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Water Quality Standards for
Surface Waters of the
State of Washington
Chapter 173-201A WAC
Adopted August 1, 2016
Revised March 2017
Publication no. 06-10-091
Publication and Contact Information
This report is available on the Department of Ecology’s website at
https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/0610091.html
For more information contact:
Water Quality Program
Watershed Management Section
P.O. Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
Phone: 360-407-6600
Washington State Department of Ecology - www.ecy.wa.gov
• Headquarters, Olympia 360-407-6000
• Northwest Regional Office, Bellevue 425-649-7000
• Southwest Regional Office, Olympia 360-407-6300
• Central Regional Office, Yakima 509-575-2490
• Eastern Regional Office, Spokane 509-329-3400
Disclaimer Notice: This document does not represent the official version of the Water Quality
Standards for Surface Waters of the State of Washington Chapter 173-201A WAC. This
document was produced from the official version of the regulation maintained by the Office of
the Code Reviser in a computer database. If there are any conflicts between the language
contained in this document and the language contained in the official version of the regulation
maintained by the Office of the Code Reviser, the language contained in the official version shall
govern.
To request ADA accommodation including materials in a format for the visually impaired, call
the Water Quality Program at Ecology, 360-407-6600. Persons with impaired hearing may call
Washington Relay Service at 711. Persons with speech disability may call TTY at 877-833-
6341.
Water Quality Standards for Surface
Waters of the State of Washington
Chapter 173-201A WAC
Adopted August 1, 2016
by
Watershed Management Section
Water Quality Program
Washington State Department of Ecology
Olympia, Washington
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Chapter 173-201A WAC
Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters of
the State of Washington
Last Update: 8/1/16
WAC Sections
PART I - INTRODUCTION
173-201A-010 Purpose.
173-201A-020 Definitions.
PART II - DESIGNATED USES AND CRITERIA
173-201A-200 Fresh water designated uses and criteria.
173-201A-210 Marine water designated uses and criteria.
173-201A-230 Establishing lake nutrient criteria.
173-201A-240 Toxic substances.
173-201A-250 Radioactive substances.
173-201A-260 Natural conditions and other water quality criteria and applications.
PART III - ANTIDEGRADATION
173-201A-300 Description.
173-201A-310 Tier I -- Protection and maintenance of existing and designated uses.
173-201A-320 Tier II -- Protection of waters of higher quality than the standards.
173-201A-330 Tier III -- Protection of outstanding resource waters.
PART IV - TOOLS FOR APPLICATION OF CRITERIA AND USES
173-201A-400 Mixing zones.
173-201A-410 Short-term modifications.
173-201A-420 Variance.
173-201A-430 Site-specific criteria.
173-201A-440 Use attainability analysis.
173-201A-450 Water quality offsets.
173-201A-460 Intake credits
PART V - IMPLEMENTATION OF STANDARDS
173-201A-500 Achievement considerations.
173-201A-510 Means of implementation.
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173-201A-520 Monitoring and compliance.
173-201A-530 Enforcement.
PART VI - USE DESIGNATIONS FOR WATERS OF THE STATE
173-201A-600 Use designations -- Fresh waters.
173-201A-602 Table 602 -- Use designations for fresh waters by water resource inventory
area (WRIA).
173-201A-610 Use designations -- Marine waters.
173-201A-612 Table 612 -- Use designations for marine waters.
DISPOSITIONS OF SECTIONS FORMERLY CODIFIED IN THIS CHAPTER
173-201A-030 General water use and criteria classes. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW and 40 C.F.R. 131. WSR 97-23-064
(Order 94-19), § 173-201A-030, filed 11/18/97, effective 12/19/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-
037 (Order 92-29), § 173-201A-030, filed 11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.] Repealed by WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), filed
7/1/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW.
173-201A-040 Toxic substances. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW and 40 C.F.R. 131. WSR 97-23-064 (Order 94-19), § 173-
201A-040, filed 11/18/97, effective 12/19/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-037 (Order 92-29), §
173-201A-040, filed 11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.] Amended and decodified by WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), filed
7/1/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. Recodified as § 173-201A-240.
173-201A-050 Radioactive substances. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW and 40 C.F.R. 131. WSR 97-23-064 (Order 94-19), §
173-201A-050, filed 11/18/97, effective 12/19/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-037 (Order 92-
29), § 173-201A-050, filed 11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.] Decodified by WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), filed 7/1/03,
effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. Recodified as § 173-201A-250.
173-201A-060 General considerations. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW and 40 C.F.R. 131. WSR 97-23-064 (Order 94-19), §
173-201A-060, filed 11/18/97, effective 12/19/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-037 (Order 92-
29), § 173-201A-060, filed 11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.] Repealed by WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), filed 7/1/03,
effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW.
173-201A-070 Antidegradation. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-037 (Order 92-29), § 173-201A-070, filed
11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.] Repealed by WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory
Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW.
173-201A-080 Outstanding resource waters. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-037 (Order 92-29), § 173-201A-080,
filed 11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.] Repealed by WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory
Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW.
173-201A-100 Mixing zones. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-037 (Order 92-29), § 173-201A-100, filed 11/25/92,
effective 12/26/92.] Amended and decodified by WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory
Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. Recodified as § 173-201A-400.
173-201A-110 Short-term modifications. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW and 40 C.F.R. 131. WSR 97-23-064 (Order 94-19), §
173-201A-110, filed 11/18/97, effective 12/19/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-037 (Order 92-
29), § 173-201A-110, filed 11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.] Amended and decodified by WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14),
filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. Recodified as § 173-201A-410.
173-201A-120 General classifications. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-037 (Order 92-29), § 173-201A-120, filed
11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.] Repealed by WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory
Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW.
173-201A-130 Specific classifications—Freshwater. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW and 40 C.F.R. 131. WSR 97-23-064
(Order 94-19), § 173-201A-130, filed 11/18/97, effective 12/19/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-
037 (Order 92-29), § 173-201A-130, filed 11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.] Repealed by WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), filed
7/1/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW.
173-201A-140 Specific classifications—Marine water. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW and 40 C.F.R. 131. WSR 97-23-064
(Order 94-19), § 173-201A-140, filed 11/18/97, effective 12/19/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-
037 (Order 92-29), § 173-201A-140, filed 11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.] Repealed by WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), filed
7/1/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW.
173-201A-150 Achievement considerations. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-037 (Order 92-29), § 173-201A-150,
filed 11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.] Decodified by WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory
Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. Recodified as § 173-201A-500.
173-201A-160 Implementation. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW and 40 C.F.R. 131. WSR 97-23-064 (Order 94-19), § 173-
201A-160, filed 11/18/97, effective 12/19/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-037 (Order 92-29), §
173-201A-160, filed 11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.] Amended and decodified by WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), filed
7/1/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. Recodified as § 173-201A-510.
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173-201A-170 Surveillance. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-037 (Order 92-29), § 173-201A-170, filed 11/25/92,
effective 12/26/92.] Amended and decodified by WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory
Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. Recodified as § 173-201A-520.
173-201A-180 Enforcement. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-037 (Order 92-29), § 173-201A-180, filed 11/25/92,
effective 12/26/92.] Decodified by WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority:
Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. Recodified as § 173-201A-530.
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Part I Introduction
173-201A-010
Purpose.
(1) The purpose of this chapter is to establish water quality standards for surface waters of the
state of Washington consistent with public health and public enjoyment of the waters and the
propagation and protection of fish, shellfish, and wildlife, pursuant to the provisions of chapter
90.48 RCW. All actions must comply with this chapter. As part of this chapter:
(a) All surface waters are protected by numeric and narrative criteria, designated uses,
and an antidegradation policy.
(b) Based on the use designations, numeric and narrative criteria are assigned to a
water body to protect the existing and designated uses.
(c) Where multiple criteria for the same water quality parameter are assigned to a water
body to protect different uses, the most stringent criteria for each parameter is to be
applied.
(2) Surface waters of the state include lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, inland waters, saltwaters,
wetlands, and all other surface waters and water courses within the jurisdiction of the state of
Washington.
(3) This chapter will be reviewed periodically by the department and appropriate revisions will
be undertaken.
(4) WAC 173-201A-200 through 173-201A-260 and 173-201A-600 through 173-201A-612
describe the designated water uses and criteria for the state of Washington. These criteria were
established based on existing and potential water uses of the surface waters of the state.
Consideration was also given to both the natural water quality potential and its limitations.
Compliance with the surface water quality standards of the state of Washington requires
compliance with chapter 173-201A WAC, Water quality standards for surface waters of the state
of Washington, chapter 173-204 WAC, Sediment management standards, and applicable
federal rules.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 11-09-090 (Order 10-10), § 173-201A-010, filed 4/20/11, effective 5/21/11. Statutory Authority:
Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), § 173-201A-010, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: Chapter
90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-037 (Order 92-29), § 173-201A-010, filed 11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.]
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173-201A-020
Definitions.
The following definitions are intended to facilitate the use of chapter 173-201A WAC:
"1-DMax" or "1-day maximum temperature" is the highest water temperature reached on any
given day. This measure can be obtained using calibrated maximum/minimum thermometers or
continuous monitoring probes having sampling intervals of thirty minutes or less.
"7-DADMax" or "7-day average of the daily maximum temperatures" is the arithmetic
average of seven consecutive measures of daily maximum temperatures. The 7-DADMax for
any individual day is calculated by averaging that day's daily maximum temperature with the
daily maximum temperatures of the three days prior and the three days after that date.
"Action value" means a total phosphorus (TP) value established at the upper limit of the
trophic states in each ecoregion (see Table 230(1)). Exceedance of an action value indicates
that a problem is suspected. A lake-specific study may be needed to confirm if a nutrient
problem exists.
"Actions" refers broadly to any human projects or activities.
"Acute conditions" are changes in the physical, chemical, or biologic environment which are
expected or demonstrated to result in injury or death to an organism as a result of short-term
exposure to the substance or detrimental environmental condition.
"AKART" is an acronym for "all known, available, and reasonable methods of prevention,
control, and treatment.” AKART shall represent the most current methodology that can be
reasonably required for preventing, controlling, or abating the pollutants associated with a
discharge. The concept of AKART applies to both point and nonpoint sources of pollution. The
term "best management practices," typically applied to nonpoint source pollution controls is
considered a subset of the AKART requirement.
"Background" means the biological, chemical, and physical conditions of a water body, outside
the area of influence of the discharge under consideration. Background sampling locations in
an enforcement action would be up-gradient or outside the area of influence of the discharge. If
several discharges to any water body exist, and enforcement action is being taken for possible
violations to the standards, background sampling would be undertaken immediately up-gradient
from each discharge.
"Best management practices (BMP)" means physical, structural, and/or managerial practices
approved by the department that, when used singularly or in combination, prevent or reduce
pollutant discharges.
"Biological assessment" is an evaluation of the biological condition of a water body using
surveys of aquatic community structure and function and other direct measurements of resident
biota in surface waters.
"Bog" means those wetlands that are acidic, peat forming, and whose primary water source is
precipitation, with little, if any, outflow.
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"Carcinogen" means any substance or agent that produces or tends to produce cancer in
humans. For implementation of this chapter, the term carcinogen will apply to substances on
the United States Environmental Protection Agency lists of A (known human) and B (probable
human) carcinogens, and any substance which causes a significant increased incidence of
benign or malignant tumors in a single, well conducted animal bioassay, consistent with the
weight of evidence approach specified in the United States Environmental Protection Agency's
Guidelines for Carcinogenic Risk Assessment as set forth in 51 FR 33992 et seq. as presently
published or as subsequently amended or republished.
"Chronic conditions" are changes in the physical, chemical, or biologic environment which are
expected or demonstrated to result in injury or death to an organism as a result of repeated or
constant exposure over an extended period of time to a substance or detrimental environmental
condition.
"Combined sewer overflow (CSO) treatment plant" is a facility that provides at-site treatment
as provided for in chapter 173-245 WAC. A CSO treatment plant is a specific facility identified
in a department-approved CSO reduction plan (long-term control plan) that is designed,
operated and controlled by a municipal utility to capture and treat excess combined sanitary
sewage and stormwater from a combined sewer system.
"Compliance schedule" or "schedule of compliance" is a schedule of remedial measures
included in a permit or an order, including an enforceable sequence of interim requirements (for
example, actions, operations, or milestone events) leading to compliance with an effluent limit,
other prohibition, or standard.
"Created wetlands" means those wetlands intentionally created from nonwetland sites to
produce or replace natural wetland habitat.
"Critical condition" is when the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the
receiving water environment interact with the effluent to produce the greatest potential adverse
impact on aquatic biota and existing or designated water uses. For steady-state discharges to
riverine systems the critical condition may be assumed to be equal to the 7Q10 flow event
unless determined otherwise by the department.
"Damage to the ecosystem" means any demonstrated or predicted stress to aquatic or
terrestrial organisms or communities of organisms which the department reasonably concludes
may interfere in the health or survival success or natural structure of such populations. This
stress may be due to, but is not limited to, alteration in habitat or changes in water temperature,
chemistry, or turbidity, and shall consider the potential build up of discharge constituents or
temporal increases in habitat alteration which may create such stress in the long term.
"Department" means the state of Washington department of ecology.
"Designated uses" are those uses specified in this chapter for each water body or segment,
regardless of whether or not the uses are currently attained.
"Director" means the director of the state of Washington department of ecology.
"Drainage ditch" means that portion of a designed and constructed conveyance system that
serves the purpose of transporting surplus water; this may include natural water courses or
channels incorporated in the system design, but does not include the area adjacent to the water
course or channel.
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"Ecoregions" are defined using EPAs Ecoregions of the Pacific Northwest Document No.
600/3-86/033 July 1986 by Omernik and Gallant.
"Enterococci" refers to a subgroup of fecal streptococci that includes S. faecalis, S. faecium,
S. gallinarum, and S. avium. The enterococci are differentiated from other streptococci by their
ability to grow in 6.5% sodium chloride, at pH 9.6, and at 10°C and 45°C.
"E. coli" or "Escherichia coli" is an aerobic and facultative gram negative nonspore forming
rod shaped bacterium that can grow at 44.5 degrees Celsius that is ortho-nitrophenyl-B-D-
galactopyranoside (ONPG) positive and Methylumbelliferyl glucuronide (MUG) positive.
"Existing uses" means those uses actually attained in fresh or marine waters on or after
November 28, 1975, whether or not they are designated uses. Introduced species that are not
native to Washington, and put-and-take fisheries comprised of nonself-replicating introduced
native species, do not need to receive full support as an existing use.
"Extraordinary primary contact" means waters providing extraordinary protection against
waterborne disease or that serve as tributaries to extraordinary quality shellfish harvesting
areas.
"Fecal coliform" means that portion of the coliform group which is present in the intestinal
tracts and feces of warm-blooded animals as detected by the product of acid or gas from
lactose in a suitable culture medium within twenty-four hours at 44.5 plus or minus 0.2 degrees
Celsius.
"Geometric mean" means either the nth root of a product of n factors, or the antilogarithm of
the arithmetic mean of the logarithms of the individual sample values.
"Ground water exchange" means the discharge and recharge of ground water to a surface
water. Discharge is inflow from an aquifer, seeps or springs that increases the available supply
of surface water. Recharge is outflow downgradient to an aquifer or downstream to surface
water for base flow maintenance. Exchange may include ground water discharge in one season
followed by recharge later in the year.
"Hardness" means a measure of the calcium and magnesium salts present in water. For
purposes of this chapter, hardness is measured in milligrams per liter and expressed as calcium
carbonate (CaCO3).
"Intake credit" is a procedure for establishing effluent limits that takes into account the amount
of a pollutant that is present in waters of the state, at the time water is removed from the same
body of water by the discharger or other facility supplying the discharger with intake water.
"Irrigation ditch" means that portion of a designed and constructed conveyance system that
serves the purpose of transporting irrigation water from its supply source to its place of use; this
may include natural water courses or channels incorporated in the system design, but does not
include the area adjacent to the water course or channel.
"Lakes" shall be distinguished from riverine systems as being water bodies, including
reservoirs, with a mean detention time of greater than fifteen days.
"Lake-specific study" means a study intended to quantify existing nutrient concentrations,
determine existing characteristic uses for lake class waters, and potential lake uses. The study
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determines how to protect these uses and if any uses are lost or impaired because of nutrients,
algae, or aquatic plants. An appropriate study must recommend a criterion for total phosphorus
(TP), total nitrogen (TN) in µg/l, or other nutrient that impairs characteristic uses by causing
excessive algae blooms or aquatic plant growth.
"Mean detention time" means the time obtained by dividing a reservoir's mean annual
minimum total storage by the thirty-day ten-year low-flow from the reservoir.
"Migration or translocation" means any natural movement of an organism or community of
organisms from one locality to another locality.
"Mixing zone" means that portion of a water body adjacent to an effluent outfall where mixing
results in the dilution of the effluent with the receiving water. Water quality criteria may be
exceeded in a mixing zone as conditioned and provided for in WAC 173-201A-400.
"Natural conditions" or "natural background levels" means surface water quality that was
present before any human-caused pollution. When estimating natural conditions in the
headwaters of a disturbed watershed it may be necessary to use the less disturbed conditions
of a neighboring or similar watershed as a reference condition. (See also WAC 173-201A-
260(1).)
"New or expanded actions" mean human actions that occur or are regulated for the first time,
or human actions expanded such that they result in an increase in pollution, after July 1, 2003,
for the purpose of applying this chapter only.
"Nonpoint source" means pollution that enters any waters of the state from any dispersed
land-based or water-based activities including, but not limited to, atmospheric deposition;
surface water runoff from agricultural lands, urban areas, or forest lands; subsurface or
underground sources; or discharges from boats or marine vessels not otherwise regulated
under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program.
"Permit" means a document issued pursuant to chapter 90.48 RCW specifying the waste
treatment and control requirements and waste discharge conditions.
"pH" means the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration.
"Pollution" means such contamination, or other alteration of the physical, chemical, or
biological properties, of any waters of the state, including change in temperature, taste, color,
turbidity, or odor of the waters, or such discharge of any liquid, gaseous, solid, radioactive, or
other substance into any waters of the state as will or is likely to create a nuisance or render
such waters harmful, detrimental, or injurious to the public health, safety, or welfare, or to
domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, or other legitimate beneficial uses, or
to livestock, wild animals, birds, fish, or other aquatic life.
"Primary contact recreation" means activities where a person would have direct contact with
water to the point of complete submergence including, but not limited to, skin diving, swimming,
and water skiing.
"Secondary contact recreation" means activities where a person's water contact would be
limited (e.g., wading or fishing) to the extent that bacterial infections of eyes, ears, respiratory or
digestive systems, or urogenital areas would normally be avoided.
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"Shoreline stabilization" means the anchoring of soil at the water's edge, or in shallow water,
by fibrous plant root complexes; this may include long-term accretion of sediment or peat, along
with shoreline progradation in such areas.
"Stormwater" means that portion of precipitation that does not naturally percolate into the
ground or evaporate, but flows via overland flow, interflow, pipes, and other features of a
stormwater drainage system into a defined surface water body, or a constructed infiltration
facility.
"Stormwater attenuation" means the process by which peak flows from precipitation are
reduced and runoff velocities are slowed as a result of passing through a surface water body.
"Surface waters of the state" includes lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, inland waters, saltwaters,
wetlands and all other surface waters and water courses within the jurisdiction of the state of
Washington.
"Temperature" means water temperature expressed in degrees Celsius (°C).
"Treatment wetlands" means those wetlands intentionally constructed on nonwetland sites
and managed for the primary purpose of wastewater or stormwater treatment. Treatment
wetlands are considered part of a collection and treatment system, and generally are not subject
to the criteria of this chapter.
"Trophic state" means a classification of the productivity of a lake ecosystem. Lake
productivity depends on the amount of biologically available nutrients in water and sediments
and may be based on total phosphorus (TP). Secchi depth and chlorophyll-a measurements
may be used to improve the trophic state classification of a lake. Trophic states used in this rule
include, from least to most nutrient rich, ultra-oligotrophic, oligotrophic, lower mesotrophic,
upper mesotrophic, and eutrophic.
"Turbidity" means the clarity of water expressed as nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) and
measured with a calibrated turbidimeter.
"Upwelling" means the natural process along Washington's Pacific Coast where the summer
prevailing northerly winds produce a seaward transport of surface water. Cold, deeper more
saline waters rich in nutrients and low in dissolved oxygen, rise to replace the surface water.
The cold oxygen deficient water enters Puget Sound and other coastal estuaries at depth where
it displaces the existing deep water and eventually rises to replace the surface water. Such
surface water replacement results in an overall increase in salinity and nutrients accompanied
by a depression in dissolved oxygen. Localized upwelling of the deeper water of Puget Sound
can occur year-round under influence of tidal currents, winds, and geomorphic features.
"USEPA" means the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
"Variance" is a time-limited designated use and criterion as defined in 40 C.F.R. 131.3, and
must be adopted by rule.
"Wetlands" means areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or ground water at a
frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a
prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands
generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. Wetlands do not include those
artificial wetlands intentionally created from nonwetland sites including, but not limited to,
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irrigation and drainage ditches, grass-lined swales, canals, detention facilities, wastewater
treatment facilities, farm ponds, and landscape amenities, or those wetlands created after July
1, 1990, that were unintentionally created as a result of the construction of a road, street, or
highway. Wetlands may include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from nonwetland
areas to mitigate the conversion of wetlands. (Water bodies not included in the definition of
wetlands as well as those mentioned in the definition are still waters of the state.)
"Wildlife habitat" means waters of the state used by, or that directly or indirectly provide food
support to, fish, other aquatic life, and wildlife for any life history stage or activity.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035, 90.48.605 and section 303(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act), C.F.R. 40,
C.F.R. 131. WSR 16-16-095 (Order 12-03), § 173-201A-020, filed 8/1/16, effective 9/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 11-09-
090 (Order 10-10), § 173-201A-020, filed 4/20/11, effective 5/21/11. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. WSR 03-14-129
(Order 02-14), § 173-201A-020, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW and 40 C.F.R. 131. WSR 97-23-064
(Order 94-19), § 173-201A-020, filed 11/18/97, effective 12/19/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-037 (Order 92-29), §
173-201A-020, filed 11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.]
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Part II – Designated Uses and Criteria
173-201A-200
Fresh water designated uses and criteria.
The following uses are designated for protection in fresh surface waters of the state. Use
designations for water bodies are listed in WAC 173-201A-600 and 173-201A-602.
(1) Aquatic life uses. Aquatic life uses are designated based on the presence of, or the intent
to provide protection for, the key uses identified in (a) of this subsection. It is required that all
indigenous fish and nonfish aquatic species be protected in waters of the state in addition to the
key species described below.
(a) The categories for aquatic life uses are:
(i) Char spawning and rearing. The key identifying characteristics of this use
are spawning or early juvenile rearing by native char (bull trout and Dolly
Varden), or use by other aquatic species similarly dependent on such cold water.
Other common characteristic aquatic life uses for waters in this category include
summer foraging and migration of native char; and spawning, rearing, and
migration by other salmonid species.
(ii) Core summer salmonid habitat. The key identifying characteristics of this
use are summer (June 15 - September 15) salmonid spawning or emergence, or
adult holding; use as important summer rearing habitat by one or more
salmonids; or foraging by adult and subadult native char. Other common
characteristic aquatic life uses for waters in this category include spawning
outside of the summer season, rearing, and migration by salmonids.
(iii) Salmonid spawning, rearing, and migration. The key identifying
characteristic of this use is salmon or trout spawning and emergence that only
occurs outside of the summer season (September 16 - June 14). Other common
characteristic aquatic life uses for waters in this category include rearing and
migration by salmonids.
(iv) Salmonid rearing and migration only. The key identifying characteristic of
this use is use only for rearing or migration by salmonids (not used for spawning).
(v) Non-anadromous interior redband trout. For the protection of waters
where the only trout species is a non-anadromous form of self-reproducing
interior redband trout (O. mykis), and other associated aquatic life.
(vi) Indigenous warm water species. For the protection of waters where the
dominant species under natural conditions would be temperature tolerant
indigenous nonsalmonid species. Examples include dace, redside shiner,
chiselmouth, sucker, and northern pikeminnow.
(b) General criteria. General criteria that apply to all aquatic life fresh water uses are
described in WAC 173-201A-260 (2)(a) and (b), and are for:
Page 10
(i) Toxic, radioactive, and deleterious materials; and
(ii) Aesthetic values.
(c) Aquatic life temperature criteria. Except where noted, water temperature is
measured by the 7-day average of the daily maximum temperatures (7-DADMax). Table
200 (1)(c) lists the temperature criteria for each of the aquatic life use categories.
Table 200 (1)(c)
Aquatic Life Temperature Criteria in Fresh Water
Category Highest 7-DADMax
Char Spawning and Rearing* 12°C (53.6°F)
Core Summer Salmonid Habitat* 16°C (60.8°F)
Salmonid Spawning, Rearing, and Migration* 17.5°C (63.5°F)
Salmonid Rearing and Migration Only 17.5°C (63.5°F)
Non-anadromous Interior Redband Trout 18°C (64.4°F)
Indigenous Warm Water Species 20°C (68°F)
*Note: Some streams have a more stringent temperature criterion that is
applied seasonally to further protect salmonid spawning and egg
incubation. See (c)(B)(iv) of this subsection.
(i) When a water body's temperature is warmer than the criteria in Table 200
(1)(c) (or within 0.3°C (0.54°F) of the criteria) and that condition is due to natural
conditions, then human actions considered cumulatively may not cause the 7-
DADMax temperature of that water body to increase more than 0.3°C (0.54°F).
(ii) When the background condition of the water is cooler than the criteria in
Table 200 (1)(c), the allowable rate of warming up to, but not exceeding, the
numeric criteria from human actions is restricted as follows:
(A) Incremental temperature increases resulting from individual point
source activities must not, at any time, exceed 28/(T+7) as measured at
the edge of a mixing zone boundary (where "T" represents the
background temperature as measured at a point or points unaffected by
the discharge and representative of the highest ambient water
temperature in the vicinity of the discharge); and
(B) Incremental temperature increases resulting from the combined effect
of all nonpoint source activities in the water body must not, at any time,
exceed 2.8°C (5.04°F).
(iii) Temperatures are not to exceed the criteria at a probability frequency of
more than once every ten years on average.
