Spills > Rules > Chapter 173-183

Chapter 173–183 WAC - Pre-assessment screening and oil spill compensation schedule regulations

On March 10, 2009, Ecology amended the preassessment screening and oil spill compensation schedule regulations (Chapter 173-183 WAC) to change the natural resource damage liability formula multipliers, and multiplier descriptions, for calculation of damages from oil spills into marine and estuarine waters, the Columbia River estuary, freshwater wetlands, and freshwater streams, rivers, and lakes.

In May 2007, the Legislature raised the upper limit of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) compensation range in RCW 90.48.366 from $50 to $100 per gallon of oil spilled. Formula multipliers in Chapter 173-183 WAC, sections 830, 840, 850, and 860 were mathematically incapable of achieving the full range of compensation ($1 to $100 dollars per gallon of oil spilled into waters of the state) required in state law. This rule amended the natural resource damage liability formula multipliers for calculation of damages from oil spills into marine and estuarine waters, the Columbia River estuary, freshwater wetlands, and freshwater streams, rivers, and lakes, so that the full range of compensation provided in RCW 90.48.366 could be realized. Multiplier descriptions also changed showing new multiplier and the increased ceiling limit values.

This rule becomes effective on April 10, 2009.

RULE INFORMATION

Pre-proposal Inquiry (CR-101)

Proposed Rule Making (CR-102)

Rule Proposal Notice

Proposed Rule Text - WAC 173-183

Public Hearing Schedule

Rule Adoption Notice

Implementation Plan

Concise Explanatory Statement and Responsiveness Summary

Adopted Rule Text - WAC 173-183

Rule-Making Order (CR 103)

For more information on this rule please contact Ecology.

• Phone: (360) 407-7202
• Email: spillsrulemaking@ecy.wa.gov
• Mail comments to:

Department of Ecology
Attn: Spills Rules Coordinator
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600