Publication Summary

When federal activities affect Washington′s coastal zone, Ecology evaluates them for compliance with the CZMP through a process called "federal consistency." Federal consistency requires that activities undertaken, permitted, or funded by the federal government must be consistent with the enforceable policies of the state′s approved CZMP.

Washington's Shoreline Management Act (SMA) and local Shoreline Master Programs (SMPs) are enforceable policies of our CZMP. NOAA has the authority to approve or reject any changes to Washington′s CZMP. Consequently, when local governments amend their SMPs, Ecology must submit them to NOAA′s Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM). Such changes are usually considered "routine program changes" (RPCs) rather than amendments that alter the nature or scope of the program.

Earlier this year, Ecology submitted twenty-seven local SMP updates as RPCs to our CZMP. This document describes the federal OCRM determination on these Routine Program Changes, and how it affects local governments.