE 5B
MODIFICATIONS NOT INVOLVING
SIGNIFICANT ENLARGEMENTS
Spillway(s)
35%
25%
Impounding Barrier
35%
25%
Appurtenant Works and Miscellaneous Construction Elements
10%
10%
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.21A, 43.27A, 86.16, 90.03, 90.28, and 90.54 RCW, RCW 43.135.055 and 2011 1st sp.s. c 50 § 302(2). WSR 12-06-013 (Order 10-09), § 173-175-370, filed 2/27/12, effective 3/29/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-370, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-370, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-380

Maintenance.

It will not be necessary to submit plans and specifications for review for routine maintenance, normal replacement, or repair of items to keep them in a serviceable condition, seasonal removal, or replacement of stoplogs, or other similar minor operational activities.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-380, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-390

Payment of construction permit fees.

(1) The amount of the construction permit fee will be determined by the department based upon procedures contained in WAC 173-175-360 and 173-175-370 and information contained in the construction plans.
(a) An initial payment, which may represent all or a portion of the construction permit fee shall be paid in conjunction with the submittal of the construction permit application described in WAC 173-175-120. The amount of the initial payment shall be:
(i) Ten dollars for the removal of a dam with safety deficiencies as described in WAC 173-175-370(3); or
(ii) One thousand eight hundred ninety dollars for construction of a new dam or modification of an existing dam or project through June 30, 2012, and one thousand nine hundred seventy-seven dollars thereafter.
(b) The balance of the fee amount (less the initial payment above) is to be paid following notification by the department of the balance due.
(c) All fees collected are nonrefundable.
(2) No fee shall be required for the review of conceptual plans which describe proposed repairs or improvements to existing dams to correct safety deficiencies. The normal construction permit process will apply at the time plans and specifications are submitted to the department.
(3) No additional fees shall be required for plan and specification changes and resubmittals required by the department as part of the review process.
(4) No additional fees shall be required for review of construction change orders.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.21A, 43.27A, 86.16, 90.03, 90.28, and 90.54 RCW, RCW 43.135.055 and 2011 1st sp.s. c 50 § 302(2). WSR 12-06-013 (Order 10-09), § 173-175-390, filed 2/27/12, effective 3/29/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-390, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04. Statutory Authority: 1995 c 8. WSR 95-22-030 (Order 94-15), § 173-175-390, filed 10/24/95, effective 11/24/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A].080 and 86.16.061. WSR 93-01-090 (Order 92-35), § 173-175-390, filed 12/16/92, effective 1/16/93; WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-390, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-400

Cost of expert opinion.

In resolving differences of opinion on engineering issues between the department and project engineer or owner, it may be necessary for the department to employ an expert in dam design, analysis or construction.
(1) The expert who is chosen, the assigned tasks, and the estimated cost for the expert's services shall be determined by negotiation between the owner and the department.
(2) The cost associated with employing the expert shall be paid by the owner of the proposed or existing project.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-400, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PART FOUR
PROJECT OPERATION

PDF173-175-500

Operation and maintenance.

(1) The owner shall develop and maintain a current operation and maintenance (O&M) manual.
The manual shall describe procedures for operation of the project under normal and extreme reservoir inflow conditions and provide technical guidance and procedures for monitoring, inspection, and long-term maintenance. Information on the development of the O&M manual is contained in the department's Dam Safety Guidelines. The O&M manual shall include, as a minimum, the following items:
(a) Identification of the individual(s) responsible for implementing the plan;
(b) A project data sheet describing the pertinent features of the dam and reservoir, including the spillway(s), outlet works, and appurtenant structures and their locations at the dam site;
(c) The rules and procedures (rule curve) used to regulate reservoir levels and project operation for various reservoir inflows and for both normal and unusual seasonal conditions;
(d) A description of each hydraulic element used to regulate or release water, including information on proper operation and scheduled maintenance;
(e) A listing of the items requiring periodic monitoring, the frequency of monitoring and procedures for monitoring, measurement, and recordkeeping;
(f) A listing of the items requiring periodic maintenance and procedures for conducting and documenting maintenance and recording of problems;
(g) A listing of items to be inspected or test operated, the frequency and procedures for conducting the same and for documenting the findings.
(2) It shall be the duty and responsibility of the owner to, at all times, operate and maintain the dam and all appurtenant works in a safe manner and condition and follow the method and schedule of operation of the dam as outlined in the O&M manual.
(3) Any proposed changes to the O&M manual which could have an effect on public or project safety must be submitted to the department for review and acceptance before implementation.
(4) The O&M manual must be updated within one hundred eighty days after a periodic inspection has been completed by the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-500, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-500, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-510