(iv) Spawning and incubation protection. The department has identified
waterbodies, or portions thereof, which require special protection for spawning
and incubation in ecology publication 06-10-038 revised January 2011(also
available on ecology's web site at www.ecy.wa.gov). This publication indicates
where and when the following criteria are to be applied to protect the
Page 11
reproduction of native char, salmon, and trout:
• Maximum 7-DADMax temperatures of 9°C (48.2°F) at the initiation of
spawning and at fry emergence for char; and
• Maximum 7-DADMax temperatures of 13°C (55.4°F) at the initiation of
spawning for salmon and at fry emergence for salmon and trout.
The two criteria above are protective of incubation as long as human
actions do not significantly disrupt the normal patterns of fall cooling and
spring warming that provide significantly colder temperatures over the
majority of the incubation period.
(v) For lakes, human actions considered cumulatively may not increase the
7-DADMax temperature more than 0.3°C (0.54°F) above natural conditions.
(vi) Temperature measurements should be taken to represent the dominant
aquatic habitat of the monitoring site. This typically means samples should:
(A) Be taken from well mixed portions of rivers and streams; and
(B) Not be taken from shallow stagnant backwater areas, within isolated
thermal refuges, at the surface, or at the water's edge.
(vii) The department will incorporate the following guidelines on preventing acute
lethality and barriers to migration of salmonids into determinations of compliance
with the narrative requirements for use protection established in this chapter
(e.g., WAC 173-201A-310(1), 173-201A-400(4), and 173-201A-410 (1)(c)). The
following site-level considerations do not, however, override the temperature
criteria established for waters in subsection (1)(c) of this section or WAC 173-
201A-600 through 173-201A-602:
(A) Moderately acclimated (16-20°C, or 60.8-68°F) adult and juvenile
salmonids will generally be protected from acute lethality by discrete
human actions maintaining the 7-DADMax temperature at or below 22°C
(71.6°F) and the 1-day maximum (1-DMax) temperature at or below 23°C
(73.4°F).
(B) Lethality to developing fish embryos can be expected to occur at a 1-
DMax temperature greater than 17.5°C (63.5°F).
(C) To protect aquatic organisms, discharge plume temperatures must
be maintained such that fish could not be entrained (based on plume time
of travel) for more than two seconds at temperatures above 33°C (91.4°F)
to avoid creating areas that will cause near instantaneous lethality.
(D) Barriers to adult salmonid migration are assumed to exist any time
the 1-DMax temperature is greater than 22°C (71.6°F) and the adjacent
downstream water temperatures are 3°C (5.4°F) or more cooler.
(viii) Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to prohibit the establishment of
effluent limitations for the control of the thermal component of any discharge in
Page 12
accordance with 33 U.S.C. 1326 (commonly known as section 316 of the Clean
Water Act).
(d) Aquatic life dissolved oxygen (D.O.) criteria. The D.O. criteria are measured in
milligrams per liter (mg/L). Table 200 (1)(d) lists the 1-day minimum D.O. for each of the
aquatic life use categories.
Table 200 (1)(d)
Aquatic Life Dissolved Oxygen Criteria in Fresh Water
Category
Lowest 1-Day
Minimum
Char Spawning and Rearing 9.5 mg/L
Core Summer Salmonid Habitat 9.5 mg/L
Salmonid Spawning, Rearing, and Migration 8.0 mg/L
Salmonid Rearing and Migration Only 6.5 mg/L
Non-anadromous Interior Redband Trout 8.0 mg/L
Indigenous Warm Water Species 6.5 mg/L
(i) When a water body's D.O. is lower than the criteria in Table 200 (1)(d) (or
within 0.2 mg/L of the criteria) and that condition is due to natural conditions, then
human actions considered cumulatively may not cause the D.O. of that water
body to decrease more than 0.2 mg/L.
(ii) For lakes, human actions considered cumulatively may not decrease the
dissolved oxygen concentration more than 0.2 mg/L below natural conditions.
(iii) Concentrations of D.O. are not to fall below the criteria in the table at a
probability frequency of more than once every ten years on average.
(iv) D.O. measurements should be taken to represent the dominant aquatic
habitat of the monitoring site. This typically means samples should:
(A) Be taken from well mixed portions of rivers and streams; and
(B) Not be taken from shallow stagnant backwater areas, within isolated
thermal refuges, at the surface, or at the water's edge.
(e) Aquatic life turbidity criteria. Turbidity is measured in "nephelometric turbidity
units" or "NTUs.” Table 200 (1)(e) lists the maximum turbidity criteria for each of the
aquatic life use categories.
Page 13
Table 200 (1)(e)
Aquatic Life Turbidity Criteria in Fresh Water
Category NTUs
Char Spawning and Rearing
Turbidity shall not exceed:
• 5 NTU over background when the background is
50 NTU or less; or
• A 10 percent increase in turbidity when the
background turbidity is more than 50 NTU.
Core Summer Salmonid Habitat Same as above.
Salmonid Spawning, Rearing, and Migration Same as above.
Salmonid Rearing and Migration Only Turbidity shall not exceed:
• 10 NTU over background when the background is
50 NTU or less; or
• A 20 percent increase in turbidity when the
background turbidity is more than 50 NTU.
Non-anadromous Interior Redband Trout Turbidity shall not exceed:
• 5 NTU over background when the background is
50 NTU or less; or
• A 10 percent increase in turbidity when the
background turbidity is more than 50 NTU.
Indigenous Warm Water Species Turbidity shall not exceed:
• 10 NTU over background when the background is
50 NTU or less; or
• A 20 percent increase in turbidity when the
background turbidity is more than 50 NTU.
(i) The turbidity criteria established under WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(e) shall be
modified, without specific written authorization from the department, to allow a
temporary area of mixing during and immediately after necessary in-water
construction activities that result in the disturbance of in-place sediments. This
temporary area of mixing is subject to the constraints of WAC 173-201A-400 (4)
and (6) and can occur only after the activity has received all other necessary
local and state permits and approvals, and after the implementation of
appropriate best management practices to avoid or minimize disturbance of in-
place sediments and exceedances of the turbidity criteria. A temporary area of
mixing shall be as follows:
(A) For waters up to 10 cfs flow at the time of construction, the point of
compliance shall be one hundred feet downstream from the activity
causing the turbidity exceedance.
(B) For waters above 10 cfs up to 100 cfs flow at the time of construction,
the point of compliance shall be two hundred feet downstream of the
activity causing the turbidity exceedance.
Page 14
(C) For waters above 100 cfs flow at the time of construction, the point of
compliance shall be three hundred feet downstream of the activity
causing the turbidity exceedance.
(D) For projects working within or along lakes, ponds, wetlands, or other
nonflowing waters, the point of compliance shall be at a radius of one
hundred fifty feet from the activity causing the turbidity exceedance.
(f) Aquatic life total dissolved gas (TDG) criteria. TDG is measured in percent
saturation. Table 200 (1)(f) lists the maximum TDG criteria for each of the aquatic life
use categories.
Table 200 (1)(f)
Aquatic Life Total Dissolved Gas Criteria in Fresh Water
Category Percent Saturation
Char Spawning and Rearing Total dissolved gas shall not exceed 110
percent of saturation at any point of
sample collection.
Core Summer Salmonid Habitat Same as above.
Salmonid Spawning, Rearing, and Migration Same as above.
Salmonid Rearing and Migration Only Same as above.
Non-anadromous Interior Redband Trout Same as above.
Indigenous Warm Water Species Same as above.
(i) The water quality criteria established in this chapter for TDG shall not apply
when the stream flow exceeds the seven-day, ten-year frequency flood.
(ii) The TDG criteria may be adjusted to aid fish passage over hydroelectric
dams when consistent with a department approved gas abatement plan. This
plan must be accompanied by fisheries management and physical and biological
monitoring plans. The elevated TDG levels are intended to allow increased fish
passage without causing more harm to fish populations than caused by turbine
fish passage. The following special fish passage exemptions for the Snake and
Columbia rivers apply when spilling water at dams is necessary to aid fish
passage:
• TDG must not exceed an average of one hundred fifteen percent as
measured in the forebays of the next downstream dams and must not
exceed an average of one hundred twenty percent as measured in the
tailraces of each dam (these averages are measured as an average of
the twelve highest consecutive hourly readings in any one day, relative to
atmospheric pressure); and
• A maximum TDG one hour average of one hundred twenty-five percent
must not be exceeded during spillage for fish passage.
(g) Aquatic life pH criteria. Measurement of pH is expressed as the negative
logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration. Table 200 (1)(g) lists the pH levels for each
of the aquatic life use categories.
Page 15
Table 200 (1) (g)
Aquatic Life pH Criteria in Fresh Water
Use Category pH Units
Char Spawning and Rearing pH shall be within the range of 6.5 to 8.5, with a human-
caused variation within the above range of less than 0.2
units.
Core Summer Salmonid Habitat Same as above.
Salmonid Spawning, Rearing, and Migration pH shall be within the range of 6.5 to 8.5 with a human-
caused variation within the above range of less than 0.5
units.
Salmonid Rearing and Migration Only Same as above.
Non-anadromous Interior Redband Trout Same as above.
Indigenous Warm Water Species Same as above.
(2) Recreational uses. The recreational uses are extraordinary primary contact recreation,
primary contact recreation, and secondary contact recreation.
(a) General criteria. General criteria that apply to fresh water recreational uses are
described in WAC 173-201A-260 (2)(a) and (b), and are for:
(i) Toxic, radioactive, and deleterious materials; and
(ii) Aesthetic values.
(b) Water contact recreation bacteria criteria. Table 200 (2)(b) lists the bacteria
criteria to protect water contact recreation in fresh waters.
Table 200 (2)(b)
Water Contact Recreation Bacteria Criteria in Fresh Water
Category Bacteria Indicator
Extraordinary Primary Contact
Recreation
Fecal coliform organism levels must not exceed a geometric
mean value of 50 colonies/100 mL, with not more than 10
percent of all samples (or any single sample when less than
ten sample points exist) obtained for calculating the
geometric mean value exceeding 100 colonies/100 mL.
Primary Contact Recreation Fecal coliform organism levels must not exceed a geometric
mean value of 100 colonies /100 mL, with not more than 10
percent of all samples (or any single sample when less than
ten sample points exist) obtained for calculating the
geometric mean value exceeding 200 colonies /100 mL.
Secondary Contact Recreation Fecal coliform organism levels must not exceed a geometric
mean value of 200 colonies/100 mL, with not more than 10
percent of all samples (or any single sample when less than
ten sample points exist) obtained for calculating the
geometric mean value exceeding 400 colonies /100 mL.
(i) When averaging bacteria sample data for comparison to the geometric mean
criteria, it is preferable to average by season and include five or more data
collection events within each period. Averaging of data collected beyond a thirty-
day period, or beyond a specific discharge event under investigation, is not
permitted when such averaging would skew the data set so as to mask
Page 16
noncompliance periods. The period of averaging should not exceed twelve
months, and should have sample collection dates well distributed throughout the
reporting period.
(ii) When determining compliance with the bacteria criteria in or around small
sensitive areas, such as swimming beaches, it is recommended that multiple
samples are taken throughout the area during each visit. Such multiple samples
should be arithmetically averaged together (to reduce concerns with low bias
when the data is later used in calculating a geometric mean) to reduce sample
variability and to create a single representative data point.
(iii) As determined necessary by the department, more stringent bacteria criteria
may be established for rivers and streams that cause, or significantly contribute
to, the decertification or conditional certification of commercial or recreational
shellfish harvest areas, even when the preassigned bacteria criteria for the river
or stream are being met.
(iv) Where information suggests that sample results are due primarily to sources
other than warm-blooded animals (e.g., wood waste), alternative indicator criteria
may be established on a site-specific basis by the department.
(3) Water supply uses. The water supply uses are domestic, agricultural, industrial, and stock
watering.
General criteria. General criteria that apply to the water supply uses are described in WAC
173-201A-260 (2)(a) and (b), and are for:
(a) Toxic, radioactive, and deleterious materials; and
(b) Aesthetic values.
(4) Miscellaneous uses. The miscellaneous fresh water uses are wildlife habitat, harvesting,
commerce and navigation, boating, and aesthetics.
General criteria. General criteria that apply to miscellaneous fresh water uses are described in
WAC 173-201A-260 (2)(a) and (b), and are for:
(a) Toxic, radioactive, and deleterious materials; and
(b) Aesthetic values.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 11-09-090 (Order 10-10), § 173-201A-200, filed 4/20/11, effective 5/21/11; WSR 06-23-117
(Order 06-04), § 173-201A-200, filed 11/20/06, effective 12/21/06. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. WSR 03-14-129
(Order 02-14), § 173-201A-200, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03.]
Page 17
173-201A-210
Marine water designated uses and criteria.
The following uses are designated for protection in marine surface waters of the state of
Washington. Use designations for specific water bodies are listed in WAC 173-201A-612.
(1) Aquatic life uses. Aquatic life uses are designated using the following general categories.
It is required that all indigenous fish and nonfish aquatic species be protected in waters of the
state.
(a) The categories for aquatic life uses are:
(i) Extraordinary quality salmonid and other fish migration, rearing, and
spawning; clam, oyster, and mussel rearing and spawning; crustaceans and
other shellfish (crabs, shrimp, crayfish, scallops, etc.) rearing and spawning.
(ii) Excellent quality salmonid and other fish migration, rearing, and spawning;
clam, oyster, and mussel rearing and spawning; crustaceans and other shellfish
(crabs, shrimp, crayfish, scallops, etc.) rearing and spawning.
(iii) Good quality salmonid migration and rearing; other fish migration, rearing,
and spawning; clam, oyster, and mussel rearing and spawning; crustaceans and
other shellfish (crabs, shrimp, crayfish, scallops, etc.) rearing and spawning.
(iv) Fair quality salmonid and other fish migration.
(b) General criteria. General criteria that apply to aquatic life marine water uses are
described in WAC 173-201A-260 (2)(a) and (b), and are for:
(i) Toxic, radioactive, and deleterious materials; and
(ii) A esthetic values.
(c) Aquatic life temperature criteria. Except where noted, temperature is measured
as a 1-day maximum temperature (1-DMax). Table 210 (1)(c) lists the temperature
criteria for each of the aquatic life use categories.
Table 210 (1)(c)
Aquatic Life Temperature Criteria in Marine Water
Category Highest 1-DMax
Extraordinary quality 13°C (55.4°F)
Excellent quality 16°C (60.8°F)
Good quality 19°C (66.2°F)
Fair quality 22°C (71.6°F)
(i) When a water body's temperature is warmer than the criteria in Table 210
(1)(c) (or within 0.3°C (0.54°F) of the criteria) and that condition is due to natural
conditions, then human actions considered cumulatively may not cause the 7-
DADMax temperature of that water body to increase more than 0.3°C (0.54°F).
(ii) When the natural condition of the water is cooler than the criteria in Table
Page 18
210 (1)(c), the allowable rate of warming up to, but not exceeding, the numeric
criteria from human actions is restricted as follows:
(A) Incremental temperature increases resulting from individual point
source activities must not, at any time, exceed 12/(T-2) as measured at
the edge of a mixing zone boundary (where "T" represents the
background temperature as measured at a point or points unaffected by
the discharge and representative of the highest ambient water
temperature in the vicinity of the discharge); and
(B) Incremental temperature increases resulting from the combined effect
of all nonpoint source activities in the water body must not, at any time,
exceed 2.8°C (5.04°F).
(iii) Temperatures are not to exceed the criteria at a probability frequency of
more than once every ten years on average.
(iv) Temperature measurements should be taken to represent the dominant
aquatic habitat of the monitoring site. This typically means samples should not be
taken from shallow stagnant backwater areas, within isolated thermal refuges, at
the surface, or at the water's edge.
(v) The department will incorporate the following guidelines on preventing acute
lethality and barriers to migration of salmonids into determinations of compliance
with the narrative requirements for use protection established in this chapter
(e.g., WAC 173-201A-310(1), 173-201A-400(4), and 173-201A-410 (1)(c)). The
following site-level considerations do not, however, override the temperature
criteria established for waters in subsection (1)(c) of this subsection or WAC 173-
201A-612:
(A) Moderately acclimated (16-20°C, or 60.8-68°F) adult and juvenile
salmonids will generally be protected from acute lethality by discrete
human actions maintaining the 7-DADMax temperature at or below 22°C
(71.6°F) and the 1-DMax temperature at or below 23°C (73.4°F).
(B) Lethality to developing fish embryos can be expected to occur at a 1-
DMax temperature greater than 17.5°C (63.5°F).
(C) To protect aquatic organisms, discharge plume temperatures must
be maintained such that fish could not be entrained (based on plume time
of travel) for more than two seconds at temperatures above 33°C (91.4°F)
to avoid creating areas that will cause near instantaneous lethality.
(D) Barriers to adult salmonid migration are assumed to exist any time
the 1-DMax temperature is greater than 22°C (71.6°F) and the adjacent
downstream water temperatures are 3°C (5.4°F) or more cooler.
(vi) Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to prohibit the establishment of
effluent limitations for the control of the thermal component of any discharge in
accordance with 33 U.S.C. 1326 (commonly known as section 316 of the Clean
Water Act).
Page 19
(d) Aquatic life dissolved oxygen (D.O.) criteria. Except where noted, D.O.
concentrations are measured as a 1-day minimum in milligrams per liter. Table 210
(1)(d) lists the D.O. criteria for each of the aquatic life use categories.
Table 210 (1)(d)
Aquatic Life Dissolved Oxygen Criteria in Marine Water
Category Lowest 1-Day Minimum
Extraordinary quality 7.0 mg/L
Excellent quality 6.0 mg/L
Good quality 5.0 mg/L
Fair quality 4.0 mg/L
(i) When a water body's D.O. is lower than the criteria in Table 210 (1)(d) (or
within 0.2 mg/L of the criteria) and that condition is due to natural conditions, then
human actions considered cumulatively may not cause the D.O. of that water
body to decrease more than 0.2 mg/L.
(ii) Concentrations of D.O. are not to fall below the criteria in the table at a
probability frequency of more than once every ten years on average.
(iii) D.O. measurements should be taken to represent the dominant aquatic
habitat of the monitoring site. This typically means samples should not be taken
from shallow stagnant backwater areas, within isolated thermal refuges, at the
surface, or at the water's edge.
(e) Aquatic life turbidity criteria. Turbidity is measured in "nephelometric turbidity
units" or "NTUs.” Table 210 (1)(e) lists the one-day maximum turbidity allowed as a
result of human actions for each of the aquatic life use categories.
Table 210 (1) (e)
Aquatic Life Turbidity Criteria in Marine Water
Category NTUs
Extraordinary quality Turbidity must not exceed:
• 5 NTU over background when the background is
50 NTU or less; or
• A 10 percent increase in turbidity when the
background turbidity is more than 50 NTU.
Excellent quality Same as above.
Good quality Turbidity must not exceed:
• 10 NTU over background when the background is
50 NTU or less; or
• A 20 percent increase in turbidity when the
background turbidity is more than 50 NTU.
Fair quality Same as above.
(i) The turbidity criteria established under WAC 173-201A-210 (1)(e) shall be
modified, without specific written authorization from the department, to allow a
temporary area of mixing during and immediately after necessary in-water
Page 20
construction activities that result in the disturbance of in-place sediments. This
temporary area of mixing is subject to the constraints of WAC 173-201A-400 (4)
and (6) and can occur only after the activity has received all other necessary
local and state permits and approvals, and after the implementation of
appropriate best management practices to avoid or minimize disturbance of in-
place sediments and exceedances of the turbidity criteria. For estuaries or
marine waters, the point of compliance for a temporary area of mixing shall be at
a radius of one hundred fifty feet from the activity causing the turbidity
exceedance:
(f) Aquatic life pH criteria. Measurement of pH is expressed as the negative
logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration. Table 210 (1)(f) lists the pH levels allowed
as a result of human actions for each of the aquatic life use categories.
Table 210 (1)(f)
Aquatic Life pH Criteria in Marine Water
Use Category pH Units
Extraordinary quality pH must be within the range of 7.0 to 8.5 with a human-
caused variation within the above range of less than 0.2 units.
Excellent quality pH must be within the range of 7.0 to 8.5 with a human-
caused variation within the above range of less than 0.5 units.
Good quality Same as above.
Fair quality pH must be within the range of 6.5 to 9.0 with a human-
caused variation within the above range of less than 0.5 units.
(2) Shellfish harvesting.
(a) General criteria. General criteria that apply to shellfish harvesting uses for marine
water are described in WAC 173-201A-260 (2)(a) and (b), and are for:
(i) Toxic, radioactive, and deleterious materials; and
(ii) Aesthetic values.
(b) Shellfish harvesting bacteria criteria. To protect shellfish harvesting, fecal
coliform organism levels must not exceed a geometric mean value of 14 colonies/100
mL, and not have more than 10 percent of all samples (or any single sample when less
than ten sample points exist) obtained for calculating the geometric mean value
exceeding 43 colonies/100 mL.
(i) Shellfish growing areas approved for unconditional harvest by the state
department of health are fully supporting the shellfish harvest goals of this
chapter, even when comparison with the criteria contained in this chapter
suggest otherwise.
(ii) When averaging bacteria sample data for comparison to the geometric mean
criteria, it is preferable to average by season and include five or more data
collection events within each period. Averaging of data collected beyond a thirty-
day period, or beyond a specific discharge event under investigation, is not
permitted when such averaging would skew the data set so as to mask
noncompliance periods. The period of averaging should not exceed twelve
months, and should have sample collection dates well distributed throughout the
Page 21
reporting period.
(iii) When determining compliance with the bacteria criteria in or around small
sensitive areas, it is recommended that multiple samples are taken throughout
the area during each visit. Such multiple samples should be arithmetically
averaged together (to reduce concerns with low bias when the data is later used
in calculating a geometric mean) to reduce sample variability and to create a
single representative data point.
(iv) As determined necessary by the department, more stringent bacteria criteria
may be established for waters that cause, or significantly contribute to, the
decertification or conditional certification of commercial or recreational shellfish
harvest areas, even when the preassigned bacteria criteria for the water is being
met.
(v) Where information suggests that sample results are due primarily to sources
other than warm-blooded animals (e.g., wood waste), alternative indicator criteria
may be established on a site-specific basis by the department.
(3) Recreational uses. The recreational uses are primary contact recreation and secondary
contact recreation.
(a) General criteria. General criteria that apply to water contact uses for marine water
are described in WAC 173-201A-260 (2)(a) and (b), and are for:
(i) Toxic, radioactive, and deleterious materials; and
(ii) Aesthetic values.
(b) Water contact recreation bacteria criteria. Table 210 (3)(b) lists the bacteria
criteria to protect water contact recreation in marine water.
Table 210 (3)(b)
Water Contact Recreation Bacteria Criteria in Marine Water
Category Bacteria Indicator
Primary Contact
Recreation
Fecal coliform organism levels must not exceed a geometric
mean value of 14 colonies/100 mL, with not more than 10
percent of all samples (or any single sample when less than ten
sample points exist) obtained for calculating the geometric mean
value exceeding 43 colonies/100 mL.
Secondary Contact
Recreation
Enterococci organism levels must not exceed a geometric mean
value of 70 colonies/100 mL, with not more than 10 percent of all
samples (or any single sample when less than ten sample points
exist) obtained for calculating the geometric mean value
exceeding 208 colonies/100 mL.
(i) When averaging bacteria sample data for comparison to the geometric mean
criteria, it is preferable to average by season and include five or more data
collection events within each period. Averaging of data collected beyond a thirty-
day period, or beyond a specific discharge event under investigation, is not
permitted when such averaging would skew the data set so as to mask
noncompliance periods. The period of averaging should not exceed twelve
months, and should have sample collection dates well distributed throughout the
Page 22
reporting period.
(ii) When determining compliance with the bacteria criteria in or around small
sensitive areas, such as swimming beaches, it is recommended that multiple
samples are taken throughout the area during each visit. Such multiple samples
should be arithmetically averaged together (to reduce concerns with low bias
when the data is later used in calculating a geometric mean) to reduce sample
variability and to create a single representative data point.
(iii) As determined necessary by the department, more stringent bacteria criteria
may be established for waters that cause, or significantly contribute to, the
decertification or conditional certification of commercial or recreational shellfish
harvest areas, even when the preassigned bacteria criteria for the water is being
met.
(iv) Where information suggests that sample results are due primarily to sources
other than warm-blooded animals (e.g., wood waste), alternative indicator criteria
may be established on a site-specific basis by the department.
(4) Miscellaneous uses. The miscellaneous marine water uses are wildlife habitat, harvesting,
commerce and navigation, boating, and aesthetics.
General criteria. General criteria that apply in miscellaneous marine water uses are described
in WAC 173-201A-260 (2)(a) and (b), and are for:
(a) Toxic, radioactive, and deleterious materials; and
(b) Aesthetic values.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 11-09-090 (Order 10-10), § 173-201A-210, filed 4/20/11, effective 5/21/11; WSR 06-23-117
(Order 06-04), § 173-201A-210, filed 11/20/06, effective 12/21/06. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. WSR 03-14-129
(Order 02-14), § 173-201A-210, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03.]
173-201A-230
Establishing lake nutrient criteria.
(1) The following table shall be used to aid in establishing nutrient criteria:
Table 230(1)
The ecoregional and trophic-state action values for establishing nutrient criteria:
Coast Range, Puget Lowlands, and Northern Rockies Ecoregions:
Trophic State
If Ambient TP (µg/l)
Range of Lake is:
Then criteria
should be set at:
Ultra-oligotrophic 0-4 4 or less
Oligotrophic >4-10 10 or less
Lower mesotrophic >10-20 20 or less
Action value
Page 23
Coast Range, Puget Lowlands, and Northern Rockies Ecoregions:
>20
lake specific study may be initiated.
Cascades Ecoregion:
Trophic State If Ambient TP (µg/l)
Range of Lake is:
Then criteria
should be set at:
Ultra-oligotrophic 0-4 4 or less
Oligotrophic >4-10 10 or less
Action value
>10
lake specific study may be initiated.
Columbia Basin Ecoregion:
Trophic State If Ambient TP (µg/l)
Range of Lake is:
Then criteria
should be set at:
Ultra-oligotrophic 0-4 4 or less
Oligotrophic >4-10 10 or less
Lower mesotrophic >10-20 20 or less
Upper mesotrophic >20-35 35 or less
Action value
>35
lake specific study may be initiated.
Lakes in the Willamette, East Cascade Foothills, or Blue Mountain ecoregions do not have
recommended values and need to have lake-specific studies in order to receive criteria as
described in subsection (3) of this section.
