Regulatory Assistance > Ecology Transportation Liaisons

Ecology Transportation Liaisons

The Transportation Liaisons are a team of Ecology staff whose job is to safeguard Washington's environment during the construction of state highway projects. The group works with several state and federal agencies, including the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries), and local governments to ensure proper care is taken during project activity. Serving as a point of contact within Ecology for WSDOT staff helps keep projects moving forward and assists both agencies’ staff with transportation permitting questions.

State and Federal Permitting

It is the task of the Transportation Liaisons to prepare Water Quality Certificationsunder Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. These certifications are conditioned to ensure that transportation projects are designed and constructed in accordance with state and federal water quality regulations.

Agency Coordination for Better Environmental Results

Early coordination with WSDOT ensures that transportation projects are designed to meet environmental requirements during and after construction. Stormwater runoff, wetland protection and mitigation, and in-water work are all issues addressed by the Liaison Team.