Inspection by owner.

Owners are required to evaluate the safety of their dam(s) and all appurtenant works and to make modifications, as become necessary, to reasonably secure safety to life and property. To accomplish this, owners are:
(1) Required to conduct annual surficial inspections and to maintain records of their findings, including records of actions taken to correct problem conditions.
The annual surficial inspections may be conducted by the owner or by agent(s) designated by the owner, or by a professional engineer.
(2) Owners are required to submit a copy of the annual inspection checklist and other documents which contain the findings resulting from the annual inspection within thirty days following the completion.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-510, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-510, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-520

Emergency action plans.

(1) In those cases where a failure of the dam could pose a threat to life (downstream hazard classes 1A, 1B, 1C, and 2), the owner shall develop and maintain an emergency action plan (EAP) acceptable to the department.
(a) The EAP shall describe procedures for responding to unusual or emergency situations and procedures for detecting, evaluating, communicating, and initiating notification or warning of individuals who may be at risk in downstream and upstream areas. Information on the development of an EAP is contained within the department's Dam Safety Guidelines.
(b) It shall be the duty and responsibility of the owner to implement the EAP when conditions warrant and to follow the method and schedule contained within the EAP.
(c) Owners are required to coordinate the development of the EAP with representatives from the local emergency services staff, state department of community development, emergency management division, and appropriate local authorities.
(d) Copies of the completed EAP must be provided to the state emergency management division, local emergency services office, and to the department.
(2) Any proposed changes to the EAP which could have an affect on public or project safety must be submitted to the department for review and acceptance before implementation.
(3) Owners are required to exercise components of the EAP as needed to confirm the viability of the plan.
(4) The department will coordinate and solicit review comments from the local emergency services office and the state emergency management division on the acceptability of proposed EAPs. Those comments will constitute the primary basis for accepting or requesting modifications to a proposed EAP.
(5) The EAP must be updated within one hundred eighty days after a periodic inspection has been completed by the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-520, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-520, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-530

Reporting of incidents.

Owners are required to notify the department when incidents occur or when problems or conditions arise which may pose a threat to life or property or a threat to the integrity of the dam.
(1) The owner shall report by telephone to the department on any condition affecting the safety of the project or when an incident has occurred. The initial oral report must be made as soon as practicable after the condition is discovered or following any incident.
(2) A written report may be required by the department within thirty days following the discovery of the condition or after the incident. The report shall describe the condition affecting the safety of the project or the incident which has occurred and shall describe the preliminary plans for correcting the condition and for preventing the recurrence of a similar incident.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-530, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PART FIVE
COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT

PDF173-175-600

Right of entry.

The department or its duly appointed agent(s) shall have the right to enter at all reasonable times in or upon property, public or private, for the purpose of inspecting and investigating conditions relating to the construction, operation, maintenance or performance of dams. The department shall comply with the owner's reasonable rules for access to the project.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-600, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-610

Emergencies.

(1) When, in the opinion of the department, an emergency condition exists which poses an imminent threat to life, the department may take such action as necessary to eliminate or mitigate the hazard and potential consequences. The dam owner or the owner's agent(s) may be directed to take actions, and if that failing, the department may take control of the project and take actions, including, but not limited to:
(a) Altering the operation of the project;
(b) Lowering the reservoir water level;
(c) Draining the reservoir;
(d) Making emergency repairs or modifications to the project;
(e) Enlisting the services of federal, state, or local authorities to make emergency repairs or modifications to the project;
(f) Breaching the dam.
(2) All costs incurred by the department as a result of taking control of the project will be charged to the owner.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-610, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-620

Enforcement.