(2) The following actions are recommended if ambient monitoring of a lake shows the
epilimnetic total phosphorus concentration, as shown in Table 1 of this section, is below the
action value for an ecoregion:
(a) Determine trophic status from existing or newly gathered data. The recommended
minimum sampling to determine trophic status is calculated as the mean of four or more
samples collected from the epilimnion between June through September in one or more
consecutive years. Sampling must be spread throughout the season.
(b) Propose criteria at or below the upper limit of the trophic state; or
(c) Conduct lake-specific study to determine and propose to adopt appropriate criteria
as described in subsection (3) of this section.
(3) The following actions are recommended if ambient monitoring of a lake shows total
phosphorus to exceed the action value for an ecoregion shown in Table 1 of this section or
Page 24
where recommended ecoregional action values do not exist:
(a) Conduct a lake-specific study to evaluate the characteristic uses of the lake. A lake-
specific study may vary depending on the source or threat of impairment. Phytoplankton
blooms, toxic phytoplankton, or excessive aquatic plants, are examples of various
sources of impairment. The following are examples of quantitative measures that a
study may describe: Total phosphorus, total nitrogen, chlorophyll-a, dissolved oxygen in
the hypolimnion if thermally stratified, pH, hardness, or other measures of existing
conditions and potential changes in any one of these parameters.
(b) Determine appropriate total phosphorus concentrations or other nutrient criteria to
protect characteristic lake uses. If the existing total phosphorus concentration is
protective of characteristic lake uses, then set criteria at existing total phosphorus
concentration. If the existing total phosphorus concentration is not protective of the
existing characteristic lake uses, then set criteria at a protective concentration.
Proposals to adopt appropriate total phosphorus criteria to protect characteristic uses
must be developed by considering technical information and stakeholder input as part of
a public involvement process equivalent to the Administrative Procedure Act (chapter
34.05 RCW).
(c) Determine if the proposed total phosphorus criteria necessary to protect
characteristic uses is achievable. If the recommended criterion is not achievable and if
the characteristic use the criterion is intended to protect is not an existing use, then a
higher criterion may be proposed in conformance with 40 C.F.R. part 131.10.
(4) The department will consider proposed lake-specific nutrient criteria during any water quality
standards rule making that follows development of a proposal. Adoption by rule formally
establishes the criteria for that lake.
(5) Prioritization and investigation of lakes by the department will be initiated by listing problem
lakes in a watershed needs assessment, and scheduled as part of the water quality program's
watershed approach to pollution control. This prioritization will apply to lakes identified as
warranting a criteria based on the results of a lake-specific study, to lakes warranting a lake-
specific study for establishing criteria, and to lakes requiring restoration and pollution control
measures due to exceedance of an established criterion. The adoption of nutrient criteria are
generally not intended to apply to lakes or ponds with a surface area smaller than five acres; or
to ponds wholly contained on private property owned and surrounded by a single landowner;
and nutrients do not drain or leach from these lakes or private ponds to the detriment of other
property owners or other water bodies; and do not impact designated uses in the lake.
However, if the landowner proposes criteria the department may consider adoption.
(6) The department may not need to set a lake-specific criteria or further investigate a lake if
existing water quality conditions are naturally poorer (higher TP) than the action value and uses
have not been lost or degraded, per WAC 173-201A-260(1).
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 06-23-117 (Order 06-04), § 173-201A-230, filed 11/20/06, effective 12/21/06. Statutory Authority:
Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), § 173-201A-230, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03.]
Page 25
173-201A-240
Toxic substances.
(1) Toxic substances shall not be introduced above natural background levels in waters of the
state which have the potential either singularly or cumulatively to adversely affect characteristic
water uses, cause acute or chronic toxicity to the most sensitive biota dependent upon those
waters, or adversely affect public health, as determined by the department.
(2) The department shall employ or require chemical testing, acute and chronic toxicity testing,
and biological assessments, as appropriate, to evaluate compliance with subsection (1) of this
section and to ensure that aquatic communities and the existing and designated uses of waters
are being fully protected.
(3) USEPA Quality Criteria for Water, 1986, as revised, shall be used in the use and
interpretation of the values listed in subsection (5) of this section.
(4) Concentrations of toxic, and other substances with toxic propensities not listed in Table 240
of this section shall be determined in consideration of USEPA Quality Criteria for Water, 1986,
and as revised, and other relevant information as appropriate.
(5) The following criteria, found in Table 240, shall be applied to all surface waters of the state
of Washington. Values are µg/L for all substances except ammonia and chloride which are
mg/L, and asbestos which is million fibers/L. The department shall formally adopt any
appropriate revised criteria as part of this chapter in accordance with the provisions established
in chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedure Act. The department shall ensure there
are early opportunities for public review and comment on proposals to develop revised criteria.
(a) Aquatic life protection. The department may revise the criteria in Table 240 for
aquatic life on a statewide or water body-specific basis as needed to protect aquatic life
occurring in waters of the state and to increase the technical accuracy of the criteria
being applied. The department shall formally adopt any appropriate revised criteria as
part of this chapter in accordance with the provisions established in chapter 34.05 RCW,
the Administrative Procedure Act.
(b) Human health protection. The following provisions apply to the human health
criteria in Table 240. All waters shall maintain a level of water quality when entering
downstream waters that provides for the attainment and maintenance of the water
quality standards of those downstream waters, including the waters of another state.
The human health criteria in the tables were calculated using a fish consumption rate of
175 g/day. Criteria for carcinogenic substances were calculated using a cancer risk
level equal to one-in-one-million, or as otherwise specified in this chapter. The human
health criteria calculations and variables include chronic durations of exposure up to
seventy years. All human health criteria for metals are for total metal concentrations,
unless otherwise noted. Dischargers have the obligation to reduce toxics in discharges
through the use of AKART.
Page 26
Supplemental Information for
Table 240: Toxics Substances Criteria
Table 240 includes a column listing EPA’s federally promulgated human health criteria at 40 CFR 131.45. For
chemicals with federal criteria, the federal criteria apply for Clean Water Act purposes, such as NPDES permits
or 303(d) listings. Units of measure are µg/L for all substances except ammonia and chloride, which are in
mg/L, and methylmercury which is in milligram of methylmercury per kilogram of fish (mg methylmercury/kg
fish).
(full details available at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-11-28/pdf/2016-28424.pdf, pages 85435 –
85437)
EPA footnotes for federal Human Health Criteria for Washington:
a This criterion refers to the inorganic form of arsenic only.
b This criterion is expressed as the fish tissue concentration of methylmercury (mg methylmercury/kg
fish). See Water Quality Criterion for the Protection of Human
Health: Methylmercury (EPA–823–R–01–001, January 3, 2001) for how this value is calculated using
the criterion equation in EPA’s 2000 Human Health Methodology
rearranged to solve for a protective concentration in fish tissue rather than in water.
c This criterion applies to total PCBs (e.g., the sum of all congener or isomer or homolog or Aroclor
analyses).
* Bis(2-Chloro-1-Methylethyl) Ether was previously listed as Bis(2-Chloroisopropyl) Ether.
** These criteria were promulgated for Washington in the National Toxics Rule at 40 CFR 131.36, and are
moved into 40 CFR 131.45 to have one comprehensive
human health criteria rule for Washington.
EPA Applicability language for federal Human Health Criteria for Washington:
40 CFR 131.45 (c) Applicability.
(1) The criteria in paragraph (b) of this section apply to waters with Washington’s designated uses cited
in paragraph (d) of this section and apply concurrently with other applicable water quality criteria.
(2) The criteria established in this section are subject to Washington’s general rules of applicability in
the same way and to the same extent as are other federally promulgated and state-adopted numeric
criteria when applied to the same use classifications in paragraph (d) of this section.
(i) For all waters with mixing zone regulations or implementation procedures, the criteria apply
at the appropriate locations within or at the boundary of the mixing zones; otherwise the criteria
apply throughout the waterbody including at the end of any discharge pipe, conveyance or
other discharge point within the waterbody.
(ii) The state must not use a low flow value below which numeric noncarcinogen and
carcinogen human health criteria can be exceeded that is less stringent than the harmonic
mean flow for waters suitable for the establishment of low flow return frequencies (i.e., streams
and rivers). Harmonic mean flow is a long-term mean flow value calculated by dividing the
number of daily flows analyzed by the sum of the reciprocals of those daily flows.
(iii) If the state does not have such a low flow value for numeric criteria, then none will apply
and the criteria in paragraph (b) of this section herein apply at all flows.
For information on the applicable use designations for the federal criteria, see 40 CFR 131.45 (d).
Read more on EPA’s final revision the federal Clean Water Act human health criteria applicable to
waters under Washington’s jurisdiction: https://www.epa.gov/wqs-tech/water-quality-standards-
regulations-washington#fed
Page 27
Table 240
Toxics Substances Criteria
Compound/Chemical
Chemical
Abstracts
Service
(CAS)#
Category
Aquatic Life
Criteria -
Freshwater
Aquatic Life Criteria
- Marine Water
Human Health Criteria
for Consumption of:
EPA Federally Promulgated
Human Health Criteria
Acute Chronic Acute Chronic Water &
Organisms
Organisms
Only
Water &
Organisms
Organisms
Only
Metals:
Anitmony 7440360
Metals, cyanide,
and total
phenols
- - - - 12 180 6 90
Arsenic 7440382
Metals, cyanide,
and total
phenols
360.0
(c,dd)
190.0
(d,dd)
69.0
(c,ll,dd)
36.0
(d,cc,ll,dd)
10
(A)
10
(A) 0.018 ** 0.14 **
Asbestos 1332214
Toxic pollutants
and
hazardous
substances
- - - -
7,000,000
fibers/L
(C)
- - a -
Beryllium 7440417
Metals, cyanide,
and total
phenols
- - - - - - - -
Cadmium 7440439
Metals, cyanide,
and total
phenols
(i,c,dd) (j,d,dd) 42.0
(c,dd)
9.3
(d,dd) - - - -
Chromium (III) 16065831
Metals, cyanide,
and total
phenols
(m,c,gg) (n,d,gg) - - - - - -
Chromium (VI) 18540299
Metals, cyanide,
and total
phenols
15.0
(c,l,ii,dd)
10.0
(d,jj,dd)
1,100.0
(c,l,ll,dd)
50.0
(d,ll,dd) - - - -
Copper 7440508
Metals, cyanide,
and total
phenols
(o,c,dd) (p,d,dd) 4.8
(c,ll,dd)
3.1
(d,ll,dd)
1,300
(C) - - a - a
Page 28
Compound/Chemical
Chemical
Abstracts
Service
(CAS)#
Category
Aquatic Life
Criteria -
Freshwater
Aquatic Life Criteria
- Marine Water
Human Health Criteria
for Consumption of:
EPA Federally Promulgated
Human Health Criteria
Acute Chronic Acute Chronic Water &
Organisms
Organisms
Only
Water &
Organisms
Organisms
Only
Lead 7439921
Metals, cyanide,
and total
phenols
(q,c,dd) (r,d,dd) 210.0
(c,ll,dd)
8.1
(d,ll,dd) - - - -
Mercury 7439976
Metals, cyanide,
and total
phenols
2.1
(c,kk,dd)
0.012
(d,ff,s)
1.8
(c,ll,dd)
0.025
(d,ff,s) (G) (G) - -
Methylmercury 22967926 Nonconventional - - - - - - - 0.03 b
Nickel 7440020
Metals, cyanide,
and total
phenols
(t,c,dd) (u,d,dd) 74.0
(c,ll,dd)
8.2
(d,ll,dd) 150 190 80 100
Selenium 7782492
Metals, cyanide,
and total
phenols
20.0
(c,ff)
5.0
(d,ff)
290
(c,ll,dd)
71.0
(d,x,ll,dd) 120 480 60 200
Silver 7440224
Metals, cyanide,
and total
phenols
(y,a,dd) - 1.9
(a,ll,dd) - - - - -
Thallium 7440280
Metals, cyanide,
and total
phenols
- - - - 0.24 0.27 1.7 ** 6.3 **
Zinc 7440666
Metals, cyanide,
and total
phenols
(aa,c,dd) (bb,d,dd) 90.0
(c,ll,dd)
81.0
(d,ll,dd) 2,300 2,900 1,000 1,000
Other Chemicals:
1,1,1-Trichloroethane 71556 Volatile - - - - 47,000 160,000 20,000 50,000
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 79345 Volatile - - - - 0.12
(B)
0.46
(B) 0.1 0.3
1,1,2-Trichloroethane 79005 Volatile - - - - 0.44
(B)
1.8
(B) 0.35 0.90
1,1-Dichloroethane 75343 Volatile - - - - - - - -
Page 29
Compound/Chemical
Chemical
Abstracts
Service
(CAS)#
Category
Aquatic Life
Criteria -
Freshwater
Aquatic Life Criteria
- Marine Water
Human Health Criteria
for Consumption of:
EPA Federally Promulgated
Human Health Criteria
Acute Chronic Acute Chronic Water &
Organisms
Organisms
Only
Water &
Organisms
Organisms
Only
1,1-Dichloroethylene 75354 Volatile - - - - 1200 4100 700 4,000
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 120821 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.12
(B)
0.14
(B) 0.036 0.037
1,2-Dichlorobenzene 95501 Volatile - - - - 2000 2500 700 800
1,2-Dichloroethane 107062 Volatile - - - - 9.3
(B)
120
(B) 8.9 73
1,2-Dichloropropane 78875 Volatile - - - - 0.71
(B)
3.1
(B) - -
1,3-Dichloropropene 542756 Volatile - - - - 0.24
(B)
2
(B) 0.22 1.2
1,2-Diphenylhydrazine 122667 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.015
(B)
0.023
(B) 0.01 0.02
1,2-Trans-Dichloroethylene 156605 Volatile - - - - 600 5,800 200 1,000
1,3-Dichlorobenzene 541731 Volatile - - - - 13 16 2 2
1,4-Dichlorobenzene 106467 Volatile - - - - 460 580 200 200
2,3,7,8-TCDD (Dioxin) 1746016 Dioxin - - - - 0.000000064 0.000000064 0.000000013** 0.000000014**
2,4,6-Trichlorophenol 88062 Acid compounds - - - - 0.25
(B)
0.28
(B) - -
2,4-Dichlorophenol 120832 Acid compounds - - - - 25 34 10 10
2,4-Dimethylphenol 105679 Acid compounds - - - - 85 97 - -
2,4-Dinitrophenol 51285 Acid compounds - - - - 60 610 30 100
2,4-Dinitrotoluene 121142 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.039
(B)
0.18
(B) - -
2,6-Dinitrotoluene 606202 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - - - - -
2-Chloroethyvinyl Ether 110758 Volatile - - - - - - - -
2-Chloronaphthalene 91587 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 170 180 100 100
Page 30
Compound/Chemical
Chemical
Abstracts
Service
(CAS)#
Category
Aquatic Life
Criteria -
Freshwater
Aquatic Life Criteria
- Marine Water
Human Health Criteria
for Consumption of:
EPA Federally Promulgated
Human Health Criteria
Acute Chronic Acute Chronic Water &
Organisms
Organisms
Only
Water &
Organisms
Organisms
Only
2-Chlorophenol 95578 Acid compounds - - - - 15 17 - -
2-Methyl-4,6-Dinitrophenol
(4,6-dinitro-o-cresol) 534521 Acid compounds - - - - 7.1 25 3 7
2-Nitrophenol 88755 Acid compounds - - - - - - - -
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine 91941 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.0031
(B)
0.0033
(B) - -
3-Methyl-4-Chlorophenol
(parachlorometa cresol) 59507 Acid compounds - - - - 36 36 - -
4,4'-DDD 72548 Pesticides/PCBs - - - - 0.000036
(B)
0.000036
(B) 0.0000079 0.0000079
4,4'-DDE 72559 Pesticides/PCBs - - - - 0.000051
(B)
0.000051
(B) 0.00000088 0.00000088
4,4'-DDT 50293 Pesticides/PCBs - - - - 0.000025
(B)
0.000025
(B) 0.0000012 0.0000012
4,4'-DDT(and metabolites) Pesticides/PCBs 1.1
(a)
0.001
(b)
0.13
(a)
0.001
(b) - - - -
4-Bromophenyl
Phenyl Ether 101553 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - - - - -
4-Chorophenyl Phenyl
Ether 7005723 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - - - - -
4-Nitrophenol 100027 Acid compounds - - - - - - - -
Acenaphthene 83329 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 110 110 30 30
Acenaphthylene 208968 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - - - - -
Acrolein 107028 Volatile - - - - 1.0 1.1 - -
Acrylonitrile 107131 Volatile - - - - 0.019
(B)
0.028
(B) - -
Page 31
Compound/Chemical
Chemical
Abstracts
Service
(CAS)#
Category
Aquatic Life
Criteria -
Freshwater
Aquatic Life Criteria
- Marine Water
Human Health Criteria
for Consumption of:
EPA Federally Promulgated
Human Health Criteria
Acute Chronic Acute Chronic Water &
Organisms
Organisms
Only
Water &
Organisms
Organisms
Only
Aldrin 309002 Pesticides/PCBs 2.5
(a,e)
0.0019
(b,e)
0.71
(a,e)
0.0019
(b,e)
0.0000057
(B)
0.0000058
(B) 0.000000041 0.000000041
alpha-BHC 319846 Pesticides/PCBs - - - - 0.0005
(B)
0.00056
(B) 0.000048 0.000048
alpha-Endosulfan 959988 Pesticides/PCBs - - - - 9.7 10 6 7
Anthracene 120127 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 3,100 4,600 100 100
Benzene 71432 Volatile - - - - 0.44
(B)
1.6
(B) - -
Benzidine 92875 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.00002
(B)
0.000023
(B) - -
Benzo(a) Anthracene 56553 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.014
(B)
0.021
(B) 0.00016 0.00016
Benzo(a) Pyrene 50328 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.0014
(B)
0.0021
(B) 0.000016 0.000016
Benzo(b) Fluoranthene 205992 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.014
(B)
0.021
(B) 0.00016 0.00016
Benzo(ghi) Perylene 191242 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - - - - -
Benzo(k) Fluoranthene 207089 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.014
(B)
0.21
(B) 0.0016 0.0016
beta-BHC 319857 Pesticides/PCBs - - - - 0.0018
(B)
0.002
(B) 0.0013 0.0014
beta-Endosulfan 33213659 Pesticides/PCBs - - - - 9.7 10 - -
Bis(2-Chloroethoxy)
Methane 111911 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - - - - -
Bis(2-Chloroethyl) Ether 111444 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.02
(B)
0.06
(B) - -
Page 32
Compound/Chemical
Chemical
Abstracts
Service
(CAS)#
Category
Aquatic Life
Criteria -
Freshwater
Aquatic Life Criteria
- Marine Water
Human Health Criteria
for Consumption of:
EPA Federally Promulgated
Human Health Criteria
Acute Chronic Acute Chronic Water &
Organisms
Organisms
Only
Water &
Organisms
Organisms
Only
Bis(2-Chloroisopropyl)
Ether 39638329 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - - - - -
Bis(2-Chloro-1-Methylethyl)
Ether 108601 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - - - 400 * 900 *
Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate 117817 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.23
(B)
0.25
(B) 0.045 0.046
Bromoform 75252 Volatile - - - - 5.8
(B)
27
(B) 4.6 12
Butylbenzyl Phthalate 85687 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.56
(B)
0.58
(B) 0.013 0.013
Carbon Tetrachloride 56235 Volatile - - - - 0.2
(B)
0.35
(B) - -
Chlordane 57749 Pesticides/PCBs 2.4
(a)
0.0043
(b)
0.09
(a)
0.004
(b)
0.000093
(B)
0.000093
(B) 0.000022 0.000022
Chlorobenzene 108907 Volatile - - - - 380 890 100 200
Chlorodibromomethane 124481 Volatile - - - - 0.65
(B)
3
(B) 0.60 2.2
Chloroethane 75003 Volatile - - - - - - - -
Chloroform 67663 Volatile - - - - 260 1200 100 600
Chrysene 218019 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 1.4
(B)
2.1
(B) 0.016 0.016
Cyanide 57125
Metals, cyanide,
and total
phenols
22.0
(c,ee)
5.2
(d,ee)
1.0
(c,mm,ee) (d,mm,ee) 19
(D)
270
(D) 9 100
delta-BHC 319868 Pesticides/PCBs - - - - - - - -
Dibenzo(a,h) Anthracene 53703 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.0014
(B)
0.0021
(B) 0.000016 0.000016
Dichlorobromomethane 75274 Volatile - - - - 0.77
(B)
3.6
(B) 0.73 2.8
Page 33
Compound/Chemical
Chemical
Abstracts
Service
(CAS)#
Category
Aquatic Life
Criteria -
Freshwater
Aquatic Life Criteria
- Marine Water
Human Health Criteria
for Consumption of:
EPA Federally Promulgated
Human Health Criteria
Acute Chronic Acute Chronic Water &
Organisms
Organisms
Only
Water &
Organisms
Organisms
Only
Dieldrin 60571 Pesticides/PCBs 2.5
(a,e)
0.0019
(b,e)
0.71
(a,e)
0.0019
(b,e)
0.0000061
(B)
0.0000061
(B) 0.000000070 0.000000070
Diethyl Phthalate 84662 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 4,200 5,000 200 200
Dimethyl Phthalate 131113 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 92,000 130,000 600 600
Di-n-Butyl Phthalate 84742 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 450 510 8 8
Di-n-Octyl Phthalate 117840 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - - - - -
Endosulfan Pesticides/PCBs 0.22
(a)
0.056
(b)
0.034
(a)
0.0087
(b) - - - -
Endosulfan Sulfate 1031078 Pesticides/PCBs - - - - 9.7 10 9 -
Endrin 72208 Pesticides/PCBs 0.18
(a)
0.0023
(b)
0.037
(a)
0.0023
(b) 0.034 0.035 0.002 0.002
Endrin Aldehyde 7421934 Pesticides/PCBs - - - - 0.034 0.035 - -
Ethylbenzene 100414 Volatile - - - - 200 270 29 31
Fluoranthene 206440 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 16 16 6 6
Fluorene 86737 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 420 610 10 10
Hexachlorocyclohexane
(gamma-BHC; Lindane) 58899 Pesticides/PCBs 2.0
(a)
0.08
(b)
0.16
(a) - 15 17 0.43 0.43
Heptachlor 76448 Pesticides/PCBs 0.52
(a)
0.0038
(b)
0.053
(a)
0.0036
(b)
0.0000099
(B)
0.00001
(B) 0.00000034 0.00000034
Heptachlor Epoxide 1024573 Pesticides/PCBs - - - - 0.0000074
(B)
0.0000074
(B) 0.0000024 0.0000024
Hexachlorobenzene 118741 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.000051
(B)
0.000052
(B) 0.0000050 0.0000050
Page 34
Compound/Chemical
Chemical
Abstracts
Service
(CAS)#
Category
Aquatic Life
Criteria -
Freshwater
Aquatic Life Criteria
- Marine Water
Human Health Criteria
for Consumption of:
EPA Federally Promulgated
Human Health Criteria
Acute Chronic Acute Chronic Water &
Organisms
Organisms
Only
Water &
Organisms
Organisms
Only
Hexachlorobutadiene 87683 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.69
(B)
4.1
(B) 0.01 0.01
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 77474 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 150 630 1 1
Hexachloroethane 67721 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.11
(B)
0.13
(B) 0.02 0.02
Indeno(1,2,3-cd) Pyrene 193395 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.014
(B)
0.021
(B) 0.00016 0.00016
Isophorone 78591 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 27
(B)
110
(B) - -
Methyl Bromide 74839 Volatile - - - - 520 2,400 300 -
Methyl Chloride 74873 Volatile - - - - - - - -
Methylene Chloride 75092 Volatile - - - - 16
(B)
250
(B) 10 100
Napthalene 91203 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - - - - -
Nitrobenzene 98953 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 55 320 30 100
N-Nitrosodimethylamine 62759 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.00065
(B)
0.34
(B) - -
N-Nitrosodi-n-Propylamine 621647 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.0044
(B)
0.058
(B) - -
N-Nitrosodiphenylamine 86306 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 0.62
(B)
0.69
(B) - -
Pentachlorophenol (PCP) 87865 Acid compounds (w,c) (v,d) 13.0
(c)
7.9
(d)
0.046
(B)
0.1
(B) 0.002 0.002
Phenanthrene 85018 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - - - - -
Phenol 108952 Acid compounds - - - - 18,000 200,000 9,000 70,000
Page 35
Compound/Chemical
Chemical
Abstracts
Service
(CAS)#
Category
Aquatic Life
Criteria -
Freshwater
Aquatic Life Criteria
- Marine Water
Human Health Criteria
for Consumption of:
EPA Federally Promulgated
Human Health Criteria
Acute Chronic Acute Chronic Water &
Organisms
Organisms
Only
Water &
Organisms
Organisms
Only
Polychlorinated Biphenyls
(PCBs) Pesticides/PCBs 2.0
(b)
0.014
(b)
10.0
(b)
0.030
(b)
0.00017
(E)
0.00017
(E) 0.000007 c 0.000007 c
Pyrene 129000 Base/neutral
compounds - - - - 310 460 8 8
Tetrachloroethylene 127184 Volatile - - - - 4.9
(B)
7.1
(B) 2.4 2.9
Toluene 108883 Volatile - - - - 180 410 72 130
Toxaphene 8001352 Pesticides/PCBs 0.73
(c,z)
0.0002
(d)
0.21
(c,z)
0.0002
(d)
0.000032
(B)
0.000032
(B) - -
Trichloroethylene 79016 Volatile - - - - 0.38
(B)
0.86
(B) 0.3 0.7
Vinyl Chloride 75014 Volatile - - - - 0.02
(B, F)
0.26
(B, F) - 0.18
Ammonia (hh) - Nonconventional (f,c) (g,d) 0.233
(h,c)
0.035
(h,d) - - - -
Chloride (dissolved) (k) - Nonconventional 860.0
(h,c)
230.0
(h,d) - - - - - -
Chlorine (total residual) - Nonconventional 19.0
(c)
11.0
(d)
13.0
(c)
7.5
(d) - - - -
Chlorpyrifos -
Toxic pollutants
and
hazardous
substances
0.083
(c)
0.041
(d)
0.011
(c)
0.0056
(d) - - - -
Parathion -
Toxic pollutants
and
hazardous
substances
0.065
(c)
0.013
(d) - - - - - -
Page 36
Footnotes for aquatic life criteria in Table 240:
a. An instantaneous concentration not to be exceeded at any time.
b. A 24-hour average not to be exceeded.
c. A 1-hour average concentration not to be exceeded more than once every three
years on the average.
d. A 4-day average concentration not to be exceeded more than once every three years
on the average.
e. Aldrin is metabolically converted to Dieldrin. Therefore, the sum of the Aldrin and
Dieldrin concentrations are compared with the Dieldrin criteria.
f. Shall not exceed the numerical value in total ammonia nitrogen (mg N/L) given by:
𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝐹𝐹𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑝𝑝𝐹𝐹𝑝𝑝𝑠𝑠𝑝𝑝𝑠𝑠𝑝𝑝: 0.2751+107.204−𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝+39.01+10𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝−7.204
𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝐹𝐹𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑝𝑝𝑠𝑠𝑝𝑝: 0.4111+107.204−𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝+58.41+10𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝−7.204
g. Shall not exceed the numerical concentration calculated as follows:
• Unionized ammonia concentration for waters where salmonid habitat is an
existing or designated use:
0.80 ÷ (𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹)(𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹)(𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝐹𝐹𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅)
where:
RATIO =13.5; 7.7 ≤pH ≤9
RATIO =�20.25 × 10(7.7−pH)�÷ �1 +10(7.4−pH)�;6.5 ≤pH ≤7.7
FT =1.4;15 ≤T ≤30
FT =10[0.03(20−T)]; 0 ≤T ≤15
FPH =1;8 ≤pH ≤9
FPH =�1 +10(7.4−pH)�÷ 1.25;6.5 ≤pH ≤8.0
• Total ammonia concentrations for waters where salmonid habitat is not an
existing or designated use and other fish early life stages are absent:
Chronic criterion =�0.05771+107.688−pH +2.4871+10pH−7.688 �× �1.45 × 100.028(25−A)�
where: A =the greater of either T (temperature in degrees Celsius) or 7.
