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The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)

SEPA is a state policy that requires state and local agencies to consider the likely environmental consequences of a proposal before approving or denying the proposal. Focus Sheet with more information (50k pdf).

SEPA Updates

• SEPA Environmental Checklists with Guidance
• Commenting Guide
• Lead Agencies: Please update your contact information
• Exemption Clarification - Minor New Construction Excavation and fill projects
• Ecology now requires electronic SEPA document submittal for Register
• SEPA Listserv - Join the SEPA Listserv to get training and other SEPA news from Ecology.

SEPA Workshops and Training 

• Previous SEPA training handouts

SEPA Register

(The register is a web based searching for all records since year 2000 plus information on how to submit SEPA documents to Ecology)

Guidance documents:

• SEPA Subject Index (Word doc)
• Frequently Asked Questions about SEPA
• SEPA Handbook - guidance for agency staff
• Summary of 2009-2010 SEPA-related legislation
• Read the Ten Years' Experience with SEPA Report
• Checklist guidance for Impacts to Agriculture Lands
• SEPA Guide for Project Applicants
• SEPA Guide for Citizens
• Focus Sheet on The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Reviews and TMDLS
• Historic and cultural preservation guidance and examples
• Background on SEPA and Climate Change

SEPA, SEPA Rules, and related information:

• SEPA, RCW 43.21C
• SEPA Rules, WAC 197-11
• Model Ordinance, WAC 173-806
• Previous SEPA Rule revisions

 SEPA Unit Contact Information:

email: sepahelp@ecy.wa.gov

SEPA Unit
PO Box 47703
Olympia WA 98504-7703
(360) 407-6922