(1) In enforcement of this chapter, the department may impose such sanctions as appropriate under authorities vested in it, including but not limited to, the issuance of regulatory orders under RCW 86.16.081 and 43.27A.190 and civil penalties under RCW 86.16.081 and 90.03.600.
(2) Any dam which is found to be under construction or recently constructed without prior approval of the plans and specifications is in violation of RCW 90.03.350 and will be presumed to be a public nuisance. The owner will not be allowed to fill the reservoir or continue to operate the reservoir until the structural integrity and safety of the facility can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the department. In addition:
(a) Regulatory orders may be issued to enforce the restriction of reservoir filling and fines may be levied at one hundred to five thousand dollars per day;
(b) Owners are required to submit as-built drawings and all available documentation describing the manner in which the dam or portion thereof was constructed;
(c) If the structural integrity and safety of a dam project cannot be demonstrated or confirmed to the satisfaction of the department, the owner shall not commence or resume normal operation of the project until all outstanding issues or problems are resolved to the satisfaction of the department. To accomplish the above, the department may:
(i) Order the outlet works to remain fully open and not allow filling of the reservoir;
(ii) Restrict reservoir water levels or reservoir operation;
(iii) Order the breaching of the impounding barrier;
(iv) Take other measures as appropriate to reasonably assure safety to life and property.
(d) If, in the opinion of the department, the owner is unwilling or incapable of resolving the outstanding safety issues in a timely manner, the department may take action to have the dam abated as prescribed by law under RCW 90.03.350.
(3)(a) In order to correct safety deficiencies and exigency conditions as identified by the department on existing dams, owners are required to take actions as prescribed by the department to preserve the structural stability and integrity of the project and attain levels of safety in accordance with accepted engineering practice.
(b) If the owner does not take action to correct safety issues in a timely manner, regulatory orders may be issued to require modifications, and to restrict the filling of the reservoir until all outstanding issues or problems are resolved to the satisfaction of the department.
(c) If the owner continues to be unwilling or incapable of resolving the outstanding safety issues, the department may take action to have the dam abated as prescribed by law under RCW 90.03.350.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-620, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-620, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PDF173-175-630

Appeals.

All final written decisions of the department pertaining to permits, regulatory orders, and related decisions made pursuant to this chapter shall be subject to review by the pollution control hearings board in accordance with chapter 43.21B RCW.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, [43.21A.]080 and 86.16.061. WSR 92-12-055 (Order 91-17), § 173-175-630, filed 6/1/92, effective 7/2/92.]



PART SIX
PERIODIC INSPECTION PROGRAM

PDF173-175-705

Periodic inspection by the department.

(1) As authorized by RCW 43.21A.064, the department has the authority to conduct routine periodic inspections of all existing dams with high and significant downstream hazard classifications to reasonably secure safety to life and property.
• Dams with high downstream hazard classifications will be inspected every five years.
• Dams with significant downstream hazard classifications will be inspected every five years, or ten years if workload or staffing necessitates a longer cycle between inspections.
• Dams classified as low hazard are not included in the periodic inspection program.
(a) The department will give at least thirty days notice of the date of the periodic inspection and advise the owner of any requirements such as gates or valves that are to be operated during the inspection.
(b) Fees shall be charged for periodic inspections conducted by the department. The amount of the fee and owner requirements for the fee payment are described in WAC 173-175-755 through 173-175-775.
Dam classification
(2) The downstream hazard classification of existing dams shall be determined by the department in accordance with WAC 173-175-130, Table 3.
(3) The classification of each dam shall be reviewed during each periodic or other inspection and may be changed as the result of such inspection.
Components of a periodic inspection
(4) Each periodic inspection shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:
(a) Review and analysis of available data on the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the dam and its appurtenances;
(b) Visual inspection of the dam and its appurtenances, the downstream area, and all other areas affected by the structure;
(c) Evaluation of the safety of the dam and its appurtenances, which may include assessment of the hydrologic and hydraulic capabilities, structural stabilities, seismic stabilities, and any other condition which could constitute a hazard to the integrity of the structure;
(d) Evaluation of the downstream hazard classification;
(e) Evaluation of the operation, maintenance, and inspection procedures employed by the owner and/or operator; and
(f) Review of the emergency action plan for the dam including review and/or update of dam breach inundation maps.
(5) The department shall prepare a written safety inspection report that describes the findings from the inspection and lists remedial actions that must be taken to ensure the continued safety of the dam.
(6) The department shall provide the dam owner with a copy of the written report of the periodic inspection. The dam owner must correct any identified safety deficiencies in a timely manner.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-705, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04.]



