Help/Assistance

For assistance information and materials please visit https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Dam-safety-permit.

Other sources of help, information, and references:

Subject matter expert contact information:

Contacts vary by location, see notes/comments for link to contacts.

Dam Construction Permit

Description/Purpose

Dam construction permits ensure safety of life and property.

Triggers and activities which would require this permit

A Dam Safety Construction Permit is required before constructing, modifying, or repairing any dam or controlling works for storage of 10 or more acre-feet of water, liquid waste, or mine tailings. This requirement may apply to dams and storage lagoons for:

  • Flood control. 
  • Domestic or irrigation water. 
  • Domestic, industrial, or agricultural wastes (including animal waste). 
  • Mine tailings.
Explanation/Description of costs/fees, including statutory, regulatory, or other legal authority for fees

There is a $1,977 initial fee at the time of application, with the exception of dam removal. The dam removal fee is $10. Excluding the dam removal permit, the fees range from $1,977 to $98,532 depending on the size of the project. The fee is calculated based on height and crest length of the dam. The complete fee schedule is contained in WAC 173-175-360.

The $1,977 initial fee counts toward the permit fee.

Application Information

The application is called 'Application for Dam Construction Permit' is online and can be accessed at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/summarypages/ecy07038.html.

The applicant must submit plans and specifications to Ecology for review and approval. These must be prepared by a qualified professional engineer registered in Washington state and carry the engineer's signature and seal.  This must be done when the first substantive engineering information about the proposed project becomes available, usually when the conceptual plans are completed. Include the initial fee ($1,977) with the application form.

A number of other permits and approvals are often required at the local, state, and federal levels for the construction of a dam. Contact the Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance for more information (800) 917-0043 or help@oria.wa.gov.

The application, fee, and supporting engineering documentation should be sent to:

   The Department of Ecology
   Cashiering Unit
   PO Box 47611
   Olympia WA 98504-7611

Indefinite.

Any person with standing has a right to appeal this permit to the Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB) within 30 days of the date of receipt of this permit. The appeal process is governed by Chapter 43.21B RCW and Chapter 371-08 WAC. “Date of receipt” is defined in RCW 43.21B.001(2).

You must also comply with other applicable requirements in Chapter 43.21B RCW and Chapter 371-08 WAC.

Read the Pollution Control Board’s Appeal Process web page for more details.

Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average days from Receipt to Complete: 81
Maximum days from Receipt to Complete: 201

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average days from Complete Application to Decision: 14
Maximum days from Complete Application to Decision: 36


(Summary results based on 7 submittals in 2024)

Legal authority
Notes / Comments

Subject Matter Expert Phone & Email: Contacts

A number of other permits and approvals are often required at the local, state, and federal levels for the construction of a dam. Contact the Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance for more information at (800) 917-0043 or help@oria.wa.go.

Contacts
Department of Ecology
Water Resources Program
Headquarters
300 Desmond Drive
PO Box 47600
Olympia WA 98504-7600
Website: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Our-Programs/Water-Resources
Fax: (360) 407-7162
Telephone: (360) 407-6872
Triggering Questions
  • Will you construct, modify, or repair any dam or controlling works for storage of 10 or more acre-feet of water, waste, or mine tailings?
* Credential details last updated 8/14/2023
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