Applied as a thirty-day average concentration of total ammonia nitrogen (in mg
N/L) not to be exceeded more than once every three years on average. The
highest four-day average within the thirty-day period should not exceed 2.5 times
the chronic criterion.
• Total ammonia concentration for waters where salmonid habitat is not an existing
or designated use and other fish early life stages are present:
Page 37
Chronic criterion =�0.05771+107.688−pH +2.4871+10pH−7.688 �× (B)
where: B =the lower of either 2.85,or 1.45 × 100.028×(25−T) T =temperature in degrees Celsius.
Applied as a thirty-day average concentration of total ammonia nitrogen (in mg
N/L) not to be exceeded more than once every three years on average. The
highest four-day average within the thirty-day period should not exceed 2.5 times
the chronic criterion.
h. Measured in milligrams per liter rather than micrograms per liter.
i. ≤ (0.944)(e(1.128[ln(hardness)]-3.828)) at hardness = 100. Conversion factor (CF)
of 0.944 is hardness dependent. CF is calculated for other hardnesses as follows:
CF = 1.136672 - [(ln hardness)(0.041838)].
j. ≤ (0.909)(e(0.7852[ln(hardness)]-3.490)) at hardness = 100. Conversions factor
(CF) of 0.909 is hardness dependent. CF is calculated for other hardnesses as
follows: CF = 1.101672 - [(ln hardness)(0.041838)].
k. Criterion based on dissolved chloride in association with sodium. This criterion
probably will not be adequately protective when the chloride is associated with
potassium, calcium, or magnesium, rather than sodium.
l. Salinity dependent effects. At low salinity the 1-hour average may not be sufficiently
protective.
m. ≤ (0.316)(e(0.8190[ ln(hardness)] + 3.688))
n. ≤ (0.860)(e(0.8190[ ln(hardness)] + 1.561))
o. ≤ (0.960)(e(0.9422[ ln(hardness)] - 1.464))
p. ≤ (0.960)(e(0.8545[ ln(hardness)] - 1.465))
q. ≤ (0.791)(e(1.273[ ln(hardness)] - 1.460)) at hardness = 100. Conversion factor (CF) of 0.791 is
hardness dependent. CF is calculated for other hardnesses as follows: CF = 1.46203
- [(ln hardness)(0.145712)].
r. ≤ (0.791)(e(1.273[ ln(hardness)] - 4.705)) at hardness = 100. Conversion factor (CF) of 0.791 is
hardness dependent. CF is calculated for other hardnesses as follows: CF = 1.46203
- [(ln hardness)(0.145712)].
s. If the four-day average chronic concentration is exceeded more than once in a three-
year period, the edible portion of the consumed species should be analyzed. Said
edible tissue concentrations shall not be allowed to exceed 1.0 mg/kg of
methylmercury.
t. ≤ (0.998)(e(0.8460[ ln(hardness)] + 3.3612))
u. ≤ (0.997)(e(0.8460[ ln(hardness)] + 1.1645))
v. ≤ e[1.005(pH) - 5.290]
w. ≤ e[1.005(pH) - 4.830]
x. The status of the fish community should be monitored whenever the concentration of
selenium exceeds 5.0 ug/ l in salt water.
y. ≤ (0.85)(e(1.72[ln(hardness)] - 6.52))
z. Channel Catfish may be more acutely sensitive.
Page 38
aa. ≤ (0.978)(e(0.8473[ln(hardness)] + 0.8604))
bb. ≤ (0.986)(e(0.8473[ln(hardness)] + 0.7614))
cc. Nonlethal effects (growth, C-14 uptake, and chlorophyll production) to diatoms
(Thalassiosira aestivalis and Skeletonema costatum) which are common to
Washington's waters have been noted at levels below the established criteria. The
importance of these effects to the diatom populations and the aquatic system is
sufficiently in question to persuade the state to adopt the USEPA National Criteria
value (36 µg/L) as the state threshold criteria, however, wherever practical the
ambient concentrations should not be allowed to exceed a chronic marine
concentration of 21 µg/L.
dd. These ambient criteria in the table are for the dissolved fraction. The cyanide criteria
are based on the weak acid dissociable method. The metals criteria may not be
used to calculate total recoverable effluent limits unless the seasonal partitioning of
the dissolved to total metals in the ambient water are known. When this information
is absent, these metals criteria shall be applied as total recoverable values,
determined by back-calculation, using the conversion factors incorporated in the
criterion equations. Metals criteria may be adjusted on a site-specific basis when
data are made available to the department clearly demonstrating the effective use of
the water effects ratio approach established by USEPA, as generally guided by the
procedures in USEPA Water Quality Standards Handbook, December 1983, as
supplemented or replaced by USEPA or ecology. Information which is used to
develop effluent limits based on applying metals partitioning studies or the water
effects ratio approach shall be identified in the permit fact sheet developed pursuant
to WAC 173-220-060 or 173-226-110, as appropriate, and shall be made available
for the public comment period required pursuant to WAC 173-220-050 or 173-226-
130(3), as appropriate. Ecology has developed supplemental guidance for
conducting water effect ratio studies.
ee. The criteria for cyanide is based on the weak acid dissociable method in the 19th Ed.
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 4500-CN I, and as
revised (see footnote dd, above).
ff. These criteria are based on the total-recoverable fraction of the metal.
gg. Where methods to measure trivalent chromium are unavailable, these criteria are to
be represented by total-recoverable chromium.
hh. The listed fresh water criteria are based on un-ionized or total ammonia
concentrations, while those for marine water are based on un-ionized ammonia
concentrations. Tables for the conversion of total ammonia to un-ionized ammonia
for freshwater can be found in the USEPA's Quality Criteria for Water, 1986. Criteria
concentrations based on total ammonia for marine water can be found in USEPA
Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia (Saltwater)-1989, EPA440/ 5-88-004,
April 1989.
ii. The conversion factor used to calculate the dissolved metal concentration was 0.982.
jj. The conversion factor used to calculate the dissolved metal concentration was 0.962.
kk. The conversion factor used to calculate the dissolved metal concentration was 0.85.
ll. Marine conversion factors (CF) which were used for calculating dissolved metals
concentrations are given below. Conversion factors are applicable to both acute and
chronic criteria for all metals except mercury. The CF for mercury was applied to the
acute criterion only and is not applicable to the chronic criterion. Conversion factors
Page 39
are already incorporated into the criteria in the table. Dissolved criterion = criterion x
CF
Metal CF
Arsenic 1.000
Cadmium 0.994
Chromium (VI) 0.993
Copper 0.83
Lead 0.951
Mercury 0.85
Nickel 0.990
Selenium 0.998
Silver 0.85
Zinc 0.946
mm. The cyanide criteria are: 2.8µg/l chronic and 9.1µg/l acute and are applicable
only to waters which are east of a line from Point Roberts to Lawrence Point, to
Green Point to Deception Pass; and south from Deception Pass and of a line from
Partridge Point to Point Wilson. The chronic criterion applicable to the remainder of
the marine waters is l µg/L.
Footnotes for human health criteria in Table 240:
A. This criterion for total arsenic is the maximum contaminant level (MCL) developed under
the Safe Drinking Water Act. The MCL for total arsenic is applied to surface waters
where consumption of organisms-only and where consumption of water + organisms
reflect the designated uses. When the department determines that a direct or indirect
industrial discharge to surface waters designated for domestic water supply may be
adding arsenic to its wastewater, the department will require the discharger to develop
and implement a pollution prevention plan to reduce arsenic through the use of AKART.
Industrial wastewater discharges to a privately or publicly owned wastewater treatment
facility are considered indirect discharges
B. This criterion was calculated based on an additional lifetime cancer risk of one-in-one-
million (1 x 10-6 risk level).
C. This criterion is based on a regulatory level developed under the Safe Drinking Water
Act.
D. This recommended water quality criterion is expressed as total cyanide, even though the
integrated risk information system RfD used to derive the criterion is based on free
cyanide. The multiple forms of cyanide that are present in ambient water have significant
differences in toxicity due to their differing abilities to liberate the CN-moiety. Some
complex cyanides require even more extreme conditions than refluxing with sulfuric acid
to liberate the CN-moiety. Thus, these complex cyanides are expected to have little or
no "bioavailability" to humans. If a substantial fraction of the cyanide present in a water
body is present in a complexed form (e.g., Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3), this criterion may be overly
conservative.
E. This criterion applies to total PCBs, (e.g., the sum of all congener or all isomer or
homolog or Aroclor analyses). The PCBs criteria were calculated using a chemical-
specific risk level of 4 x 10-5. Because that calculation resulted in a higher (less
protective) concentration than the current criterion concentration (40 C.F.R. 131.36) the
state made a chemical-specific decision to stay at the current criterion concentration.
Page 40
F. This criterion was derived using the cancer slope factor of 1.4 (linearized multistage
model with a twofold increase to 1.4 per mg/kg-day to account for continuous lifetime
exposure from birth).
G. The human health criteria for mercury are contained in 40 C.F.R. 131.36.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035, 90.48.605 and section 303(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act), C.F.R. 40,
C.F.R. 131. WSR 16-16-095 (Order 12-03), § 173-201A-240, filed 8/1/16, effective 9/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 11-09-
090 (Order 10-10), § 173-201A-240, filed 4/20/11, effective 5/21/11; WSR 06-23-117 (Order 06-04), § 173-201A-240, filed 11/20/06, effective
12/21/06. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), amended and recodified as § 173-201A-240,
filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW and 40 C.F.R. 131. WSR 97-23-064 (Order 94-19), § 173-201A-040,
filed 11/18/97, effective 12/19/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-037 (Order 92-29), § 173-201A-040, filed 11/25/92,
effective 12/26/92.]
Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency.
173-201A-250
Radioactive substances.
(1) Deleterious concentrations of radioactive materials for all classes shall be as determined by
the lowest practicable concentration attainable and in no case shall exceed:
(a) 1/12.5 of the values listed in WAC 246-221-290 (Column 2, Table II, effluent
concentrations, rules and regulations for radiation protection); or
(b) USEPA Drinking Water Regulations for radionuclides, as published in the Federal
Register of July 9, 1976, or subsequent revisions thereto.
(2) Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to be applicable to those aspects of
governmental regulation of radioactive waters which have been preempted from state regulation
by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, as interpreted by the United States Supreme
Court in the cases of Northern States Power Co. v. Minnesota 405 U.S. 1035 (1972) and Train
v. Colorado Public Interest Research Group, 426 U.S. 1 (1976).
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), recodified as § 173-201A-250, filed 7/1/03, effective
8/1/03. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW and 40 C.F.R. 131. WSR 97-23-064 (Order 94-19), § 173-201A-050, filed 11/18/97, effective
12/19/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-037 (Order 92-29), § 173-201A-050, filed 11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.]
173-201A-260
Natural conditions and other water quality criteria and applications.
(1) Natural and irreversible human conditions.
(a) It is recognized that portions of many water bodies cannot meet the assigned criteria
due to the natural conditions of the water body. When a water body does not meet its
assigned criteria due to natural climatic or landscape attributes, the natural conditions
constitute the water quality criteria.
(b) When a water body does not meet its assigned criteria due to human structural
changes that cannot be effectively remedied (as determined consistent with the federal
regulations at 40 C.F.R. 131.10), then alternative estimates of the attainable water
Page 41
quality conditions, plus any further allowances for human effects specified in this chapter
for when natural conditions exceed the criteria, may be used to establish an alternative
criteria for the water body (see WAC 173-201A-430 and 173-201A-440).
(2) Toxics and aesthetics criteria. The following narrative criteria apply to all existing and
designated uses for fresh and marine water:
(a) Toxic, radioactive, or deleterious material concentrations must be below those which
have the potential, either singularly or cumulatively, to adversely affect characteristic
water uses, cause acute or chronic conditions to the most sensitive biota dependent
upon those waters, or adversely affect public health (see WAC 173-201A-240, toxic
substances, and 173-201A-250, radioactive substances).
(b) Aesthetic values must not be impaired by the presence of materials or their effects,
excluding those of natural origin, which offend the senses of sight, smell, touch, or taste
(see WAC 173-201A-230 for guidance on establishing lake nutrient standards to protect
aesthetics).
(3) Procedures for applying water quality criteria. In applying the appropriate water quality
criteria for a water body, the department will use the following procedure:
(a) The department will establish water quality requirements for water bodies, in addition
to those specifically listed in this chapter, on a case-specific basis where determined
necessary to provide full support for designated and existing uses.
(b) Upstream actions must be conducted in manners that meet downstream water body
criteria. Except where and to the extent described otherwise in this chapter, the criteria
associated with the most upstream uses designated for a water body are to be applied to
headwaters to protect nonfish aquatic species and the designated downstream uses.
(c) Where multiple criteria for the same water quality parameter are assigned to a water
body to protect different uses, the most stringent criterion for each parameter is to be
applied.
(d) At the boundary between water bodies protected for different uses, the more
stringent criteria apply.
(e) In brackish waters of estuaries, where different criteria for the same use occurs for
fresh and marine waters, the decision to use the fresh water or the marine water criteria
must be selected and applied on the basis of vertically averaged daily maximum salinity,
referred to below as "salinity."
(i) The fresh water criteria must be applied at any point where ninety-five percent
of the salinity values are less than or equal to one part per thousand, except that
the fresh water criteria for bacteria applies when the salinity is less than ten parts
per thousand; and
(ii) The marine water criteria must apply at all other locations where the salinity
values are greater than one part per thousand, except that the marine criteria for
bacteria applies when the salinity is ten parts per thousand or greater.
Page 42
(f) Numeric criteria established in this chapter are not intended for application to human
created waters managed primarily for the removal or containment of pollution. This
special provision also includes private farm ponds created from upland sites that did not
incorporate natural water bodies.
(i) Waters covered under this provision must be managed so that:
(A) They do not create unreasonable risks to human health or uses of the
water; and
(B) Discharges from these systems meet down gradient surface and
ground water quality standards.
(ii) This provision does not apply to waterways designed and managed primarily
to convey or transport water from one location to another, rather than to remove
pollution en route.
(g) When applying the numeric criteria established in this chapter, the department will
give consideration to the precision and accuracy of the sampling and analytical methods
used, as well as the existing conditions at the time.
(h) The analytical testing methods for these numeric criteria must be in accordance with
the "Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants" (40 C.F.R.
Part 136) or superseding methods published. The department may also approve other
methods following consultation with adjacent states and with the approval of the USEPA.
(i) The primary means for protecting water quality in wetlands is through implementing
the antidegradation procedures described in Part III of this chapter.
(i) In addition to designated uses, wetlands may have existing beneficial uses
that are to be protected that include ground water exchange, shoreline
stabilization, and stormwater attenuation.
(ii) Water quality in wetlands is maintained and protected by maintaining the
hydrologic conditions, hydrophytic vegetation, and substrate characteristics
necessary to support existing and designated uses.
(iii) Wetlands must be delineated using the Washington State Wetlands
Identification and Delineation Manual, in accordance with WAC 173-22-035.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 11-09-090 (Order 10-10), § 173-201A-260, filed 4/20/11, effective 5/21/11. Statutory Authority:
Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), § 173-201A-260, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03.]
Page 43
Part III - Antidegradation
173-201A-300
Description.
(1) The antidegradation policy is guided by chapter 90.48 RCW, Water Pollution Control Act,
chapter 90.54 RCW, Water Resources Act of 1971, and 40 C.F.R. 131.12.
(2) The purpose of the antidegradation policy is to:
(a) Restore and maintain the highest possible quality of the surface waters of
Washington;
(b) Describe situations under which water quality may be lowered from its current
condition;
(c) Apply to human activities that are likely to have an impact on the water quality of a
surface water;
(d) Ensure that all human activities that are likely to contribute to a lowering of water
quality, at a minimum, apply all known, available, and reasonable methods of prevention,
control, and treatment (AKART); and
(e) Apply three levels of protection for surface waters of the state, as generally
described below:
(i) Tier I is used to ensure existing and designated uses are maintained and
protected and applies to all waters and all sources of pollution.
(ii) Tier II is used to ensure that waters of a higher quality than the criteria
assigned in this chapter are not degraded unless such lowering of water quality is
necessary and in the overriding public interest. Tier II applies only to a specific
list of polluting activities.
(iii) Tier III is used to prevent the degradation of waters formally listed in this
chapter as "outstanding resource waters," and applies to all sources of pollution.
(3) Habitat restoration. Both temporary harm and permanent loss of existing uses may be
allowed by the department where determined necessary to secure greater ecological benefits
through major habitat restoration projects designed to return the natural physical structure and
associated uses to a water body where the structure has been altered through human action.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), § 173-201A-300, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03.]
Page 44
173-201A-310
Tier I — Protection and maintenance of existing and designated uses.
(1) Existing and designated uses must be maintained and protected. No degradation may be
allowed that would interfere with, or become injurious to, existing or designated uses, except as
provided for in this chapter.
(2) For waters that do not meet assigned criteria, or protect existing or designated uses, the
department will take appropriate and definitive steps to bring the water quality back into
compliance with the water quality standards.
(3) Whenever the natural conditions of a water body are of a lower quality than the assigned
criteria, the natural conditions constitute the water quality criteria. Where water quality criteria
are not met because of natural conditions, human actions are not allowed to further lower the
water quality, except where explicitly allowed in this chapter.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), § 173-201A-310, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03.]
173-201A-320
Tier II — Protection of waters of higher quality than the standards.
(1) Whenever a water quality constituent is of a higher quality than a criterion designated for
that water under this chapter, new or expanded actions within the categories identified in
subsection (2) of this section that are expected to cause a measurable change in the quality of
the water (see subsection (3) of this section) may not be allowed unless the department
determines that the lowering of water quality is necessary and in the overriding public interest
(see subsection (4) of this section).
(2) A Tier II review will only be conducted for new or expanded actions conducted under the
following authorizations. Public involvement with the Tier II review will be conducted in
accordance with the public involvement processes associated with these actions.
(a) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) waste discharge permits;
(b) State waste discharge permits to surface waters;
(c) Federal Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certifications; and
(d) Other water pollution control programs authorized, implemented, or administered by
the department.
(3) Definition of measurable change. To determine that a lowering of water quality is
necessary and in the overriding public interest, an analysis must be conducted for new or
expanded actions when the resulting action has the potential to cause a measurable change in
the physical, chemical, or biological quality of a water body. Measurable changes will be
determined based on an estimated change in water quality at a point outside the source area,
after allowing for mixing consistent with WAC 173-201A-400(7). In the context of this regulation,
Page 45
a measurable change includes a:
(a) Temperature increase of 0.3°C or greater;
(b) Dissolved oxygen decrease of 0.2 mg/L or greater;
(c) Bacteria level increase of 2 cfu/100 mL or greater;
(d) pH change of 0.1 units or greater;
(e) Turbidity increase of 0.5 NTU or greater; or
(f) Any detectable increase in the concentration of a toxic or radioactive substance.
(4) Necessary and overriding public interest determinations. Once an activity has been
determined to cause a measurable lowering in water quality, then an analysis must be
conducted to determine if the lowering of water quality is necessary and in the overriding public
interest. Information to conduct the analysis must be provided by the applicant seeking the
authorization, or by the department in developing a general permit or pollution control program,
and must include:
(a) Necessary and overriding public interest determinations. Once an activity has
been determined to cause a measurable lowering in water quality, then an analysis must
be conducted to determine if the lowering of water quality is necessary and in the
overriding public interest. Information to conduct the analysis must be provided by the
applicant seeking the authorization, or by the department in developing a general permit
or pollution control program, and must include:
(i) Economic benefits such as creating or expanding employment, increasing
median family income, or increasing the community tax base;
(ii) Providing or contributing to necessary social services;
(iii) The use and demonstration of innovative pollution control and management
approaches that would allow a significant improvement in AKART for a particular
industry or category of action;
(iv) The prevention or remediation of environmental or public health threats;
(v) The societal and economic benefits of better health protection;
(vi) The preservation of assimilative capacity for future industry and
development; and
(vii) The benefits associated with high water quality for uses such as fishing,
recreation, and tourism.
(b) Information that identifies and selects the best combination of site, structural, and
managerial approaches that can be feasibly implemented to prevent or minimize the
lowering of water quality. This information will be used by the department to determine if
the lowering of water quality is necessary. Examples that may be considered as
alternatives include:
(i) Pollution prevention measures (such as changes in plant processes, source
reduction, and substitution with less toxic substances);
Page 46
(ii) Recycle/reuse of waste by-products or production materials and fluids;
(iii) Application of water conservation methods;
(iv) Alternative or enhanced treatment technology;
(v) Improved operation and maintenance of existing treatment systems;
(vi) Seasonal or controlled discharge options to avoid critical conditions of water
quality;
(vii) Establishing buffer areas with effective limits on activities;
(viii) Land application or infiltration to capture pollutants and reduce surface
runoff, on-site treatment, or alternative discharge locations;
(ix) Water quality offsets as described in WAC 173-201A-450.
(5) The department retains the discretion to require that the applicant examine specific
alternatives, or that additional information be provided to conduct the analysis.
(6) General permit and water pollution control programs are developed for a category of
dischargers that have similar processes and pollutants. New or reissued general permits or
other water pollution control programs authorized, implemented, or administered by the
department will undergo an analysis under Tier II at the time the department develops and
approves the general permit or program.
(a) Individual activities covered under these general permits or programs will not require
a Tier II analysis.
(b) The department will describe in writing how the general permit or control program
meets the antidegradation requirements of this section.
(c) The department recognizes that many water quality protection programs and their
associated control technologies are in a continual state of improvement and
development. As a result, information regarding the existence, effectiveness, or costs of
control practices for reducing pollution and meeting the water quality standards may be
incomplete. In these instances, the antidegradation requirements of this section can be
considered met for general permits and programs that have a formal process to select,
develop, adopt, and refine control practices for protecting water quality and meeting the
intent of this section. This adaptive process must:
(i) Ensure that information is developed and used expeditiously to revise permit
or program requirements;
(ii) Review and refine management and control programs in cycles not to exceed
five years or the period of permit reissuance; and
(iii) Include a plan that describes how information will be obtained and used to
ensure full compliance with this chapter. The plan must be developed and
documented in advance of permit or program approval under this section.
(7) All authorizations under this section must still comply with the provisions of Tier I (WAC 173-
201A-310).
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), § 173-201A-320, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03.]
Page 47
173-201A-330
Tier III — Protection of outstanding resource waters.
Where a high quality water is designated as an outstanding resource water, the water quality
and uses of those waters must be maintained and protected. As part of the public process, a
qualifying water body may be designated as Tier III(A) which prohibits any and all future
degradation, or Tier III(B) which allows for de minimis (below measurable amounts) degradation
from well-controlled activities.
(1) To be eligible for designation as an outstanding resource water in Washington, one or more
of the following must apply:
(a) The water is in a relatively pristine condition (largely absent human sources of
degradation) or possesses exceptional water quality, and also occurs in federal and
state parks, monuments, preserves, wildlife refuges, wilderness areas, marine
sanctuaries, estuarine research reserves, or wild and scenic rivers;
(b) The water has unique aquatic habitat types (for example, peat bogs) that by
conventional water quality parameters (such as dissolved oxygen, temperature, or
sediment) are not considered high quality, but that are unique and regionally rare
examples of their kind;
(c) The water has both high water quality and regionally unique recreational value;
(d) The water is of exceptional statewide ecological significance; or
(e) The water has cold water thermal refuges critical to the long-term protection of
aquatic species. For this type of outstanding resource water, the nondegradation
protection would apply only to temperature and dissolved oxygen.
(2) Any water or portion thereof that meets one or more of the conditions described in
subsection (1) of this section may be designated for protection as an outstanding resource
water. A request for designation may be made by the department or through public nominations
that are submitted to the department in writing and that include sufficient information to show
how the water body meets the appropriate conditions identified in this section.
(3) After receiving a request for outstanding resource water designation, the department will:
(a) Respond within sixty days of receipt with a decision on whether the submitted
information demonstrates that the water body meets the eligibility requirements for an
outstanding resource water. If the submitted information demonstrates that the water
body meets the eligibility requirements, the department will schedule a review of the
nominated water for designation as an outstanding resource water. The review will
include a public process and consultation with recognized tribes in the geographic
vicinity of the water.
(b) In determining whether or not to designate an outstanding resource water, the
department will consider factors relating to the difficulty of maintaining the current quality
of the water body. Outstanding resource waters should not be designated where
substantial and imminent social or economic impact to the local community will occur,
unless local public support is overwhelmingly in favor of the designation. The
department will carefully weigh the level of support from the public and affected
governments in assessing whether or not to designate the water as an outstanding
resource water.
Page 48
(c) After considering public comments and weighing public support for the proposal, the
department will make a final determination on whether a nominated water body should
be adopted into this chapter as an outstanding resource water.
(4) A designated outstanding resource water will be maintained and protected from all
degradation, except for the following situations:
(a) Temporary actions that are necessary to protect the public interest as approved by
the department.