PDF173-175-725

Nonroutine inspections by department.

(1) The department may perform nonroutine inspections of dams with any downstream hazard classification, separate from the periodic inspection program. The purposes for these inspections include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) Determining downstream hazard classification;
(b) Condition inspections during or immediately after emergencies such as floods or earthquakes;
(c) When problems or conditions arise that may pose a threat to the integrity of the dam;
(d) Obtaining routine monitoring data and information;
(e) Surficial inspections of low hazard dams.
(2) No fees shall be charged to the dam owner for nonroutine inspections.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-725, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04.]



PDF173-175-735

Inspection at public request.

(1) The department may inspect a dam if a complaint from the public is received that states that a dam:
(a) Impounds ten or more acre-feet of water at the dam crest level; and
(b) Is endangering public safety or property, or has been constructed without prior department approval.
(2) The department shall provide a copy of the written report of findings to the complainant and dam owner.
(3) The dam owner shall be required to correct any identified safety deficiencies or exigency conditions in a timely manner.
(4) Dams found to be under construction or recently built without prior approval of the plans and specifications will be subject to enforcement actions as described under WAC 173-175-620(2).
(5) No fees shall be charged to the dam owner for inspections at public request.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-735, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04.]



PART SEVEN
PERIODIC INSPECTION FEES

PDF173-175-755

Periodic inspection fees.

The department is required by RCW 90.03.470(8) to collect in advance a fee based on the actual cost, including the expense incident thereto, of the inspection of any dam to insure safety to life and property. Fee amounts contained in this section represent the department's true estimate of the cost of performing periodic dam safety inspections as described in WAC 173-175-705, and reflect the department's commitment to fully recover all eligible expenses.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.21A and 90.03 RCW. WSR 05-18-039 (Order 05-11), § 173-175-755, filed 8/31/05, effective 10/1/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-755, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04.]



PDF173-175-765

Periodic inspection fee schedule.

(1) The inspection fee amounts are based on the downstream hazard classification of the dam, as determined by the department. The inspection fees for each five-year inspection are prorated on an annual basis. The cost for a periodic inspection by the department starting July 1, 2012, will be as follows:
(a) For dams with high downstream hazard classifications the fee is six thousand forty dollars, with a prorated annual fee of one thousand two hundred eighty dollars for a five-year inspection cycle.
(b) For dams with significant downstream hazard classifications the fee is four thousand four hundred five dollars, with a prorated annual fee of eight hundred eighty-one dollars if a five-year inspection cycle is implemented, or four hundred forty dollars and fifty cents if a ten-year inspection cycle is implemented.
(2) Exceptions to periodic inspection fee schedule.
(a) For any hydraulic works less than ten years old, that the department examined and approved the construction plans and specifications as to its safety when required under RCW 90.03.350, there shall be no fee charged; or
(b) For any hydraulic works more than ten years old, but less than twenty years old, that the department examined and approved the construction plans and specifications as to its safety when required under RCW 90.03.350, the fee charged shall equal the fee for a significant hazard dam.
(3) Inspection fee for impoundments with multiple dams. For reservoirs or impoundments with a main dam and one or more saddle dams, a single annual inspection fee will be charged for the facility. The dam with the highest downstream hazard rating will be used for fee computation.
(4) Inspection fee for multicell impoundments. For multicell impoundments, such as wastewater lagoons, where two or more cells are located side-by-side or share a common embankment, a single annual inspection fee will be charged for the facility. The cell with the highest downstream hazard classification will be used for fee computation.
(5) Inspection fee for nonroutine inspections. For nonroutine inspections as described in WAC 173-175-725, no fees will be charged to the dam owner.
(6) Inspection fee for inspections at public request. For inspections done at public request, as described in WAC 173-175-735, no fees will be charged to the dam owner.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.21A, 43.27A, 86.16, 90.03, 90.28, and 90.54 RCW, RCW 43.135.055 and 2011 1st sp.s. c 50 § 302(2). WSR 12-06-013 (Order 10-09), § 173-175-765, filed 2/27/12, effective 3/29/12. Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.21A and 90.03 RCW. WSR 05-18-039 (Order 05-11), § 173-175-765, filed 8/31/05, effective 10/1/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-765, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04.]



