Regulatory Integration

Ecology is working with other local, state, and federal agencies to better integrate and align permitting and regulatory processes. To do this we are creating multi-agency permitting teams that will work together to make sure the different agency’s requirements and processes do not conflict with one another.

The idea for creating multi-agency teams came from a project where we worked with the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Transportation Permit Efficiency and Accountability Committee to streamline the process and requirements for higher volume and more routine transportation activities. This collaborative effort made it possible for the team to develop and implement improvements that provide value to all of the agencies involved and to the environment. See the work model used by the TPEAC.

Ecology will continue to partner with other government agencies (working under the framework of the Governor's Office of Regulatory Assistance (ORA) and the Executive Order on Regulatory Improvement) to promote the use of proven multi-agency solutions:

Multi-Agency Permit Processes: Ecology and ORA worked with Douglas County, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the US Army Corps of Engineers in the Winter and Spring of 2006 to develop an integrated multi-agency approach for permits to install residential docks, bulkheads, and mooring buoys on the Columbia River. We will continue to work with ORA and other government agencies to identify and apply this approach to more of the state's environmental permit processes.
Multi-Agency Permitting (MAP) Teams: The purpose of a MAP team is to move the permit decision-making process forward in a more integrated and structured way that focuses on better end results.

Ecology and ORA have hired a coordinator to set-up and lead a second multi-agency permitting team. This team will focus on infrastructure and public works projects in Snohomish County. This Team will be modeled after the multi-agency permitting team developed for state transportation projects.
Governor’s Business Portal: Ecology is working with ORA, other permitting agencies, and the business communities to design, develop, and implement improved business processes. We are also collaborating on the Business Web Portal designed for businesses and individuals who need to apply for licenses and permits or pay fees and taxes. The Business Portal is a key initiative of Governor Gregoire and another example of using web technology to improve services to businesses and customers of government.
- E-Permitting Web site: ORA launched the One Stop E-Permitting Service in July 2006. Currently, the site provides information about environmental permits that fall under the Joint Aquatic Resource Permit Application process.