(b) Treatment works bypasses for sewage, waste, and stormwater are allowed where
such a bypass is unavoidable to prevent the loss of life, personal injury, or severe
property damage, and no feasible alternatives to the bypass exist.
(c) Response actions taken in accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental
Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), as amended, or similar federal or
state authorities, to alleviate a release into the environment of substances which may
pose an imminent and substantial danger to public health or welfare.
(d) The sources of degradation are from atmospheric deposition.
(5) Outstanding resources waters can be designated for either Tier III(A) or Tier III(B)
protection.
(a) Tier III(A) is the highest level of protection and allows no further degradation after
the waters have been formally designated Tier III(A) under this chapter.
(b) Tier III(B) is the second highest level of protection for outstanding resource waters
and conditionally allows minor degradation to occur due to highly controlled actions. The
requirements for Tier III(B) are as follows:
(i) To meet the goal for maintaining and protecting the quality of Tier III(B)
waters, sources of pollution, considered individually and cumulatively, are not to
cause measurable degradation of the water body.
(ii) Regardless of the quality of the water body, all new or expanded point
sources of pollution in Tier III(B) waters must use applicable advanced waste
treatment and control techniques that reasonably represent the state of the art
and must minimize the degradation of water quality to nonmeasurable levels
where total elimination is not feasible. Nonpoint sources must use all applicable
structural and nonstructural BMPs with the goal of reducing the degradation of
water quality to nonmeasurable levels where total elimination is not feasible.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), § 173-201A-330, filed 7/1/03, effective
8/1/03.]
Page 49
173-201A-400
Mixing zones.
(1) The allowable size and location of a mixing zone and the associated effluent limits shall be
established in discharge permits, general permits, or orders, as appropriate.
(2) A discharger shall be required to fully apply AKART prior to being authorized a mixing zone.
(3) Mixing zone determinations shall consider critical discharge conditions.
(4) No mixing zone shall be granted unless the supporting information clearly indicates the
mixing zone would not have a reasonable potential to cause a loss of sensitive or important
habitat, substantially interfere with the existing or characteristic uses of the water body, result in
damage to the ecosystem, or adversely affect public health as determined by the department.
(5) Water quality criteria shall not be violated outside of the boundary of a mixing zone as a
result of the discharge for which the mixing zone was authorized.
(6) The size of a mixing zone and the concentrations of pollutants present shall be minimized.
(7) The maximum size of a mixing zone shall comply with the following:
(a) In rivers and streams, mixing zones, singularly or in combination with other mixing
zones, shall comply with the most restrictive combination of the following (this size
limitation may be applied to estuaries having flow characteristics that resemble rivers):
(i) Not extend in a downstream direction for a distance from the discharge port(s)
greater than three hundred feet plus the depth of water over the discharge
port(s), or extend upstream for a distance of over one hundred feet;
(ii) Not utilize greater than twenty-five percent of the flow; and
(iii) Not occupy greater than twenty-five percent of the width of the water body.
(b) In estuaries, mixing zones, singularly or in combination with other mixing zones,
shall:
(i) Not extend in any horizontal direction from the discharge port(s) for a distance
greater than two hundred feet plus the depth of water over the discharge port(s)
as measured during mean lower low water; and
(ii) Not occupy greater than twenty-five percent of the width of the water body as
measured during mean lower low water. For the purpose of this section, areas to
the east of a line from Green Point (Fidalgo Island) to Lawrence Point (Orcas
Island) are considered estuarine, as are all of the Strait of Georgia and the San
Juan Islands north of Orcas Island. To the east of Deception Pass, and to the
south and east of Admiralty Head, and south of Point Wilson on the Quimper
Peninsula, is Puget Sound proper, which is considered to be entirely estuarine.
All waters existing within bays from Point Wilson westward to Cape Flattery and
south to the North Jetty of the Columbia River shall also be categorized as
estuarine.
Page 50
(c) In oceanic waters, mixing zones, singularly or in combination with other mixing
zones, shall not extend in any horizontal direction from the discharge port(s) for a
distance greater than three hundred feet plus the depth of water over the discharge
port(s) as measured during mean lower low water. For the purpose of this section, all
marine waters not classified as estuarine in (b)(ii) of this subsection shall be categorized
as oceanic.
(d) In lakes, and in reservoirs having a mean detention time greater than fifteen days,
mixing zones shall not be allowed unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of
the department that:
(i) Other siting, technological, and managerial options that would avoid the need
for a lake mixing zone are not reasonably achievable;
(ii) Overriding considerations of the public interest will be served; and
(iii) All technological and managerial methods available for pollution reduction
and removal that are economically achievable would be implemented prior to
discharge. Such methods may include, but not be limited to, advanced waste
treatment techniques.
(e) In lakes, and in reservoirs having a mean detention time greater than fifteen days,
mixing zones, singularly or in combination with other mixing zones, shall comply with the
most restrictive combination of the following:
(i) Not exceed ten percent of the water body volume;
(ii) Not exceed ten percent of the water body surface area (maximum radial
extent of the plume regardless of whether it reaches the surface); and
(iii) Not extend beyond fifteen percent of the width of the water body.
(8) Acute criteria are based on numeric criteria and toxicity tests approved by the department,
as generally guided under WAC 173-201A-240 (1) through (5), and shall be met as near to the
point of discharge as practicably attainable. Compliance shall be determined by monitoring data
or calibrated models approved by the department utilizing representative dilution ratios. A zone
where acute criteria may be exceeded is allowed only if it can be demonstrated to the
department's satisfaction the concentration of, and duration and frequency of exposure to the
discharge, will not create a barrier to the migration or translocation of indigenous organisms to a
degree that has the potential to cause damage to the ecosystem. A zone of acute criteria
exceedance shall singularly or in combination with other such zones comply with the following
maximum size requirements:
(a) In rivers and streams, a zone where acute criteria may be exceeded shall comply
with the most restrictive combination of the following (this size limitation may also be
applied to estuaries having flow characteristics resembling rivers):
(i) Not extend beyond ten percent of the distance towards the upstream and
downstream boundaries of an authorized mixing zone, as measured
independently from the discharge port(s);
(ii) Not utilize greater than two and one-half percent of the flow; and
(iii) Not occupy greater than twenty-five percent of the width of the water body.
Page 51
(b) In oceanic and estuarine waters a zone where acute criteria may be exceeded shall
not extend beyond ten percent of the distance established in subsection (7)(b) of this
section as measured independently from the discharge port(s).
(9) Overlap of mixing zones.
(a) Where allowing the overlap of mixing zones would result in a combined area of
water quality criteria nonattainment which does not exceed the numeric size limits
established under subsection (7) of this section, the overlap may be permitted if:
(i) The separate and combined effects of the discharges can be reasonably
determined; and
(ii) The combined effects would not create a barrier to the migration or
translocation of indigenous organisms to a degree that has the potential to cause
damage to the ecosystem.
(b) Where allowing the overlap of mixing zones would result in exceedance of the
numeric size limits established under subsection (7) of this section, the overlap may be
allowed only where:
(i) The overlap qualifies for exemption under subsections (12) and (13) of this
section; and
(ii) The overlap meets the requirements established in (a) of this subsection.
(10) Stormwater:
(a) Stormwater discharge from any "point source" containing "process wastewater" as
defined in 40 C.F.R. Part 122.2 shall fully conform to the numeric size criteria in
subsections (7) and (8) of this section and the overlap criteria in subsection (9) of this
section.
(b) Stormwater discharges not described by (a) of this subsection may be granted an
exemption to the numeric size criteria in subsections (7) and (8) of this section and the
overlap criteria in subsection (9) of this section, provided the discharger clearly
demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that:
(i) All appropriate best management practices established for stormwater
pollutant control have been applied to the discharge.
(ii) The proposed mixing zone shall not have a reasonable potential to result in a
loss of sensitive or important habitat, substantially interfere with the existing or
characteristic uses of the water body, result in damage to the ecosystem, or
adversely affect public health as determined by the department; and
(iii) The proposed mixing zone shall not create a barrier to the migration or
translocation of indigenous organisms to a degree that has the potential to cause
damage to the ecosystem.
(c) All mixing zones for stormwater discharges shall be based on a volume of runoff
corresponding to a design storm approved by the department. Exceedances from the
numeric size criteria in subsections (7) and (8) of this section and the overlap criteria in
subsection (9) of this section due to precipitation events greater than the approved
design storm may be allowed by the department, if it would not result in adverse impact
Page 52
to existing or characteristic uses of the water body or result in damage to the ecosystem,
or adversely affect public health as determined by the department.
(11) Combined sewer overflows complying with the requirements of chapter 173-245 WAC,
may be allowed an average once per year exemption to the numeric size criteria in subsections
(7) and (8) of this section and the overlap criteria in subsection (9) of this section, provided the
discharge complies with subsection (4) of this section.
(12) Exceedances from the numeric size criteria in subsections (7) and (8) of this section and
the overlap criteria in subsection (9) of this section may be considered by the department in the
following cases:
(a) For discharges existing prior to November 24, 1992, (or for proposed discharges
with engineering plans formally approved by the department prior to November 24,
1992);
(b) Where altering the size configuration is expected to result in greater protection to
existing and characteristic uses;
(c) Where the volume of water in the effluent is providing a greater benefit to the
existing or characteristic uses of the water body due to flow augmentation than the
benefit of removing the discharge, if such removal is the remaining feasible option; or
(d) Where the exceedance is clearly necessary to accommodate important economic or
social development in the area in which the waters are located.
(13) Before an exceedance from the numeric size criteria in subsections (7) and (8) of this
section and the overlap criteria in subsection (9) of this section may be allowed under
subsection (12) of this section, it must clearly be demonstrated to the department's satisfaction
that:
(a) AKART appropriate to the discharge is being fully applied;
(b) All siting, technological, and managerial options which would result in full or
significantly closer compliance that are economically achievable are being utilized; and
(c) The proposed mixing zone complies with subsection (4) of this section.
(14) Any exemptions granted to the size criteria under subsection (12) of this section shall be
reexamined during each permit renewal period for changes in compliance capability. Any
significant increase in capability to comply shall be reflected in the renewed discharge permit.
(15) The department may establish permit limits and measures of compliance for human health
based criteria (based on lifetime exposure levels), independent of this section.
(16) Sediment impact zones authorized by the department pursuant to chapter 173-204 WAC,
Sediment management standards, do not satisfy the requirements of this section.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), amended and recodified as § 173-201A-400, filed 7/1/03,
effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. 92-24-037 (Order 92-29), § 173-201A-100, filed 11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.]
Page 53
Part IV – Tools for Application of Criteria
173-201A-410
Short-term modifications.
The criteria and special conditions established in WAC 173-201A-200 through173-201A-260 ,
173-201A-320, 173-201A-602 and 173-201A-612 may be modified for a specific water body on
a short-term basis (e.g., actual periods of nonattainment would generally be limited to hours or
days rather than weeks or months) when necessary to accommodate essential activities,
respond to emergencies, or to otherwise protect the public interest, even though such activities
may result in a temporary reduction of water quality conditions.
(1) A short-term modification will:
(a) Be authorized in writing by the department, and conditioned, timed, and restricted in
a manner that will minimize degradation of water quality, existing uses, and designated
uses;
(b) Be valid for the duration of the activity requiring modification of the criteria and
special conditions in WAC 173-201A-200 through 173-201A-260, 173-201A-602 or 173-
201A-612, as determined by the department;
(c) Allow degradation of water quality if the degradation does not significantly interfere
with or become injurious to existing or designated water uses or cause long-term harm
to the environment; and
(d) In no way lessen or remove the proponent's obligations and liabilities under other
federal, state, and local rules and regulations.
(2) The department may authorize a longer duration where the activity is part of an ongoing or
long-term operation and maintenance plan, integrated pest or noxious weed management plan,
water body or watershed management plan, or restoration plan. Such a plan must be
developed through a public involvement process consistent with the Administrative Procedure
Act (chapter 34.05 RCW) and be in compliance with SEPA, chapter 43.21C RCW, in which case
the standards may be modified for the duration of the plan, or for five years, whichever is less.
Such long-term plans may be renewed by the department after providing for another opportunity
for public and intergovernmental involvement and review.
(3) The department may allow a major watershed restoration activity that will provide greater
benefits to the health of the aquatic system in the long-term (examples include removing dams
or reconnecting meander channels) that, in the short term, may cause significant impacts to
existing or designated uses as a result of the activities to restore the water body and
environmental conditions. Authorization will be given in accordance with subsection (2) of this
section.
(4) A short-term modification may be issued in writing by the director or his/her designee to an
individual or entity proposing the aquatic application of pesticides, including but not limited to
those used for control of federally or state listed noxious and invasive species, and excess
populations of native aquatic plants, mosquitoes, burrowing shrimp, and fish, subject to the
following terms and conditions:
Page 54
(a) A request for a short-term modification shall be made to the department on forms
supplied by the department. Such request shall be made at least thirty days prior to
initiation of the proposed activity, and after the project proponent has complied with the
requirements of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA);
(b) Appropriate public notice as determined and prescribed by the director or his/her
designee shall be given, identifying the pesticide, applicator, location where the pesticide
will be applied, proposed timing and method of application, and any water use
restrictions specified in USEPA label provisions;
(c) The pesticide application shall be made at times so as to:
(i) Minimize public water use restrictions during weekends; and
(ii) Avoid public water use restrictions during the opening week of fishing
season, Memorial Day weekend, Independence Day weekend, and Labor Day
weekend;
(d) Any additional conditions as may be prescribed by the director or his/her designee.
(5) A short-term modification may be issued for the control or eradication of noxious weeds
identified as such in accordance with the state noxious weed control law, chapter 17.10 RCW,
and Control of spartina and purple loosestrife, chapter 17.26 RCW. Short-term modifications for
noxious weed control shall be included in a water quality permit issued in accordance with RCW
90.48.445, and the following requirements:
(a) The department may issue water quality permits for noxious weed control to the
Washington state department of agriculture (WSDA) for the purposes of coordinating
and conducting noxious weed control activities consistent with WSDA's responsibilities
under chapters 17.10 and 17.26 RCW. Coordination may include noxious weed control
activities identified in a WSDA integrated noxious weed management plan and
conducted by individual landowners or land managers.
(b) T e department may also issue water quality permits to individual landowners or land
managers for noxious weed control activities where such activities are not covered by a
WSDA integrated noxious weed management plan.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. 06-23-117 (Order 06-04), § 173-201A-410, filed 11/20/06, effective 12/21/06. Statutory
Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), amended and recodified as § 173-201A-410, filed 7/1/03,
effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW and 40 CFR 131. 97-23-064 (Order 94-19), § 173-201A-110, filed
11/18/97, effective 12/19/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. 92-24-037 (Order 92-29), § 173-201A-110, filed 11/25/92,
effective 12/26/92.]
Page 55
173-201A-420
Variance.
(1) General provisions. Variances for individual facilities, a group of facilities, or stretches of
waters may be issued for the criteria and designated uses established in WAC 173-201A-200
through 173-201A-260 and 173-201A-600 through 173-201A-612. The following conditions
apply when considering issuance of a variance:
(a) A variance may be considered when the standards are expected to be attained by
the end of the variance period or the attainable use cannot be reliably determined.
(b) The variance applies to specific parameters and all other applicable standards
remain in effect for the water body.
(c) The modification must be consistent with the requirements of federal regulations
(currently 40 C.F.R. 131.14).
(d) Reasonable progress must be made toward meeting the underlying standards
during the variance period.
(e) A variance renewal may be considered if the renewal request meets the above
conditions.
(2) Types of variances. Upon request or on its own initiative, the department will consider
granting the following types of variances to existing water quality standards:
(a) An individual variance is a time-limited designated use and parameter-specific
change to the standard(s) of the receiving water body for a specific discharger. The
temporary standard(s) only apply at the point(s) of compliance for the individual facility.
(b) A multidischarger variance is a time-limited designated use and parameter-specific
change to the standard(s) of any water body that receives discharges from a permitted
facility defined within the scope of the multidischarger variance. Any permitted
discharger that is defined within the scope of the variance may be covered under the
variance that is granted by the department, provided all requirements of the variance for
that discharger are met.
(c) A water body variance is a time-limited designated use and parameter-specific
change to the standard(s) for a stretch of waters. Any discharger of the specific
parameter that is defined within the geographic scope of the water body variance may
be covered under the variance that is granted by the department, provided all
requirements of the variance for that discharger are met.
(3) Requirements. Any entity initiating a variance request or applying for coverage for an
individual, multidischarger, or water body variance must submit the following information to the
department:
(a) The pollutant-specific criteria and designated use(s) proposed to be modified by the
variance, and the proposed duration of the variance.
Page 56
(b) A demonstration that attaining the water quality standard for a specific pollutant is
not feasible for the requested duration of the variance based on 40 C.F.R. 131.14.
(c) An evaluation of treatment or alternative actions that were considered to meet
effluent limits based on the underlying water quality criteria, and a description of why
these options are not technically, economically, or otherwise feasible.
(d) Sufficient water quality data and analyses to characterize receiving and discharge
water pollutant concentrations.
(e) A description and schedule of actions that the discharger(s) proposes to ensure the
underlying water quality standard(s) are met or the highest attainable use is attained
within the variance period. Dischargers are also required to submit a schedule for
development and implementation of a pollutant minimization plan for the subject
pollutant(s).
(f) If the variance is for a water body or stretch of water, the following information must
also be provided to the department:
(i) The results from a pollutant source assessment that quantifies the
contribution of pollution from permitted sources and nonpermitted sources;
(ii) All cost-effective and reasonable best management practices for permitted
sources that address the pollutant the variance is based upon; and
(iii) Best management practices for nonpermitted sources that meet the
requirements of chapter 90.48 RCW.
(g) Any additional information the department deems necessary to evaluate the
application.
(4) Public review and notification. The decision to grant a variance is a formal rule making
subject to a public and intergovernmental involvement process.
(a) The department will provide notice of the proposed variance and consult with Indian
tribes or other states that have jurisdiction over adjacent and downstream waters of the
proposed variance.
(b) The department shall maintain and make publicly available a list of dischargers that
are covered under the variances that are in effect.
(5) Period during which the variance is in effect. A variance is a time-limited designated
use and criterion.
(a) Each variance will be granted for the minimum time estimated to meet the underlying
standard(s) or, if during the period of the variance it is determined that a designated use
cannot be attained, then a use attainability analysis (WAC 173-201A-440) will be
initiated.
(b) The ability to apply a variance in permits or other actions may be terminated by the
department as a result of a mandatory interim review.
Page 57
(c) Variances are in effect after they have been incorporated into this chapter and
approved by the USEPA.
(6) Contents of a variance. At a minimum a variance adopted into rule will include the
following:
(a) The time period for which the variance is applicable.
(b) The geographic area or specific waters in which the variance is applicable.
(c) A description of the permitted and unpermitted dischargers covered by the variance.
(d) Identification of required actions and a schedule, including any measurable
milestones, for all pollution sources (permitted and unpermitted) subject to the variance.
Dischargers are required to use adaptive management to fine-tune and update actions,
schedules, and milestones in order to achieve the goals of the variance.
(e) A provision allowing the department to reopen and modify any permits and to revise
BMP requirements for unpermitted dischargers as a result of the mandatory interim
review of the variance (see subsection (8) of this section).
(7) Variance permit conditions. The department must establish and incorporate into NPDES
permits all conditions necessary to implement and enforce an approved variance, including:
(a) Effluent limits that represent currently achieved or achievable effluent conditions, or
effluent limits that are sufficient to meet the underlying water quality standard upon
expiration of the variance;
(b) Monitoring and reporting requirements; and
(c) A provision allowing the department to reopen and modify the permits based on the
mandatory interim review of the variance.
(8) Mandatory interim review. The department will conduct an interim review of each
variance at least once every five years after the variance is adopted and approved to determine
that conditions of the variance are being met and to evaluate whether the variance is still
necessary.
(a) Review process for individual discharger and multidischarger variances:
(i) The review shall be coordinated with the public review process of the permit
renewal if the variance is being implemented in a permit.
(ii) The review will be focused on the discharger's compliance with permit
conditions that are required by the variance as well as an evaluation of whether
the variance is still necessary.
(b) Review process for water body variances:
(i) Variances for stretches of waters will be reviewed in a public process
conducted by the department every five years after the variance is adopted into
this chapter and approved by the USEPA.
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(ii) The review will evaluate whether the variance is still necessary, any new
information on sources of the pollutant that indicates that reductions could be
made that would allow water quality standards to be met in a shorter time frame,
as well as any new information that indicates water quality improvements may
require more time.
(c) A variance that applies to a permit will be shortened or terminated if the review
determines that:
(i) The conditions and requirements of the variance and associated permit
requirements have not been complied with unless reasons outside the control of
the discharger prevented meeting any condition or requirement; or
(ii) Water quality standards could be met in a shorter time frame, based on new
information submitted to the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035, 90.48.605 and section 303(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act), C.F.R. 40,
C.F.R. 131. WSR 16-16-095 (Order 12-03), § 173-201A-420, filed 8/1/16, effective 9/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 11-09-
090 (Order 10-10), § 173-201A-420, filed 4/20/11, effective 5/21/11. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. WSR 03-14-129
(Order 02-14), § 173-201A-420, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03.]
173-201A-430
Site-specific criteria.
(1) Where the attainable condition of existing and designated uses for the water body would be
fully protected using an alternative criterion, site-specific criteria may be adopted.
(a) The site-specific criterion must be consistent with the federal regulations on
designating and protecting uses (currently 40 CFR 131.10 and 131.11); and
(b) The decision to approve a site-specific criterion must be subject to a public
involvement and intergovernmental coordination process.
(2) The site-specific analyses for the development of a new water quality criterion must be
conducted in a manner that is scientifically justifiable and consistent with the assumptions and
rationale in "Guidelines for Deriving National Water Quality Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic
Organisms and their Uses," EPA 1985; and conducted in accordance with the procedures
established in the "Water Quality Standards Handbook," EPA 1994, as revised.
(3) The decision to approve the site-specific criterion must be based on a demonstration that it
will protect the existing and attainable uses of the water body.
(4) Site-specific criteria are not in effect until they have been incorporated into this chapter and
approved by the USEPA.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), § 173-201A-430, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03.]
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173-201A-440
Use attainability analysis.
(1) Removal of a designated use for a water body assigned in this chapter must be based on a
use attainability analysis (UAA). A UAA is a structured scientific assessment of the factors
affecting the attainment of the use which may include physical, chemical, biological, and
economic factors. A use can only be removed through a UAA if it is not existing or attainable.
(2) A UAA proposing to remove a designated use on a water body must be submitted to the
department in writing and include sufficient information to demonstrate that the use is neither
existing nor attainable.
(3) A UAA must be consistent with the federal regulations on designating and protecting uses
(currently 40 CFR 131.10).
(4) Subcategories of use protection that reflect the lower physical potential of the water body for
protecting designated uses must be based upon federal regulations (currently 40 CFR
131.10(c)).
(5) Allowing for seasonal uses where doing so would not harm existing or designated uses
occurring in that or another season must be based upon federal regulations (currently 40 CFR
131.10(f)).
(6) After receiving a proposed UAA, the department will respond within sixty days of receipt
with a decision on whether to proceed toward rule making.
(7) The decision to approve a UAA is subject to a public involvement and intergovernmental
coordination process, including tribal consultation.
(8) The department will maintain a list of federally recognized tribes in the state of Washington.
During all stages of development and review of UAA proposals, the department will provide
notice and consult with representatives of the interested affected Indian tribes on a government-
to-government basis, and carefully consider their recommendations.
(9) The results of a UAA are not in effect until they have been incorporated into this chapter and
approved by the USEPA.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), § 173-201A-440, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03.]
173-201A-450
Water quality offsets.
(1) A water quality offset occurs where a project proponent implements or finances the
implementation of controls for point or nonpoint sources to reduce the levels of pollution for the
purpose of creating sufficient assimilative capacity to allow new or expanded discharges. The
purpose of water quality offsets is to sufficiently reduce the pollution levels of a water body so
that a proponent's actions do not cause or contribute to a violation of the requirements of this
chapter and so that they result in a net environmental benefit. Water quality offsets may be
Page 60
used to assist an entity in meeting load allocations targeted under a pollution reduction analysis
(such as a total maximum daily load) as established by the department. Water quality offsets
may be used to reduce the water quality effect of a discharge to levels that are unmeasurable
and in compliance with the water quality antidegradation Tier II analysis (WAC 173-201A-320).
(2) Water quality offsets may be allowed by the department when all of the following conditions
are met:
(a) Water quality offsets must target specific water quality parameters.
(b) The improvements in water quality associated with creating water quality offsets for
any proposed new or expanded actions must be demonstrated to have occurred in
advance of the proposed action.
(c) The technical basis and methodology for the water quality offsets is documented
through a technical analysis of pollutant loading, and that analysis is made available for
review by the department. The methodology must incorporate the uncertainties
associated with any proposed point or nonpoint source controls as well as variability in
effluent quality for sources, and must demonstrate that an appropriate margin of safety is
included. The approach must clearly account for the attenuation of the benefits of
pollution controls as the water moves to the location where the offset is needed.
(d) Point or nonpoint source pollution controls must be secured using binding legal
instruments between any involved parties for the life of the project that is being offset.
The proponent remains solely responsible for ensuring the success of offsetting activities
for both compliance and enforcement purposes.
(e) Only the proportion of the pollution controls which occurs beyond existing
requirements for those sources can be included in the offset allowance.
(f) Water quality offsets must meet antidegradation requirements in WAC 173-201A-300
through 173-201A-330 and federal antibacksliding requirements in CFR 122.44(l).
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), § 173-201A-450, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03.]
173-201A-460
Intake credits.
(1) General provisions. The following provisions apply to the consideration of intake credits in
determining reasonable potential and establishing water quality based effluent limits (WQBELs).
(a) An "intake pollutant" is the amount of a pollutant that is present in waters of the state
(including groundwater except as provided in (c) of this subsection) at the time water is
removed from the same body of water by the discharger or other facility supplying the
discharger with intake water.
(b) An intake pollutant must be from the "same body of water" as the discharge in order
to be eligible for an intake credit. An intake pollutant is considered to be from the "same
body of water" as the discharge if the department finds that the intake pollutant would
have reached the vicinity of the outfall point in the receiving water within a reasonable
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period had it not been removed by the permittee. This finding will be established if a
discharger demonstrates:
(i) The background concentration of the pollutant in the receiving water
(excluding any amount of the pollutant in the facility's discharge) is similar to that
in the intake water; and
(ii) There is a direct hydrological connection between the intake and discharge
points.
(c) An intake pollutant in groundwater partially or entirely due to human activity is not
eligible for use of an intake credit.