PDF173-175-775

Periodic inspection fee computation.

(1) The department shall charge inspection fees based on the fee schedule contained in WAC 173-175-765. After July 1st of each year, the department shall publish the adjusted fees by providing notice on its internet site, and by providing written notification by mail or electronic mail to owners of high and significant hazard dams. The inspection fees must be received by the department within forty-five days after the department mails a billing statement.
(2) Inspection fee computation. Computation of fees shall begin on the first day of each fiscal year. In the case of new dams not previously covered by the inspection program, fee computation begins on the first day of each fiscal year following completion of construction.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-775, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04.]



PDF173-175-785

Periodic inspection fee payments.

(1) The applicable inspection fee shall be paid by check or money order payable to the department of ecology and mailed to the following address:
Department of Ecology
Cashiering Unit
P.O. Box 47611
Olympia, Washington 98504-7611.
(2) In the event a check is returned due to insufficient funds, the department shall consider the inspection fee to be unpaid.
(3) Delinquent accounts. Dam owners are considered delinquent in the payment of fees if the fees are not received by the first invoice billing due date. Delinquent accounts will be processed in the following manner:
(a) Municipal and government entities shall be notified by certified mail that they have one hundred eighty days to bring the delinquent account up-to-date. Regulatory orders may be issued to enforce a restriction of reservoir filling until all delinquent fees are paid on accounts that remain delinquent after ninety days.
(b) Nonmunicipal or nongovernment dam owners shall be notified by the department by certified mail that they have one hundred eighty days to bring the delinquent account up-to-date. Accounts that remain delinquent after one hundred eighty days may be turned over for collection. In addition, a surcharge totaling twenty percent of the delinquent amount owed will also be added. The surcharge is to recover the costs for collection. If the collection agency fails to recover the delinquent fees after twelve months, the department may issue regulatory orders to enforce restriction of reservoir filling until all delinquent fees are paid.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.21A, 43.27A, 86.16, 90.03, 90.28, and 90.54 RCW, RCW 43.135.055 and 2011 1st sp.s. c 50 § 302(2). WSR 12-06-013 (Order 10-09), § 173-175-785, filed 2/27/12, effective 3/29/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-785, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04.]



PDF173-175-795

Periodic inspection fees for transfer of ownership or control.

The department shall charge inspection fees from the dam owner on record with the department. In the event that ownership or control of a dam is transferred, it shall not be the responsibility of the department to transfer funds between a new and previous dam owner, and the department shall not refund fee charges prospectively in the event of a transfer. Fees paid by a previous dam owner shall be deemed to satisfy the corresponding fee payment requirements of a new dam owner. Agreements between a new and previous dam owner are not binding on the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.064, 43.21A.080, 86.16.061, 90.03.350 and [90.03].470. WSR 04-16-122 (Order 03-08), § 173-175-795, filed 8/4/04, effective 9/4/04.]