(d) Where intake water for a facility is provided by a municipal water supply system and
the supplier provides treatment of the raw water that removes an intake water pollutant,
the concentration of the intake water pollutant will be determined at the point where the
water enters the water supplier's distribution system.
(e) Where a facility discharges intake pollutants from multiple sources that originate
from the receiving water body and from other water bodies, the department may derive
an effluent limit reflecting the flow-weighted amount of each source of the pollutant
provided that conditions in subsection (3) of this section are met and adequate
monitoring to determine compliance can be established and is included in the permit.
(f) The department may also consider other site-specific factors relevant to the transport
and fate of the pollutant to make the finding in a particular case that a pollutant would or
would not have reached the vicinity of the outfall point in the receiving water within a
reasonable period had it not been removed by the permittee.
(2) Consideration of intake pollutants in reasonable potential determination.
(a) The department may determine there is no reasonable potential for the discharge of
an identified intake pollutant to cause or contribute to an exceedance of a narrative or
numeric water quality criterion where a discharger demonstrates that all the following
conditions are met:
(i) The facility removes the intake water containing the pollutant from the same
body of water into which the discharge is made;
(ii) The facility does not alter the identified intake pollutant chemically or
physically in a manner that would cause adverse water quality impacts to occur
that would not occur if the pollutant had not been removed from the body of
water;
(iii) The timing and location of the discharge would not cause adverse water
quality impacts to occur that would not occur if the identified intake pollutant had
not been removed from the body of water;
(iv) The facility does not increase the identified intake pollutant concentration at
the edge of the mixing zone, or at the point of discharge if a mixing zone is not
allowed, as compared to the pollutant concentration in the intake water, unless
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the increased concentration does not cause or contribute to an excursion above
an applicable water quality standard; and
(v) The facility does not contribute any additional mass of the identified intake
pollutant to its wastewater.
(b) Upon a finding under (a) of this subsection that an intake pollutant in the discharge
does not cause, have the reasonable potential to cause, or contribute to an exceedance
of an applicable water quality standard, the department is not required to include a water
quality-based effluent limit for the identified intake pollutant in the facility's permit.
(3) Consideration of intake pollutants in establishing water quality based effluent limits.
(a) This subsection applies only when the ambient background concentration of the
intake pollutant does not meet the most stringent applicable water quality criterion for
that pollutant;
(b) The requirements of subsection (2)(a)(i) and (iv) also apply to this subsection.
(c) A discharger may add mass of the pollutant to its waste stream if an equal or greater
mass is removed prior to discharge, so there is no net addition of the pollutant in the
discharge compared to the intake water.
(d) Where the conditions of this subsection are met, the department may establish
effluent limits using an intake credit. The facility's permit must specify how compliance
with the limits will be assessed.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035, 90.48.605 and section 303(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act), C.F.R. 40,
C.F.R. 131. WSR 16-16-095 (Order 12-03), § 173-201A-460, filed 8/1/16, effective 9/1/16.]
Page 63
Part V - Implementation
173-201A-500
Achievement considerations.
To fully achieve and maintain the foregoing water quality in the state of Washington, it is the
intent of the department to apply the various implementation and enforcement authorities at its
disposal, including participation in the programs of the federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251
et seq.) as appropriate. It is also the intent that cognizance will be taken of the need for
participation in cooperative programs with other state agencies and private groups with respect
to the management of related problems. The department's planned program for water pollution
control will be defined and revised annually in accordance with section 106 of said federal act.
Further, it shall be required that all activities which discharge wastes into waters within the state,
or otherwise adversely affect the quality of said waters, be in compliance with the waste
treatment and discharge provisions of state or federal law.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), recodified as § 173-201A-500, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. 92-24-037 (Order 92-29), § 173-201A-150, filed 11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.]
173-201A-510
Means of implementation.
(1) Permitting. The primary means to be used for controlling municipal, commercial, and
industrial waste discharges shall be through the issuance of waste discharge permits, as
provided for in RCW 90.48.160, 90.48.162, and 90.48.260. Waste discharge permits, whether
issued pursuant to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System or otherwise, must be
conditioned so the discharges authorized will meet the water quality standards. No waste
discharge permit can be issued that causes or contributes to a violation of water quality criteria,
except as provided for in this chapter.
(a) Persons discharging wastes in compliance with the terms and conditions of permits
are not subject to civil and criminal penalties on the basis that the discharge violates
water quality standards.
(b) Permits must be modified by the department when it is determined that the
discharge causes or contributes to a violation of water quality standards. Major
modification of permits is subject to review in the same manner as the originally issued
permits.
(2) Miscellaneous waste discharge or water quality effect sources. The director shall,
through the issuance of regulatory permits, directives, and orders, as are appropriate, control
miscellaneous waste discharges and water quality effect sources not covered by subsection (1)
of this section.
Page 64
(3) Nonpoint source and stormwater pollution.
(a) Activities which generate nonpoint source pollution shall be conducted so as to
comply with the water quality standards. The primary means to be used for requiring
compliance with the standards shall be through best management practices required in
waste discharge permits, rules, orders, and directives issued by the department for
activities which generate nonpoint source pollution.
(b) Best management practices shall be applied so that when all appropriate
combinations of individual best management practices are utilized, violation of water
quality criteria shall be prevented. If a discharger is applying all best management
practices appropriate or required by the department and a violation of water quality
criteria occurs, the discharger shall modify existing practices or apply further water
pollution control measures, selected or approved by the department, to achieve
compliance with water quality criteria. Best management practices established in
permits, orders, rules, or directives of the department shall be reviewed and modified, as
appropriate, so as to achieve compliance with water quality criteria.
(c) Activities which contribute to nonpoint source pollution shall be conducted utilizing
best management practices to prevent violation of water quality criteria. When
applicable best management practices are not being implemented, the department may
conclude individual activities are causing pollution in violation of RCW 90.48.080. In
these situations, the department may pursue orders, directives, permits, or civil or
criminal sanctions to gain compliance with the standards.
(d) Activities which cause pollution of stormwater shall be conducted so as to comply
with the water quality standards. The primary means to be used for requiring
compliance with the standards shall be through best management practices required in
waste discharge permits, rules, orders, and directives issued by the department for
activities which generate stormwater pollution. The consideration and control
procedures in (b) and (c) of this subsection apply to the control of pollutants in
stormwater.
(4) General allowance for compliance schedules.
(a) Permits and orders issued by the department for existing discharges may include a
schedule for achieving compliance with effluent limits and water quality standards that
apply to:
(i) Aquatic life uses; and
(ii) Uses other than aquatic life.
(b) Schedules of compliance shall be developed to ensure final compliance with all
water quality-based effluent limits and the water quality standards as soon as possible.
The department will decide whether to issue schedules of compliance on a case-by-case
basis. Schedules of compliance may not be issued for new discharges. Examples of
schedules of compliance that may be issued include:
(i) Construction of necessary treatment capability;
(ii) Implementation of necessary best management practices;
Page 65
(iii) Implementation of additional stormwater best management practices for
discharges determined not to meet water quality standards following
implementation of an initial set of best management practices; and
(iv) Completion of necessary water quality studies related to implementation of
permit requirements to meet effluent limits.
(c) For the period of time during which compliance with water quality standards is
deferred, interim effluent limits shall be formally established, based on the best
professional judgment of the department. Interim effluent limits may be numeric or
nonnumeric (e.g., construction of necessary facilities by a specified date as contained in
an order or permit), or both.
(d) Prior to establishing a schedule of compliance, the department shall require the
discharger to evaluate the possibility of achieving water quality standards via
nonconstruction changes (e.g., facility operation, pollution prevention). Schedules of
compliance shall require compliance with the specified requirements as soon as
possible. Compliance schedules shall generally not exceed the term of any permit
unless the department determines that a longer time period is needed to come into
compliance with the applicable water quality standards.
(e) When an approved total maximum daily load has established waste load allocations
for permitted dischargers, the department may authorize a compliance schedule longer
than ten years if:
(i) The permittee is not able to meet its waste load allocation in the TMDL solely
by controlling and treating its own effluent;
(ii) The permittee has made significant progress to reduce pollutant loading
during the term of the permit;
(iii) The permittee is meeting all of its requirements under the TMDL as soon as
possible; and
(iv) Actions specified in the compliance schedule are sufficient to achieve water
quality standards as soon as possible.
(5) Compliance schedules for dams:
(a) All dams in the state of Washington must comply with the provisions of this chapter.
(b) For dams that cause or contribute to a violation of the water quality standards, the
dam owner must develop a water quality attainment plan that provides a detailed
strategy for achieving compliance. The plan must include:
(i) A compliance schedule that does not exceed ten years;
(ii) Identification of all reasonable and feasible improvements that could be used
to meet standards, or if meeting the standards is not attainable, then to achieve
the highest attainable level of improvement;
Page 66
(iii) Any department-approved gas abatement plan as described in WAC 173-
201A-200 (1)(f)(ii);
(iv) Analytical methods that will be used to evaluate all reasonable and feasible
improvements;
(v) Water quality monitoring, which will be used by the department to track the
progress in achieving compliance with the state water quality standards; and
(vi) Benchmarks and reporting sufficient for the department to track the
applicant's progress toward implementing the plan within the designated time
period.
(c) The plan must ensure compliance with all applicable water quality criteria, as well as
any other requirements established by the department (such as through a total
maximum daily load, or TMDL, analysis).
(d) If the department is acting on an application for a water quality certification, the
approved water quality attainment plan may be used by the department in its
determination that there is reasonable assurance that the dam will not cause or
contribute to a violation of the water quality standards.
(e) When evaluating compliance with the plan, the department will allow the use of
models and engineering estimates to approximate design success in meeting the
standards.
(f) If reasonable progress toward implementing the plan is not occurring in accordance
with the designated time frame, the department may declare the project in violation of
the water quality standards and any associated water quality certification.
(g) If an applicable water quality standard is not met by the end of the time provided in
the attainment plan, or after completion of all reasonable and feasible improvements, the
owner must take the following steps:
(i) Evaluate any new reasonable and feasible technologies that have been
developed (such as new operational or structural modifications) to achieve
compliance with the standards, and develop a new compliance schedule to
evaluate and incorporate the new technology;
(ii) After this evaluation, if no new reasonable and feasible improvements have
been identified, then propose an alternative to achieve compliance with the
standards, such as site specific criteria (WAC 173-201A-430), a use attainability
analysis (WAC 173-201A-440), or a water quality offset (WAC 173-201A-450).
(h) New dams, and any modifications to existing facilities that do not comply with a gas
abatement or other pollution control plan established to meet criteria for the water body,
must comply with the water quality standards at the time of project completion.
(i) Structural changes made as a part of a department approved gas abatement plan to
aid fish passage, described in WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(f)(ii), may result in system
performance limitations in meeting water quality criteria for that parameter at other times
of the year.
Page 67
(6) Combined sewer overflow treatment plant. The influent to these facilities is highly
variable in frequency, volume, duration, and pollutant concentration. The primary means to be
used for requiring compliance with the human health criteria shall be through the application of
narrative limitations which include, but are not limited to, best management practices required in
waste discharge permits, rules, orders and directives issued by the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035, 90.48.605 and section 303(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act), C.F.R. 40,
C.F.R. 131. WSR 16-16-095 (Order 12-03), § 173-201A-510, filed 8/1/16, effective 9/1/16. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54
RCW. WSR 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), amended and recodified as § 173-201A-510, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: Chapter
90.48 RCW and 40 C.F.R. 131. WSR 97-23-064 (Order 94-19), § 173-201A-160, filed 11/18/97, effective 12/19/97. Statutory Authority:
Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-24-037 (Order 92-29), § 173-201A-160, filed 11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.]
173-201A-520
Monitoring and compliance.
A continuing surveillance program, to ascertain whether the regulations, waste disposal permits,
orders, and directives promulgated and/or issued by the department are being complied with,
will be conducted by the department staff as follows:
(1) Inspecting treatment and control facilities.
(2) Monitoring and reporting waste discharge characteristics.
(3) Monitoring receiving water quality.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), Amended and recodified as § 173-201A-520, filed 7/1/03,
effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. 92-24-037 (Order 92-29), § 173-201A-170, filed 11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.]
173-201A-530
Enforcement.
To insure that the provisions of chapter 90.48 RCW, the standards for water quality promulgated
herein, the terms of waste disposal permits, and other orders and directives of the department
are fully complied with, the following enforcement tools will be relied upon by the department, in
cooperation with the attorney general as it deems appropriate:
(1) Issuance of notices of violation and regulatory orders as provided for in RCW 90.48.120.
(2) Initiation of actions requesting injunctive or other appropriate relief in the various courts of
the state as provided for in RCW 90.48.037.
(3) Levying of civil penalties as provided for in RCW 90.48.144.
(4) Initiation of a criminal proceeding by the appropriate county prosecutor as provided for in
RCW 90.48.140.
(5) Issuance of regulatory orders or directives as provided for in RCW 90.48.240.
Page 68
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), recodified as § 173-201A-530, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. 92-24-037 (Order 92-29), § 173-201A-180, filed 11/25/92, effective 12/26/92.]
Part VI – Use Designation for Waters of the State
173-201A-600
Use designations — Fresh waters.
(1) All surface waters of the state not named in Table 602 are to be protected for the
designated uses of: Salmonid spawning, rearing, and migration; primary contact recreation;
domestic, industrial, and agricultural water supply; stock watering; wildlife habitat; harvesting;
commerce and navigation; boating; and aesthetic values.
(a) Additionally, the following waters are also to be protected for the designated uses of:
Core summer salmonid habitat; and extraordinary primary contact recreation:
(i) All surface waters lying within national parks, national forests, and/or
wilderness areas;
(ii) All lakes and all feeder streams to lakes (reservoirs with a mean detention
time greater than fifteen days are to be treated as a lake for use designation);
(iii) All surface waters that are tributaries to waters designated core summer
salmonid habitat; or extraordinary primary contact recreation; and
(iv) All fresh surface waters that are tributaries to extraordinary aquatic life
marine waters (WAC 173-201A-610 through 173-201A-612).
(2) The water quality standards for surface waters for the state of Washington do not apply to
segments of waters that are on Indian reservations, except for surface waters overlying fee
lands on the Puyallup reservation consistent with the Puyallup Tribe Land Claims Settlement of
1989.
Table 600 (Key to Table 602)
Abbreviation
General Description
Aquatic Life Uses: (see WAC 173-201A-200(1))
Char Spawning/Rearing Char spawning and rearing. The key
identifying characteristics of this use are
spawning or early juvenile rearing by native
char (bull trout and Dolly Varden), or use by
other aquatic species similarly dependent on
such cold water. Other common characteristic
aquatic life uses for waters in this category
include summer foraging and migration of
native char; and spawning, rearing, and
migration by other salmonid species.
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Table 600 (Key to Table 602)
Abbreviation
General Description
Core Summer Habitat Core summer salmonid habitat. Char
spawning and rearing. The key identifying
characteristics of this use are spawning or
early juvenile rearing by native char (bull trout
and Dolly Varden), or use by other aquatic
species similarly dependent on such cold
water. Other common characteristic aquatic
life uses for waters in this category include
summer foraging and migration of native char;
and spawning, rearing, and migration by other
salmonid species.
Spawning/Rearing Salmonid spawning, rearing, and
migration. The key identifying characteristic
of this use is salmon or trout spawning and
emergence that only occurs outside of the
summer season (September 16 - June 14).
Other common characteristic aquatic life uses
for waters in this category include rearing and
migration by salmonids.
Rearing/Migration Only Salmonid rearing and migration only. The
key identifying characteristic of this use is use
only for rearing or migration by salmonids (not
used for spawning).
Redband Trout Non-anadromous interior redband trout.
For the protection of waters where the only
trout species is a nonanadromous form of self-
reproducing interior redband trout (O. mykis),
and other associated aquatic life.
Warm Water Species Indigenous warm water species. For the
protection of waters where the dominant
species under natural conditions would be
temperature tolerant indigenous nonsalmonid
species. Examples include dace, redside
shiner, chiselmouth, sucker, and northern
pikeminnow.
Recreational Uses: (see WAC 173-201A-200(2))
Extraordinary Primary Cont. Extraordinary quality primary contact waters.
Waters providing extraordinary protection
against waterborne disease or that serve as
tributaries to extraordinary quality shellfish
harvesting areas.
Primary Cont. Primary contact recreation.
Secondary Cont. Secondary contact recreation.
Water Supply Uses: (see WAC 173-201A-200(3))
Domestic Water Domestic water supply.
Industrial Water Industrial water supply.
Agricultural Water Agricultural water supply.
Stock Water Stock watering.
Miscellaneous Uses: (see WAC 173-201A-200(4))
Wildlife Habitat Wildlife habitat.
Page 70
Table 600 (Key to Table 602)
Abbreviation
General Description
Harvesting Fish harvesting.
Commerce/Navigation Commerce and navigation.
Boating Boating.
Aesthetics Aesthetic values.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. 11-09-090 (Order 10-10), § 173-201A-600, filed 4/20/11, effective 5/21/11; 06-23-117 (Order 06-04), §
173-201A-600, filed 11/20/06, effective 12/21/06. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), § 173-
201A-600, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03.]
WAC 173-201A-602
Table 602 — Use designations for fresh waters by water resource inventory area
(WRIA).
(1) Table 602 lists uses for fresh waters. All surface waters of the state have designated uses
assigned to them for protection under this chapter. Table 602 lists use designations for specific
fresh waters. Fresh waters not assigned designated uses in Table 602 have their designated
uses assigned in accordance with WAC 173-201A-600 and 173-201A-260(3). In Table 602, the
Columbia River is listed first, followed by other water bodies listed by WRIA. Only the uses with
the most stringent criteria are listed. The criteria notes in Table 602 take precedence over the
criteria in WAC 173-201A-200 for same parameter.
(2) Table 602 is necessary to determine and fully comply with the requirements of this chapter.
If you are viewing a paper copy of the rule from the office of the code reviser or are using their
web site, Table 602 may be missing (it will instead say "place illustration here"). In this
situation, you may view Table 602 at the department of ecology's web site at www.ecy.wa.gov,
or request a paper copy of the rule with Table 602 from the department of ecology or the office
of the code reviser.
Page 71
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics COLUMBIA RIVER
Columbia River from mouth to the Washington-Oregon border (river
mile 309.3).1 X X X X X X X X X X X
Columbia River from Washington-Oregon border (river mile 309.3) to
Grand Coulee Dam (river mile 596.6).2,3 X X X X X X X X X X X
Columbia River from Grand Coulee Dam (river mile 596.6) to Canadian
border (river mile 745.0). X X X X X X X X X X X
Notes for Columbia River:
1. Temperature shall not exceed a 1-day maximum (1-DMax) of 20.0°C due to human activities. When natural conditions exceed a 1-DMax of
20.0°C, no temperature increase will be allowed which will raise the receiving water temperature by greater than 0.3°C; nor shall such
temperature increases, at any time, exceed 0.3°C due to any single source or 1.1°C due to all such activities combined. Dissolved oxygen
shall exceed 90 percent of saturation. Special condition - special fish passage exemption as described in WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(f).
2. From Washington-Oregon border (river mile 309.3) to Priest Rapids Dam (river mile 397.1). Temperature shall not exceed a 1-DMax of
20.0°C due to human activities. When natural conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C, no temperature increase will be allowed which will raise
the receiving water temperature by greater than 0.3°C; nor shall such temperature increases, at any time, exceed t = 34/(T + 9).
3. From Washington-Oregon border (river mile 309.3) to Grand Coulee Dam (river mile 596.6). Special condition - special fish passage
exemption as described in WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(f).
WRIA 1 - Nooksack
Bertrand Creek from mouth to Canadian border X X X X X X X X X X X
Breckenridge Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Chilliwack River and Little Chilliwack River: All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 72
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Chuckanut Creek from mouth to headwaters X X X X X X X X X X X
Colony Creek and tributaries from mouth to headwaters X X X X X X X X X X X
Dakota Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Dale Creek X X X X X X X X X X X
Deer Creek (tributary to Barrett Lake) and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Depot Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Fishtrap Creek from mouth to Canadian border X X X X X X X X X X X
Hutchinson Creek and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Johnson Creek, unnamed tributary just north of Pangborn Road X X X X X X X X X X X
Nooksack River mainstem from mouth to Anderson Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Nooksack River and tributaries [except where otherwise designated
Char] from and including Anderson Creek (latitude 48.8675 longitude -
122.3210) to confluence with South Fork.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Nooksack River, North Fork, and all tributaries, upstream to the
confluence with Maple creek (RM 49.7). X X X X X X X X X X X
Nooksack River, North Fork, and all tributaries above and including
Maple Creek (RM 49.7) and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Nooksack River, Middle Fork, and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Nooksack River, South Fork, from mouth to Skookum Creek (river mile
14.3). X X X X X X X X X X X
Nooksack River, South Fork, from Skookum Creek (river mile 14.3) to
Fobes Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 73
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Nooksack River, South Fork, and all tributaries above the confluence
with Fobes Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Padden Creek and tributaries from mouth to headwaters X X X X X X X X X X X
Pepin Creek from mouth to Canadian border X X X X X X X X X X X
Saar Creek from latitude 48.98177 longitude -122.23846 to headwaters X X X X X X X X X X X
Silesia Creek and all tributaries south of Canadian border. X X X X X X X X X X X
Skookum Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Squaw Creek X X X X X X X X X X X
Squalicum Creek, unnamed tributary from latitude 48.7862 longitude -
122.4864 to headwaters X X X X X X X X X X X
Stickney Creek (Slough) and Kamm Ditch from confluence with
mainstem Nooksack River to headwaters. X X X X X X X X X X X
Sumas River from Canadian border (river mile 12) to headwaters (river
mile 23) except where designated otherwise. X X X X X X X X X X X
Tenmile Creek below Barrett Lake X X X X X X X X X X X
Tomyhoi Creek and tributaries from Canadian border to headwaters. X X X X X X X X X X X
Whatcom Creek and tributaries from mouth to outlet of Lake Whatcom. X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 2 San Juan
There are no specific waterbody entries for this WRIA.
WRIA 3 Lower Skagit-Samish
Fisher and Carpenter Creeks and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 74
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Hansen Creek and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Nookachamps Creek and tributaries (except where designated char). X X X X X X X X X X X
Nookachamps Creek, East Fork, and unnamed creek at latitude
48.4103 longitude -122.1657: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Samish River and tributaries above latitude 48.5472 longitude -
122.3378 (Sect 05 T35N R04E). X X X X X X X X X X X
Skagit River mainstem from mouth to Skiyou Slough-lower end (river
mile 25.6). X X X X X X X X X X X
Skagit River, all tributaries to the mainstem from the mouth to Skiyou
Slough-lower end (river mile 25.6); except where designated otherwise. X X X X X X X X X X X
Skagit River and tributaries from Skiyou Slough-lower end, (river mile
25.6) to the boundary of WRIA 3 and 4, except the other waters listed
for this WRIA.1
X X X X X X X X X X X
Walker Creek and unnamed creek at latitude 48.3813 longitude -
122.1639: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Notes for WRIA 3:
1. Skagit River (Gorge by-pass reach) from Gorge Dam (river mile 96.6) to Gorge Powerhouse (river mile 94.2). Temperature shall not exceed
a 1-DMax of 21°C due to human activities. When natural conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 21°C, no temperature increase will be allowed which
will raise the receiving water temperature by greater than 0.3°C, nor shall such temperature increases, at any time, exceed t = 34/(T + 9).
WRIA 4 Upper Skagit
Bacon Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 75
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Baker Lake and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Bear Creek and the unnamed outlet creek of Blue Lake (Latitude
48.62036; Longitude -121.74882): All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Big Beaver Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Big Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Buck Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Cascade River and Boulder Creek: All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Circle Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Clear Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Diobsud Creek and the unnamed tributary at longitude -121.4414 and
latitude 48.5850: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Goodell Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Hozomeen Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Illabot Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Jordan Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Lightning Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Little Beaver Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Murphy Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Newhalem Creek, and all tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 76
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Rocky Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Ruby Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Sauk River and Dutch Creek: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Silver Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Skagit River and tributaries, except where listed otherwise for this
WRIA.1 X X X X X X X X X X X
Stetattle Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Straight Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Suiattle River all tributaries above Harriet Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Sulphur Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Tenas Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Thunder Creek (upstream of Lake Shannon at Latitude 48.59867,
Longitude -121.71359) and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Thunder Creek (upstream of Diablo Lake at Latitude 48.69469,
Longitude -121.09830) and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
White Chuck River and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Notes for WRIA 4:
1. Skagit River (Gorge by-pass reach) from Gorge Dam (river mile 96.6) to Gorge Powerhouse (river mile 94.2). Temperature shall not exceed
a 1-DMax of 21°C due to human action. When natural conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 21°C, no temperature increase will be allowed which
will raise the receiving water temperature by greater than 0.3°C, nor shall such temperature increases, at any time, exceed t = 34/(T + 9).
Page 77
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics WRIA 5 Stillaguamish
Brooks Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 48.2967 longitude -
121.9031: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Canyon Creek above unnamed tributary at latitude 48.1242 longitude -
121.8894 (Sect. 34 T31N R7E) to headwaters (including tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
Canyon Creek’s unnamed tributaries at latitude 48.1522 longitude -
121.9677. X X X X X X X X X X X
Unnamed tributaries at latitude 48.1461 longitude -122.9649 located
upstream of unnamed tributary at river mile 3 of Canyon Creek X X X X X X X X X X X
Crane Creek and unnamed tributary at latitude 48.3295 longitude -
122.1005: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Crane Creek’s unnamed tributaries at latitude 48.3323 longitude -
122.1059: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Cub Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 48.1655 longitude -
121.9376: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Deer Creek (on N.F. Stillaguamish) and the unnamed tributary at
longitude -121.9565 and latitude 48.3195: All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Dicks Creek and unnamed outlet of Myrtle Lake at latitude 48.3187
longitude -121.8129: All waters (including tributaries) above the
confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Jim Creek and Little Jim Creek: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 78
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Jorgenson Slough (Church Creek) from latitude 48.23409 longitude -
121.32346 between West Pass and Hat Slough: All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Lake Cavanaugh and all tributaries above outlet at latitude 48.3127
longitude -121.9802. X X X X X X X X X X X
Pilchuck Creek and Bear Creek: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Pilchuck Creek’s unnamed tributaries at latitude 48.3104 longitude -
122.1305: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Pilchuck Creek from latitude 48.2395 longitude -122.2015 (above 268th
St) to headwaters including tributaries(except where designated Char) X X X X X X X X X X X
Unnamed tributary to Portage Creek at latitude 48.1837 longitude -
122.2314: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence X X X X X X X X X X X
Stillaguamish River from mouth to confluence of north and south forks
(river mile 17.8). X X X X X X X X X X X
Stillaguamish River, North Fork, from mouth to Boulder River (including
tributaries) except where designated Char. X X X X X X X X X X X
Stillaguamish River, North Fork, and Boulder River: All waters
(including tributaries) from the confluence up to Squire Creek,
downstream of the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Stillaguamish River, North Fork, and Boulder River: All waters
(including tributaries) from the confluence up to Squire Creek that are in
or above the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 79
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Stillaguamish River, North Fork, from Squire Creek (river mile 31.2) to
headwaters, including all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Stillaguamish River, South Fork, from mouth to Canyon Creek (river
mile 33.7). X X X X X X X X X X X
Stillaguamish River, South Fork, from Canyon Creek (river mile 33.7) to
the unnamed tributary at latitude 48.0921 longitude -121.8797 (near
Cranberry Creek).
X X X X X X X X X X X
Stillaguamish River, South Fork, and the unnamed tributary at latitude
48.0921 longitude -121.8797 (near Cranberry Creek): All waters
(including tributaries) above the confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 6 Island
There are no specific waterbody entries for this WRIA.
WRIA 7 Snohomish
Cherry Creek and tributaries from mouth to headwaters. X X X X X X X X X X X
Cripple Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Kelly Creek and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Miller River, East Fork, and West Fork Miller River: All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
North Fork Creek and unnamed creek at latitude 47.7409 longitude -
121.8231 (Sect. 18 T26N R8E): All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Pilchuck River from mouth to Boulder Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 80
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Pilchuck River and Boulder Creek: All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Pratt River and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Skykomish River and tributaries from mouth to May Creek (above Gold
Bar at river mile 41.2). X X X X X X X X X X X
Skykomish River and May Creek (above Gold Bar at river mile 41.2): All
waters (including tributaries) above confluence (Except where
designated Char).
X X X X X X X X X X X
Skykomish River, North Fork, beginning below Salmon Creek at latitude
47.8790 longitude –121.4594) to headwaters (including tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
Skykomish River, South Fork, and Beckler River: All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Snohomish River from mouth to latitude 47.942 longitude -122.1719
(southern tip of Ebey Island at river mile 8.1).1 X X X X X X X X X X X
Snohomish River from latitude 47.942, longitude -122.1719 (southern
tip of Ebey Island at river mile 8.1) to below Pilchuck Creek at latitude
47.9045 longitude -122.0917.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Snohomish River from below Pilchuck Creek (latitude 47. 9045
longitude -122.0917) to confluence with Skykomish and Snoqualmie
River (river mile 20.5).
X X X X X X X X X X X
Snoqualmie River from mouth to confluence with Harris Creek (latitude
47.7686 longitude -121.9605; Sect.5 T25N R6E) X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 81
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Snoqualmie River and tributaries from and including Harris Creek
(latitude 47.7686 longitude -121.9605; Sect.5 T25N R6E) to west
boundary of Twin Falls State Park on south fork (river mile 9.1).
X X X X X X X X X X X
Snoqualmie River, South Fork, from west boundary of Twin Falls State
Park (river mile 9.1) to headwaters (including tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
Snoqualmie River, North Fork, from mouth to Sunday Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Snoqualmie River, North Fork, and Sunday Creek: All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Snoqualmie River, Middle Fork, from mouth to Dingford Creek (Except
where designated char). X X X X X X X X X X X
Snoqualmie River, Middle Fork, and Dingford Creek: All waters
(including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Snoqualmie River's Middle Fork's unnamed tributaries at latitude
47.5389 longitude -121.5629 (Sect. 29 T24N R10E). X X X X X X X X X X X
Sultan River and tributaries from mouth to Chaplain Creek (river mile
5.9). X X X X X X X X X X X
Sultan River and tributaries from Chaplain Creek (river mile 5.9) to
headwaters.2 X X X X X X X X X X X
Taylor River and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Tolt River, North Fork, and unnamed creek at latitude 47.7183
longitude -121.7775: All waters (including tributaries) above the
confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 82
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Tolt River, South Fork, and tributaries from mouth to unnamed creek at
latitude 47.6925 longitude -121.7392; river mile 5.4 X X X X X X X X X X X
Tolt River, South Fork, and unnamed creek at latitude 47.6925
longitude -121.7392 (river mile 5.4): All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence3.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Tolt River's South Fork's unnamed tributaries at latitude 47.6889
longitude -121.7856 (Sect.33 T26N R8E). X X X X X X X X X X X
Trout Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Notes for WRIA 7:
1. Fecal coliform organism levels shall both not exceed a geometric mean value of 200 colonies/100 mL and not have more than 10 percent of
the samples obtained for calculating the mean value exceeding 400 colonies/100 mL.
2. No waste discharge will be permitted above city of Everett Diversion Dam (river mile 9.4).
3. No waste discharge will be permitted for the South Fork Tolt River and tributaries from latitude 47.6925 longitude -121.7392 (river mile 5.4)
to headwaters.
WRIA 8 Cedar-Sammamish
Cedar River from Lake Washington to the Maplewood Bridge (river mile
4.1). X X X X X X X X X X X
Cedar River and tributaries from the Maplewood Bridge (river mile 4.1)
to Landsburg Dam (river mile 21.6). X X X X X X X X X X X
Cedar River and tributaries from Landsburg Dam (river mile 21.6) to
Chester Morse Lake.1 X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 83
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Cedar River at Chester Morse Lake Cedar Falls Dam: All waters
(including tributaries) to headwaters.2 X X X X X X X X X X X
Holder Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 47.4581 longitude -
121.9496: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Issaquah Creek from Lake Sammamish to headwaters (including
tributaries) except where designated Char. X X X X X X X X X X X
Lake Washington Ship Canal from Government Locks (river mile 1.0) to
Lake Washington (river mile 8.6).3,4 X X X X X X X X X X X
Notes for WRIA 8:
1. No waste discharge will be permitted.
2. No waste discharge will be permitted.
3. Salinity shall not exceed one part per thousand (1.0 ppt) at any point or depth along a line that transects the ship canal at the University
Bridge (river mile 6.1).
4. This waterbody is to be treated as a Lake for purposes of applying this chapter.
WRIA 9 Duwamish-Green
Duwamish River from mouth south of a line bearing 254° true from the
NW corner of berth 3, terminal No. 37 to the Black River (river mile
11.0) (Duwamish River continues as the Green River above the Black
River).
X X X X X X X X X X
Green River from and including the Black River (river mile 11.0 and
point where Duwamish River continues as the Green River) to latitude
47.3699 longitude -122.246 (Sect. 25 T22N R4E) above confluence
with unnamed tributary.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 84
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Green River from above confluence with Mill Creek at latitude 47.3699
longitude -122.2461 (Sect. 25 T22N R4E) (east of the West Valley
highway) to west boundary of Flaming Geyser State Park (including all
tributaries)
X X X X X X X X X X X
Green River from W. Boundary of Flaming Geyser State Park to
headwaters (including tributaries) except where designated Char, Core,
and Ex. Primary.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Green River and Sunday Creek: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence.1 X X X X X X X X X X X
Smay Creek and West Fork Smay Creek: All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence.1 X X X X X X X X X X X
Notes for WRIA 9:
1. No waste discharge will be permitted for the Green River and tributaries (King County) from west boundary of Sec. 13-T21N-R7E (river mile
59.1) to headwaters.
WRIA 10 Puyallup-White
Carbon River and tributaries above latitude 46.9998 longitude -
121.9794, downstream of the Snoqualmie National Forest or Mt.
Rainier National Park.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Carbon River and tributaries above latitude 46.9998 longitude -
121.9794 that are in or above the Snoqualmie National Forest or Mt.
Rainier National Park.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Clarks Creek and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Clear Creek and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 85
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Clearwater River and Milky Creek: All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Greenwater River from confluence with White River to headwaters
(including all tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
Puyallup River from mouth to river mile 1.0. X X X X X X X X X X
Puyallup River from river mile 1.0 to confluence with White River. X X X X X X X X X X X
Puyallup River and tributaries from confluence with White River to
Mowich River (Except where designated char). X X X X X X X X X X X
Puyallup River at and including Mowich River: All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
South Prairie Creek and all tributaries above the Kepka Fishing Pond,
except those waters in or above the Snoqualmie National Forest. X X X X X X X X X X X
South Prairie Creek and all tributaries above the Kepka Fishing Pond
that are in or above the Snoqualmie National Forest. X X X X X X X X X X X
Swam Creek X X X X X X X X X X X
Voight Creek and Bear Creek: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence that are downstream of the Snoqualmie National Forest
or Mt. Rainier National Park.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Voight Creek and Bear Creek: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence that are in or above the Snoqualmie National Forest or
Mt. Rainier National Park.
X X X X X X X X X X X
White River from mouth to latitude 47.2438 longitude -122.2422 (Sect.
1 T20N R4E). X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 86
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics White River from latitude 47.2438 longitude -122.2422 (Sect. 1 T20N
R4E) to Mud Mountain dam (including tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
White River from Mud Mountain Dam (river mile 27.1) to West Fork
White River at (latitude 47. 3699 longitude -121.6197) except where
designated Char.
X X X X X X X X X X X
White River from and including West Fork White River: All waters
(including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Wilkeson Creek and Gale Creek: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 11 Nisqually
Big Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Copper Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
East Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Horn Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Little Nisqually River and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Mashel River and Little Mashel River: All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Mineral Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Muck Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Murray Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Nisqually River mainstem from mouth to Alder Dam (river mile 44.2). X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 87
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Nisqually River from Alder Dam (river mile 44.2) to Tahoma Creek
(including tributaries) except where designated Char. X X X X X X X X X X X
Nisqually River and Tahoma Creek: All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Rocky Slough from latitude 46.8882 longitude -122.4339 to latitude
46.9109 longitude -122.4012. X X X X X X X X X X X
Tanwax Creek and tributaries downstream of lakes X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 12 Chambers-Clover
Clover Creek from inlet to Lake Steilacoom, upstream and including
Spanaway Creek to outlet of Spanaway Lake X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 13 Deschutes
Deschutes River from mouth to and including tributary to Offutt Lake. X X X X X X X X X X X
Deschutes River, and tributaries, upstream of the tributary to Offutt
Lake (all waters in or above the national forest boundary). X X X X X X X X X X X
Deschutes River, and tributaries, upstream of the tributary to Offutt
Lake (all waters below the national forest boundary). X X X X X X X X X X X
McLane Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 14 Kennedy-Goldsborough
Campbell Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Coffee Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Cranberry Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 88
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Deer Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Goldsborough Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Hiawata Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Jarrell Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
John’s Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Jones Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Malaney Creek (at Spencer Lake) X X X X X X X X X X X
Mill Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Perry Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Shelton Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Uncle John Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Unnamed stream (latitude 47.2237 longitude -122.9135) at Peale
Passage inlet on west side of Hartstene Island. X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 15 Kitsap
Anderson Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Barker Creek and tributaries from Dyes Inlet to Island Lake X X X X X X X X X X X
Blackjack Creek and tributaries downstream of Square Lake X X X X X X X X X X X
Chico Creek and tributaries above confluence with Kitsap Creek
(tributaries to Chico Bay in Dyes Inlet). X X X X X X X X X X X
Clear Creek from Dyes Inlet to headwaters (including tributaries) X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 89
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Gamble Creek and tributaries (latitude 47.8116 longitude -122.5797). X X X X X X X X X X X
Gorst Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Martha John Creek and tributaries (latitude 47.8252 longitude -
122.5632). X X X X X X X X X X X
Ross Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Strawberry Creek and tributaries (latitude 47.6458 longitude -122.6933) X X X X X X X X X X X
Union River and tributaries from Bremerton Waterworks Dam (river mile
6.9) to headwaters.1 X X X X X X X X X X X
Unnamed tributary to Sinclair Inlet between Gorst and Anderson
Creeks (latitude 47.5270 longitude -122.6932). X X X X X X X X X X X
Unnamed tributary to Sinclair Inlet (latitude 47.5471 longitude -
122.6123) east of Blackjack Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Unnamed tributary west of Port Gamble Bay at latitude 47.8220
longitude -122.5831. X X X X X X X X X X X
Notes for WRIA 15:
1. No waste discharge will be permitted.
WRIA 16 Skokomish-Dosewallips
Dosewallips River and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Duckabush River and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Hamma Hamma River and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 90
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Rock Creek and unnamed tributary at latitude 47.3894 longitude -
123.3496: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Skokomish River and tributaries, except where designated char. X X X X X X X X X X X
Skokomish River, North Fork, from latitude 47.4160 longitude -
123.2233 (below Cushman Upper Dam) to headwaters (including
tributaries).
X X X X X X X X X X X
Skokomish River, South Fork, and Brown Creek: All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Vance Creek and Cabin Creek all waters above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 17 Quilcene-Snow
Big Quilcene River and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 18 Elwha-Dungeness
Boulder Creek and Deep Creek: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Dungeness River mainstem from mouth to Canyon Creek (river mile
10.8). X X X X X X X X X X X
Dungeness River, tributaries to mainstem, above and between
confluence with Matriotti Creek to Canyon Creek (river mile 10.8). X X X X X X X X X X X
Dungeness River and Canyon Creek: All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Elwha River and tributaries from mouth to Cat Creek, except where
designated Char. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 91
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Elwha River and Cat Creek: All waters (including tributaries) above the
confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Ennis Creek and White Creek (and all tributaries) from the confluence
with the Strait of Juan De Fuca to the Olympic National Park Boundary. X X X X X X X X X X X
Ennis Creek and tributaries lying above the Olympic National Park
Boundary. X X X X X X X X X X X
Griff Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 48.0135 longitude -
123.5440 (Sect. 11 T29N R7W): All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Hughes Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 48.0298 longitude
-123.6322 (Sect. 6 T29N R7W): All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Little River and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Matriotti Creek X X X X X X X X X X X
Wolf Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 47.9654 longitude -
123.5374 (Sect. 35 T29N R7W): All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 19 Lyre-Hoko
There are no specific waterbody entries for this WRIA.
WRIA 20 Soleduc
Dickey River and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Hoh River and tributaries from mouth to South Fork Hoh River. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 92
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Hoh River and South Fork Hoh River: All waters above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Quillayute and Bogachiel Rivers. X X X X X X X X X X X
Soleduck River and tributaries from mouth to Canyon Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Soleduck River and all tributaries above Canyon Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 21 Queets-Quinault
Clearwater River and the unnamed tributary at latitude 47.7270
longitude -124.0361 (Sect.26 T26N R11W): All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Kunamakst Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 47.7285
longitude -124.0771 (Sect.26 T26N R11W): All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Matheny Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 47.5592 longitude
-123.9538: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Queets River and tributaries from mouth to Tshletshy Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Queets River and tributaries above the confluence with Tshletshy
Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Quinault River and tributaries from mouth to the confluence with the
North Fork Quinalt River. X X X X X X X X X X X
Quinault River and North Fork Quinault: All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 93
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Salmon River, Middle Fork, and the unnamed tributary at latitude
47.5208 longitude -123.9899: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Sams River and the unnamed tributary at latitude 47.6059 longitude -
123.8941: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Solleks River and the unnamed tributary at latitude 47.6937 longitude -
124.0133: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Stequaleho Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 47.6620
longitude -124.0426: All waters (including tributaries) above the
confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Tshletshy Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 47.6585
longitude -123.8668: All waters (including tributaries) above the
confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 22 Lower Chehalis
Andrews Creek and tributaries above confluence with West Fork. X X X X X X X X X X X
Baker Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 47.3301 longitude -
123.4142: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Big Creek and Middle Fork Big Creek: All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Canyon River and the unnamed tributary at latitude 47.3473 longitude -
123.4936: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Chehalis River from upper boundary of Grays Harbor at Cosmopolis
(river mile 3.1, longitude 123°45'45"W) to latitude 46.6004 and X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 94
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics longitude -123.1472 (Section 23 T13N R43W on main stem and to
latitude 46.6013 and longitude -123.1253 on South Fork.
Chester Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 47.4196 longitude
-123.7841: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Cloquallum Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Decker Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Delezene Creek and tributaries above latitude 46.9413 longitude -
123.3893. X X X X X X X X X X X
Elk River, West Branch and tributaries above latitude 46.8111 longitude
-123.9774. X X X X X X X X X X X
Goforth Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 47.3560 longitude -
123.7323: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Hoquiam River, East Fork and tributaries above latitude 47.0524
longitude -123.8428 (above Lytle Creek). X X X X X X X X X X X
Hoquiam River and tributaries above latitude 47.0571 longitude -
123.9287 (above river mile 9.3 - Dekay Road Bridge) (upper limit of
tidal influence).
X X X X X X X X X X X
Hoquiam River, Middle Fork and tributaries above latitude 47.0418
longitude -123.9052. X X X X X X X X X X X
Hoquiam River mainstem (continues as west fork above east fork) from
mouth to river mile 9.3 - Dekay Road Bridge) (upper limit of tidal
influence).
X X X X X X X X X X
Page 95
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Humptulips River and tributaries from mouth to latitude 47.0810
longitude -124.0655 (Section 4 T18N R11W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Humptulips River and tributaries from latitude 47.0810 longitude -
124.0655 (Section 4 T18N R11W) to Olympic National Forest boundary
(except where designated Char).
X X X X X X X X X X X
Humptulips River and tributaries from Olympic National Forest
boundary to headwaters (except where designated Char). X X X X X X X X X X X
Humptulips River, East Fork, and the unnamed tributary at latitude
47.3821 longitude -123.7163: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Humptulips River, West Fork, and Petes Creek: All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Johns River and North Fork Johns River: All waters above the
confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Little Hoquiam River, North Fork and tributaries above latitude 47.0001
longitude -123.9269. X X X X X X X X X X X
Little Hoquiam River and tributaries above latitude 46.9934 longitude -
123.9364. X X X X X X X X X X X
Mox Chehalis Creek and tributaries above and latitude 46.9680
longitude -123.3083. X X X X X X X X X X X
Newskah Creek and tributaries above latitude 46.9163 longitude -
123.8235 (Section 32 T16N R9W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 96
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Satsop River and tributaries from latitude 46.9854 longitude -123.4887
(Section 6 T17N R6W) to headwaters, except where designated Char. X X X X X X X X X X X
Satsop River, West Fork, and Robertson Creek: All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Satsop River, Middle Fork, and the unnamed tributary at latitude
47.3340 longitude -123.4451: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Wildcat Creek and tributaries above confluence with Cloquallum Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Wishkah River, East Fork and tributaries above latitude 47.0801
longitude -123.7560. X X X X X X X X X X X
Wishkah River from mouth to river mile 6 (SW 1/4 SW 1/4 NE 1/4 Sec.
21-T18N-R9W). X X X X X X X X X X
Wishkah River from river mile 6 (SW 1/4 SW 1/4 NE 1/4 Sec. 21-T18N-
R9W) to latitude 47.1089 longitude -123.7908. X X X X X X X X X X X
Wishkah River and tributaries from latitude 47.1089 longitude -
123.7908 to confluence with West Fork. X X X X X X X X X X X
Wishkah River and tributaries from and including West Fork to
headwaters.1 X X X X X X X X X X X
Wynoochee River and tributaries from latitude 46.9709 longitude -
123.6252 (near railroad crossing) to Olympic National Forest boundary
(river mile 45.9).
X X X X X X X X X X X
Wynoochee River and tributaries from Olympic National Forest
boundary (river mile 45.9) to Wynoochee Dam. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 97
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Wynoochee River and all tributaries above Wynoochee Dam. X X X X X X X X X X X
Notes for WRIA 22:
1. No waste discharge will be permitted from south boundary of Sec. 33-T21N-R8W (river mile 32.0) to headwaters.
WRIA 23 Upper Chehalis
Bunker Creek and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Cedar Creek and tributaries above latitude 46.8760 longitude -
123.2714 (near intersection with Highway 12). X X X X X X X X X X X
Chehalis River, South Fork (including tributaries) above latitude
46.6014 longitude -123.1253 (near junction with State Route 6), except
where specifically designated Char.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Chehalis River (including tributaries) above latitude 46.6004 longitude -
123.1473 (Section 23 T13N R4W), except where specifically
designated Char.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Chehalis River mainstem from upper boundary of Grays Harbor at
Cosmopolis (river mile 3.1, longitude 123°45'45"W) to latitude 46.6004
longitude -123.1473 (Section 23 T13N R4W) on main stem and to
latitude 46.6014 longitude -123.1253 on South Fork.1
X X X X X X X X X X X
Chehalis River, South Fork, and the unnamed tributary at latitude
46.179 longitude -123.4127 (Sect. 10 T10N R4W): All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Chehalis River, West Fork, and East Fork Chehalis River: All waters
(including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 98
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Coffee Creek and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Eight Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 46.6211 longitude -
123.4127: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Fall Creek and the unnamed tributary at Sect. 22 T15N R1E: All waters
(including tributaries) above their confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Garrard Creek, South Fork, and tributaries above latitude 46.8013
longitude -123.3060. X X X X X X X X X X X
Hanaford Creek and all tributaries from east boundary of Sec. 25-T15N-
R2W (river mile 4.1) to the unnamed tributary at latitude 46.7295
longitude -122.6812 except where designated Char.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Hanaford Creek and all tributaries from mouth to east boundary of Sec.
25-T15N-R2W (river mile 4.1)2. X X X X X X X X X X X
Hanaford Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 46.7295
longitude -122.6812 (Sect. 4 T14N R1E): All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Kearney Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 46.6256 longitude
-122.5683: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Laramie Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 46.7901 longitude
-122.5901: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Lincoln Creek, North Fork and tributaries above latitude 46.7370
longitude -123.7370 and (Section 36 T15N R5W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Lincoln Creek, South Fork and tributaries above latitude 46.7253
longitude -123.2306 (Section 6 T14N R4W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 99
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Mima Creek and tributaries above latitude 46.8588 longitude -
123.0856. X X X X X X X X X X X
Newaukum River and tributaries (except where designated Char). X X X X X X X X X X X
Newaukum River, North Fork, and the unnamed tributary at latitude
46.6793 longitude -122.6677: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Newaukum River, South Fork, and Frase Creek: All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Pheeny Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 46.7836 longitude -
122.6276 (Sect. 13 T15N R1E): All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Porter Creek and Jamaica Day Creek: All waters above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Rock Creek (upstream of Callow): All waters above confluence with
Chehalis River (Section 15, T16N, R5W), except where designated
otherwise in this table.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Rock Creek (upstream of Pe Ell) and the unnamed tributary at latitude
46.5279 longitude -123.3782 (Sect. 11 T12N R6W): All waters
(including tributaries) above the confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Scatter Creek and tributaries from latitude 46.8025 longitude -123.0863
(near mouth) to headwaters. X X X X X X X X X X X
Seven Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 46.6192 longitude -
123.3723: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 100
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Skookumchuck River and tributaries from confluence with Hanaford
Creek to headwaters (except where designated char). X X X X X X X X X X X
Skookumchuck River mainstem from mouth to Hanaford Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Skookumchuck River and Hospital Creek: All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Stearns Creek’s, unnamed (GIS Ripple Creek) tributary at latitude
46.5711 longitude -122.9692 (Section 30 T13N R2W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Stearns Creek’s, unnamed tributary to West Fork at latitude 46.5824
longitude -123.0222 (Section 26 T13N R3W. X X X X X X X X X X X
Stillman Creek and Little Mill Creek (Sect. 23 T12N R4W): All waters
(including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Thrash Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Waddel Creek and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Notes for WRIA 23:
1. Chehalis River from Scammon Creek (RM 65.8) to Newaukum River (RM 75.2); dissolved oxygen shall exceed 5.0 mg/L from June 1 to
September 15. For the remainder of the year, the dissolved oxygen shall meet standard criteria.
2. Dissolved oxygen shall exceed 6.5 mg/L.
WRIA 24 Willapa
Bear River, unnamed south flowing tributary at latitude 46.3342
longitude -123.9394 (Section 20 T10N R10W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Bear River and tributaries above latitude 46.3284 longitude -123.9172
(Section 28 T10N R10W) to headwaters. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 101
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Canon River and tributaries above latitude 46.5879 longitude -123.8672
(Section 25 T13N R10W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Lower Salmon Creek and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Middle Nemah River and tributaries above latitude 46.4873 longitude -
123.8855 (Section 35 T12N R10W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Mill Creek and tributaries above latitude 46.6448 longitude -123.6251
(Section 1 T13N R8W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Naselle River from O’Conner Creek to headwaters (including
tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
North Nemah River and tributaries above latitude 46.5172 longitude -
123.8665 (Section 14 T12N R10W). X X X X X X X X X X X
North River and Fall River: All waters above the confluence (Section 24
T15N R7W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Pioneer Creek and tributaries above latitude 46.8149 longitude -
123.5502 (Section 4 T15N R7W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Salmon Creek and tributaries above latitude 46.8904 longitude -
123.6829 (Section 9 T16N R8W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Smith Creek and tributaries above latitude 46.7554 longitude -123.8424
(Section 30 T15N R9W). X X X X X X X X X X X
South Naselle River above latitude 46.3499 longitude -123.8093
(Section 16 T10N R9W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 102
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics South Nemah River above latitude 46.4406 longitude -123.8630
(Section 13 T11N R10W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Stringer Creek and tributaries (Section 25 T13N R8W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Willapa River South Fork and tributaries above latitude 46.6479
longitude -123.7267 (Section 6 T13N R8W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Willapa River and Oxbow Creek: All waters upstream of the confluence
(Section 26 T13N R8W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Williams Creek and tributaries above latitude 46.5284 longitude -
123.8668 (Section 14 T12N R10W). X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 25 Grays-Elochoman
Abernathy Creek and Cameron Creek: All waters above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Coal Creek and Tributaries above and latitude 46.1839 longitude -
123.0338 (just below Harmony Creek). X X X X X X X X X X X
Elochoman River and tributaries from mouth to latitude 46.2292
longitude -123.3606 (Section 25 T9N R6W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Elochoman River and tributaries from latitude 46.2292 longitude -
123.3606 (Section 25 T9N R6W) to headwaters. X X X X X X X X X X X
Germany Creek from latitude 46.1946 longitude -123.1259 (near
mouth) to headwaters. X X X X X X X X X X X
Grays River from latitude 46.3454 longitude -123.6099 to headwaters. X X X X X X X X X X X
Hull Creek and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 103
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Mill Creek and Tributaries above latitude 46.1906 longitude -123.1802
(near mouth). X X X X X X X X X X X
Skomokawa Creek and Wilson Creek: All waters above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 26 Cowlitz
Cispus River and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Coweeman River and tributaries from mouth to latitude 46.1405
longitude -122.8532 (Section 31 T8N R1W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Coweeman River and tributaries from latitude 46.1405 longitude -
122.8532 (Section 31 T8N R1W) to Mulholland Creek (river mile 18.4). X X X X X X X X X X X
Coweeman River and tributaries from Mulholland Creek (river mile
18.4) to headwaters. X X X X X X X X X X X
Cowlitz River and tributaries from mouth to latitude 46.2622 longitude -
122.9001 (Section 14 T9N R2W). X X X X X X X X X X X
Cowlitz River from latitude 46.2622 longitude -122.9001 (Section 14
T9N R2W) base of Mayfield Dam (river mile 52.0). X
X X X X X X X X X X
Cowlitz River, and tributaries from base of Mayfield Dam (river mile
52.0) to headwaters. X X X X X X X X X X X
Green River and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Toutle River and tributaries from mouth to Green River on North Fork. X X X X X X X X X X X
Toutle River, North Fork, and tributaries from Green River to
headwaters. X X X X X X X X X X X
Toutle River, South Fork, and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 104
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics WRIA 27 Lewis
Alec Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Big Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Chickoon Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Clear Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Clearwater Creek and unnamed creek: All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence (Sect. 15 T8N R6E – below confluence of Smith
and Muddy Creeks).
X X X X X X X X X X X
Curly Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Cussed Hollow Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Kalama River east of Interstate 5 to Kalama River Falls (river mile 10.4)
(including tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
Kalama River from lower Kalama River Falls (river mile 10.4) to
headwaters (including tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
Lewis River from Houghton Creek (including tributaries) to Lake
Merwin. X X X X X X X X X X X
Lewis River and Pass Creek (alternately known as Swamp Creek): All
waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Lewis River's unnamed tributaries at latitude 46.1122 longitude -
121.9174 (Sect. 11 T7N R7E). X X X X X X X X X X X
Lewis River, East Fork, from and including Mason Creek to Multon Falls
(river mile 24.6) including tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 105
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Lewis River, East Fork, and tributaries from Multon Falls (river mile
24.6) to headwaters. X X X X X X X X X X X
Little Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Panamaker Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Pin Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Pine Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Quartz Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Rush Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Spencer Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Steamboat Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Tillicum Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 28 Salmon-Washougal
Burnt Bridge Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Duncan Creek and unnamed tributary just east of Duncan Creek: All
waters north of highway 14. X X X X X X X X X X X
Green Leaf Creek and Hamilton Creek: All waters above the
confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Hardy Creek and tributaries above lake inlet. X X X X X X X X X X X
Lawton Creek and tributaries above latitude 45.5708 longitude -
122.2576 (Section 13). X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 106
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Salmon Creek from latitude 45.7176 longitude -122.6958 (below
confluence with Cougar Creek) and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Washougal River from latitude 45.5883 longitude -122.3711 (Section 7
T1N R4E) (including tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
Woodward Creek and tributaries north of highway 14. X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 29 Wind-White Salmon
Bear Creek (tributary to White Salmon River (at Latitude 45.98290
Longitude -121.52946) below National Forest Boundary X X X X X X X X X X X
Buck Creek and all tributaries (Two Buck Creeks drain to the White
Salmon River, the mouth of this creek is found in Section 21
T7NR10E).
X X X X X X X X X X X
Carson Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Catherine Creek and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Cave Creek below National Forest Boundary X X X X X X X X X X X
Gilmer Creek and all tributaries, except as noted otherwise. X X X X X X X X X X X
Gilmer Creek’s unnamed tributary in Sections 29 and 32 T5N R11E. X X X X X X X X X X X
Gotchen Creek and all tributaries, except those waters in or above the
Gifford Pinchot National Forest. X X X X X X X X X X X
Gotchen Creek and all tributaries that are in or above the Gifford
Pinchot National Forest. X X X X X X X X X X X
Green Canyon Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Jewett Creek and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 107
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Killowatt Canyon Creek below National Forest Boundary and unnamed
creek at latitude 45.963 longitude -121.5154 X X X X X X X X X X X
Little White Salmon River and tributaries downstream of National Forest
boundary. X X X X X X X X X X X
Little White Salmon River and tributaries in or above National Forest
boundary. X X X X X X X X X X X
Major Creek and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Morrison Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Rattlesnake Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 45.8512
longitude -121.4081: All waters (including tributaries) above the
confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Rock Creek and tributaries downstream of Gifford Pinchot National
Forest boundaries from Latitude 45.68557 Longitude -121.88523. X X X X X X X X X X X
Spring Creek below National Forest Boundary (Latitude 45.99170
Longitude -121.57855). X X X X X X X X X X X
Trout Lake Creek and all tributaries below Trout Lake. X X X X X X X X X X X
Trout Lake Creek and all tributaries at and above Trout Lake. X X X X X X X X X X X
White Salmon River (including all natural tributaries) occurring
downstream of National Forest boundary, not otherwise designated
Char.
X X X X X X X X X X X
White Salmon River (including all natural tributaries) occurring in or
upstream of National Forest boundary, not otherwise designated Char. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 108
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics White Salmon River drainage’s unnamed tributaries that originate in
Section 13 T6N R10E (latitude 46.0042 longitude 121.5001); all
portions occurring downstream of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
boundary.
X X X X X X X X X X X
White Salmon River drainage’s unnamed tributaries that originate in
Section 13 T6NR10E (latitude 46.0042 longitude 121.5001); all portions
occurring upstream of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest boundary.
X X X X X X X X X X X
White Salmon River and Cascade Creek: All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Wind River and tributaries downstream of Gifford Pinchot National
Forest boundaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Wind River and tributaries in or upstream of Gifford Pinchot National
Forest. X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 30 Klickitat
Clearwater Creek and Trappers Creek: All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Cougar Creek and Big Muddy Creek: All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Diamond Fork and Cuitin Creek: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Diamond Fork's unnamed tributaries at latitude 46.4205 longitude -
121.1562. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 109
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Diamond Fork's unnamed tributaries at latitude 46.4355 longitude -
121.1590 (outlet of Maiden Springs). X X X X X X X X X X X
Fish Lake Stream and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Frasier Creek and Outlet Creek: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Klickitat River mainstem from mouth to Little Klickitat River (river mile
19.8). X X X X X X X X X X X
Klickitat River from Little Klickitat River (river mile 19.8) to Diamond
Fork. X X X X X X X X X X X
Klickitat River and all tributaries above the confluence with Diamond
Fork. X X X X X X X X X X X
Little Klickitat River and all tributaries above the confluence with Cozy
Nook Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Little Muddy Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
McCreedy Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 31 Rock-Glade
Squaw Creek and unnamed tributary at latitude 45.8758 longitude -
120.4324 (Section 33 T5N R19E): all waters above confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Rock Creek and Quartz Creek: all waters above confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 32 Walla Walla
Blue Creek and tributaries above latitude 46.0581 and longitude
118.0971 X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 110
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Coppei Creek, North and South Forks (including tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
Dry Creek and tributaries above confluence with unnamed creek at
latitude 46.1197 longitude -118.1378 (Seaman Rd). X X X X X X X X X X X
Mill Creek from mouth to 13th Street Bridge in Walla Walla (river mile
6.4).1 X X X X X X X X X X
Mill Creek from 13th Street Bridge in Walla Walla (river mile 6.4) to
diversion structure at confluence of Mill Creek and unnamed creek
(river mile 11.4); latitude 46.0800 longitude -118.2541
X X X X X X X X X X X
Mill Creek from river mile 11.4; latitude 46.080 longitude -118.2541 to
headwaters (including tributaries) except where otherwise designated
Char
X X X X X X X X X X X
Mill Creek and Railroad Canyon: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence to the Oregon state line (river mile 21.6). X X X X X X X X X X X
Mill Creek and tributaries within Washington that are above the city of
Walla Walla Waterworks Dam (river mile 25.2) to headwaters .2 X X X X X X X X X X X
Touchet River above latitude 46.3172 longitude -118.0000 (Sect. 25
T10N R38E) (including tributaries) not otherwise designated Char. X X X X X X X X X X X
Touchet River, North Fork, and Wolf Creek: All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Touchet River, South Fork, and the unnamed tributary at latitude
46.2307 longitude -117.9397: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence, except those waters in or above the Umatilla National
Forest.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 111
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Touchet River, South Fork, and the unnamed tributary at latitude
46.2307 longitude -117.9397: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence that are in or above the Umatilla National Forest.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Walla Walla River from mouth to Lowden (Dry Creek at river mile 27.2). X X X X X X X X X X
Walla Walla River from Lowden (Dry Creek at river mile 27.2) to
Oregon border (river mile 40).3 X X X X X X X X X X X
Whiskey Creek, and unnamed tributary system at and latitude 46.2176
longitude -118.0667 (Section 33 T9N R38E), all waters above
confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Notes for WRIA 32:
1. Dissolved oxygen concentration shall exceed 5.0 mg/L.
2. No waste discharge will be permitted for Mill Creek and tributaries in Washington from city of Walla Walla Waterworks Dam (river mile 25.2)
to headwaters.
3. Temperature shall not exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C due to human activities. When natural conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C, no
temperature increase will be allowed which will raise the receiving water temperature by greater than 0.3°C; nor shall such temperature
increases, at any time, exceed t=34/(T + 9).
WRIA 33 Lower Snake
Snake River from mouth to Washington-Idaho-Oregon border (river
mile 176.1).1 X X X X X X X X X X X
Notes for WRIA 33:
1. Below Clearwater River (river mile 139.3). Temperature shall not exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C due to human activities. When natural
conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C, no temperature increase will be allowed which will raise the receiving water temperature by greater
Page 112
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics than 0.3°C; nor shall such temperature increases, at any time, exceed t = 34/(T + 9). Special condition - special fish passage exemption as
described in WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(f).
WRIA 34 Palouse
Palouse River from Palouse Falls to south fork (Colfax, river mile 89.6). X X X X X X X X X X
Palouse River mainstem from mouth to Palouse Falls X X X X X X X X X X X
Palouse River, main river, from confluence with south fork (Colfax, river
mile 89.6) to Idaho border (river mile 123.4).1
X X X X X X X X X X X
Notes on WRIA 34:
1. Temperature shall not exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C due to human activities. When natural conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C, no
temperature increase will be allowed which will raise the receiving water temperature by greater than 0.3°C; nor shall such temperature
increases, at any time, exceed t=34/(T + 9).
WRIA 35 Middle Snake
All streams flowing into Oregon from North Fork Wenaha River east to,
and including, Fairview Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Asotin River from and including Charley Creek to headwaters (including
tributaries) not otherwise designated Char. X X X X X X X X X X X
Asotin River, North Fork, and all tributaries above Lick Creek, except
those waters in or above the Umatilla National Forest. X X X X X X X X X X X
Asotin River, North Fork, and all tributaries above Lick Creek that are in
or above the Umatilla National Forest. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 113
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Charley Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 46.2851 longitude
-117.3216: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence,
except those waters in or above the Umatilla National Forest.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Charley Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 46.2851 longitude
-117.3216: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence that
are in or above the Umatilla National Forest.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Cottonwood Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 46.0678
longitude -117.3015 (Section 21 T7N R44E) all waters above the
confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Crooked Creek (including tributaries) from Oregon Border to
headwaters. X X X X X X X X X X X
Cummings Creek and all tributaries, except those waters in or above
the Umatilla National Forest. X X X X X X X X X X X
Cummings Creek and all tributaries that are in or above the Umatilla
National Forest. X X X X X X X X X X X
George Creek, above and including Coombs Canyon (including
tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
George Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 46.2292 longitude -
117.1874 (Section 29 T9N R45E), all waters above confluence not
otherwise designated Char.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Grande Ronde River from mouth to Oregon border (river mile 37).1 X X X X X X X X X X X
Grouse Creek and tributaries from Oregon border. X X X X X X X X X X X
Grub Canyon and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 114
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Hixon Canyon and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Little Tucannon River and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Menatchee Creek and West Fork Menatchee Creek: All waters
(including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Pataha Creek and Dry Pataha Creek: All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence, except those waters in or above the Umatilla
National Forest.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Pataha Creek and Dry Pataha Creek: All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence that are in or above the Umatilla National Forest. X X X X X X X X X X X
Snake River from mouth to Washington-Idaho-Oregon border (river
mile 176.1).2 X X X X X X X X X X X
Tenmile Creek, all waters above confluence with unnamed creek at
latitude 46.2156 longitude -117.0386 (Section 33 T9N R46E). X X X X X X X X X X X
Tucannon River and tributaries from latitude 46.4592 longitude -
117.8461 (Section 6, T11N R40E) to Panjab Creek (except where
designated char).
X X X X X X X X X X X
Tucannon River mainstem from between Little Tucannon River and
Panjab Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Tucannon River and Panjab Creek: All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Tucannon River's unnamed tributaries in Sect. 1 T10N R40E and in
Sect. 35 T11N R40E (South of Marengo): all waters above their forks. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 115
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Tumalum Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 46.3594
longitude -117.6488: All waters (including tributaries) above the
confluence, except those waters in or above the Umatilla National
Forest.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Tumalum Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 46.3594
longitude -117.6488: All waters (including tributaries) above the
confluence that are in or above the Umatilla National Forest.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Willow Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 46.4182 longitude -
117.8314: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Notes for WRIA 35:
1. Temperature shall not exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C due to human activities. When natural conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C, no
temperature increase will be allowed which will raise the receiving water temperature by greater than 0.3°C; nor shall such temperature
increases, at any time, exceed t=34/(T + 9).
2. The following two notes apply:
(a) Below Clearwater River (river mile 139.3). Temperature shall not exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C due to human activities. When natural
conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C, no temperature increase will be allowed which will raise the receiving water temperature by greater
than 0.3°C; nor shall such temperature increases, at any time, exceed t = 34/(T + 9). Special condition - special fish passage exemption as
described in WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(f).
(b) Above Clearwater River (river mile 139.3). Temperature shall not exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C due to human activities. When natural
conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C, no temperature increases will be allowed which will raise the receiving water temperature by greater
than 0.3°C; nor shall such temperature increases, at any time, exceed 0.3°C due to any single source or 1.1°C due to all such activities
combined.
Page 116
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics WRIA 36 Esquatzel Coulee
There are no specific waterbody entries for this WRIA.
WRIA 37 Lower Yakima
Ahtanum Creek North Fork's unnamed tributaries at latitude 46.5465
longitude -120.8857. X X X X X X X X X X X
Ahtanum Creek North Fork's unnamed tributaries at latitude 46.5395
longitude -120.9851. X X X X X X X X X X X
Ahtanum Creek, between confluence with South Fork and confluence
of North and Middle Forks (including tributaries) except where
designated Char
X X X X X X X X X X X
Ahtanum Creek, North Fork, and Middle Fork Ahtanum Creek: All
waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Ahtanum Creek, South Fork, and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Carpenter Gulch and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Foundation Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Nasty Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Sulphur Creek X X X X X X X X X X
Yakima River from mouth to Cle Elum River (river mile 185.6) except
where specifically designated otherwise in Table 602.1 X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 117
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Notes for WRIA 37:
1. Temperature shall not exceed a 1-DMax of 21.0°C due to human activities. When natural conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 21.0°C, no
temperature increase will be allowed which will raise the receiving water temperature by greater than 0.3°C; nor shall such temperature
increases, at any time, exceed t=34/(T + 9).
WRIA 38 Naches
American River and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Barton Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Bumping Lake's unnamed tributaries at latitude 46.8464 longitude -
121.3106. X X X X X X X X X X X
Bumping River's unnamed tributaries at latitude 46.9317 longitude -
121.2067 (outlet of Flat Iron Lake). X X X X X X X X X X X
Bumping River and tributaries downstream of the upper end of
Bumping Lake (except where designated char). X X X X X X X X X X X
Bumping River (and tributaries) upstream of Bumping Lake. X X X X X X X X X X X
Cedar Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Clear Creek and tributaries (including Clear Lake). X X X X X X X X X X X
Crow Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Deep Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Goat Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Granite Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Indian Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 118
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Little Naches River and Bear Creek: All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Little Naches River, South Fork and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Naches River and tributaries from latitude 46.7640 longitude -120.8286
(just upstream of Cougar Canyon) to Snoqualmie National Forest
boundary (river mile 35.7) (except where designated Char).
X X X X X X X X X X X
Naches River from Snoqualmie National Forest boundary (river mile
35.7) to headwaters (except where designated Char). X X X X X X X X X X X
Pileup Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Quartz Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Rattlesnake Creek: All waters above the confluence with North Fork
Rattlesnake Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Rattlesnake Creek, North Fork, all waters above latitude 46.8107
longitude 121.0694 (from and including the unnamed tributary just
above confluence with mainstem).
X X X X X X X X X X X
Sand Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Sunrise Creek (latitude 46.9042 longitude -121.2431) and all tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Tieton River and tributaries (except where otherwise designated). X X X X X X X X X X X
Tieton River, North Fork (including tributaries) above the confluence
with Clear Lake. X X X X X X X X X X X
Tieton River, South Fork, and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 39 Upper Yakima
Page 119
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Cle Elum River from mouth to latitude 47.3805 longitude -121.0983
(above Little Salmon la Sac Creek). X X X X X X X X X X X
Cle Elum River and all tributaries from confluence with unnamed
tributary at and latitude 47.3805 longitude -121.0983 to headwaters. X X X X X X X X X X X
Indian Creek and tributaries downstream of Wenatchee National Forest
boundary below. X X X X X X X X X X X
Indian Creek and tributaries in or above National Forest boundary. X X X X X X X X X X X
Jack Creek and tributaries downstream of Wenatchee National Forest
boundary below. X X X X X X X X X X X
Jack Creek and tributaries in or above National Forest boundary. X X X X X X X X X X X
Little Kachess Lake (narrowest point dividing Kachess Lake from Little
Kachess Lake) and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Manastash Creek: All waters above the confluence of the North and
South Forks that are downstream of the Wenatchee National Forest
boundary.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Manastash Creek: All waters above the confluence of the North and
South Forks that are in or above the Wenatchee National Forest. X X X X X X X X X X X
Manastash Creek mainstem from mouth to confluence of North and
South Forks. X X X X X X X X X X X
Manastash Creek, tributaries to mainstem, between the mouth and the
confluence of North and South Forks. X X X X X X X X X X X
Swauk Creek mainstem from mouth to confluence with First Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 120
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Swauk Creek from confluence with First Creek to Wenatchee National
Forest (including tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
Taneum Creek, tributaries to mainstem, from mouth to Wenatchee
National Forest boundary. X X X X X X X X X X X
Taneum Creek mainstem from mouth to Wenatchee National Forest
boundary. X X X X X X X X X X X
Teanaway River mainstem from mouth to West Fork Teanaway River. X X X X X X X X X X X
Teanaway River, tributaries to mainstem, from mouth to West Fork
Teanaway River. X X X X X X X X X X X
Teanaway River, West Fork and Middle Fork, and tributaries
downstream of the Wenatchee National Forest. X X X X X X X X X X X
Teanaway River, West Fork and Middle Fork, and tributaries upstream
of the Wenatchee National Forest. X X X X X X X X X X X
Teanaway River, North Fork (and tributaries) from mouth to Jungle
Creek that are downstream of the Wenatchee National Forest boundary
(except where designated otherwise).
X X X X X X X X X X X
Teanaway River, North Fork (and tributaries) from mouth to Jungle
Creek that are in or above the Wenatchee National Forest boundary
(except where designated otherwise).
X X X X X X X X X X X
Teanaway River, North Fork, and all tributaries above and including
Jungle Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Yakima River mainstem from mouth to Cle Elum River (river mile 185.6)
except where specifically designated otherwise in Table 602.1 X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 121
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Yakima River and tributaries from Cle Elum River (river mile 185.6) to
headwaters (except where designated otherwise). X X X X X X X X X X X
Yakima River and tributaries above but not including Cedar Creek
(latitude 47.2892 longitude -121.2947) in Sect.25 T21NR12E. X X X X X X X X X X X
Notes for WRIA 39:
1. Temperature shall not exceed a 1-DMax of 21.0°C due to human activities. When natural conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 21.0°C, no
temperature increase will be allowed which will raise the receiving water temperature by greater than 0.3°C; nor shall such temperature
increases, at any time, exceed t=34/(T + 9).
WRIA 40 Alkaki-Squilchuck
There are no specific water body entries for this WRIA.
WRIA 41 Lower Crab
Crab Creek and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 42 Grand Coulee
Crab Creek and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 43 Upper Crab-Wilson
Crab Creek and tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 44 Moses Coulee
There are no specific waterbody entries for this WRIA.
WRIA 45 Wenatchee
Chiwaukum Creek from confluence with Skinney Creek to headwaters
(including tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 122
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Chiwawa River from mouth to Chikamin Creek (including tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
Chiwawa River (and all tributaries) above and including Chikamin
Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Chumstick Creek and tributaries downstream of the National Forest
boundary (not otherwise designated char). X X X X X X X X X X X
Chumstick Creek and tributaries in or above the National Forest
boundary (not otherwise designated char). X X X X X X X X X X X
Dry Creek and Chumstick Creek: All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence, except those waters in or above the Wenatchee
National Forest.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Dry Creek and Chumstick Creek: All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence that are in or above the Wenatchee National
Forest.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Eagle Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 47.6544 longitude -
120.5165: All waters (including tributaries) above the junction, except
those waters in or above the Wenatchee National Forest.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Eagle Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 47.6544 longitude -
120.5165: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence that
are in or above the Wenatchee National Forest.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Icicle Creek (including tributaries) from mouth to the National Forest
Boundary. X X X X X X X X X X X
Icicle Creek (including tributaries) from National Forest boundary to
confluence with Jack Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 123
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Icicle Creek above and including Jack Creek (including all tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
Ingalls Creek (including tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
Mission Creek from latitude 47.4496 longitude -120.4945 to headwaters
(including tributaries) downstream of the National Forest boundary. X X X X X X X X X X X
Mission Creek from latitude 47.4496 longitude -120.4945 to headwaters
(including tributaries) in or above the National Forest boundary. X X X X X X X X X X X
Peshastin Creek from National Forest Boundary to headwaters
(including tributaries) except where designated char. X X X X X X X X X X
Peshastin Creek from confluence with Mill Creek to National Forest
Boundary (including tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X
Second Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 47.7384 longitude -
120.5935: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Van Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 47.6722 longitude -
120.5373: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Wenatchee River mainstem between Peshastin Creek and the
boundary of the Wenatchee National Forest (river mile 27.1). X X X X X X X X X X X
Wenatchee River from Wenatchee National Forest boundary (river mile
27.1) to Chiwawa River (including tributaries) except where designated
otherwise.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Wenatchee River and all tributaries above Chiwawa River confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 124
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics WRIA 46 Entiat
Brennegan Creek and the unnamed tributary at and latitude 47.9098
longitude -120.4185: All waters (including tributaries) above the
confluence.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Entiat River and tributaries occurring below the National Forest
boundary from and including the Mad River to Wenatchee National
Forest boundary on the mainstem Entiat River (river mile 20.5).
X X X X X X X X X X X
Entiat River and all tributaries above the unnamed creek at and latitude
47.9135 longitude -120.4942 (below Fox Creek). X X X X X X X X X X X
Entiat River’s unnamed tributaries upstream of latitude 47.9106
longitude -121.5010 (below Fox Creek). X X X X X X X X X X X
Gray Canyon, North Fork, and South Fork Gray Canyon: All waters
(including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Hornet Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Mad River and all tributaries above latitude 47.8015 longitude -
120.4920 (below Young Creek). X X X X X X X X X X X
Mud Creek and Switchback Canyon: All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Potato Creek and Gene Creek: All waters above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Preston Creek and South Fork Preston Creek: All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 125
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Stormy Creek and the unnamed tributary at latitude 47.8387 longitude -
120.3865: All waters (including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Tillicum Creek and Indian Creek: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 47 Chelan
Stehekin River. X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 48 Methow
Bear Creek from mouth to headwaters (including tributaries) in or above
the National Forest boundary. X X X X X X X X X X X
Bear Creek from mouth to headwaters (including tributaries)
downstream of the National Forest boundary. X X X X X X X X X X X
Beaver Creek and South Fork Beaver Creek: All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Big Hidden Lake and all tributaries, and the outlet stream that flows into
the East Fork Pasayten River. X X X X X X X X X X X
Boulder Creek and Pebble Creek: All waters (including tributaries)
above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Buttermilk Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Chewuch River and tributaries from mouth to headwaters (except
where designated otherwise). X X X X X X X X X X X
Chewuch River and tributaries above Buck Creek at Section 30, T38,
R22E. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 126
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Eagle Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Early Winters Creek (including tributaries) from mouth to headwaters. X X X X X X X X X X X
Eureka Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Goat Creek above the confluence with Roundup Creek to headwaters
(including tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
Gold Creek and all tributaries, except those waters in or above the
Okanogan National Forest. X X X X X X X X X X X
Gold Creek and all tributaries that are in or above the Okanogan
National Forest. X X X X X X X X X X X
Lake Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Libby Creek and Hornel Draw: All waters (including tributaries) above
the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Little Bridge Creek and tributaries X X X X X X X X X X X
Lost River Gorge and all tributaries upstream of confluence with Sunset
Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Methow River from mouth to confluence with Twisp River. X X X X X X X X X X X
Methow River from confluence with Twisp River to Chewuch River
(river mile 50.1). X X X X X X X X X X X
Methow River and tributaries from Chewuch River (river mile 50.1) to
headwaters (except where designated char. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 127
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Methow River, West Fork, (including tributaries) from and including
Robinson Creek and its tributaries to headwaters (except unnamed
tributary above mouth at latitude 48.6591 longitude -120.5493.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Pipestone Canyon Creek and all tributaries below Campbell Lake. X X X X X X X X X X X
Pipestone Canyon Creek and all tributaries above Campbell Lake,
Campbell Lake, and all tributaries to Campbell Lake. X X X X X X X X X X X
Smith Canyon Creek and Elderberry Canyon: All waters (including
tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Twisp River from mouth to War Creek. X X X X X X X X X X X
Twisp River and War Creek: All waters (including tributaries) above the
confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Wolf Creek from and including unnamed tributary at latitude 48.4849
longitude -120.3180 to headwaters (including tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 49 Okanogan
Okanogan River. X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 50 Foster
There are no specific waterbody entries for this WRIA.
WRIA 51 Nespelem
There are no specific waterbody entries for this WRIA.
WRIA 52 Sanpoil
There are no specific waterbody entries for this WRIA.
Page 128
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics WRIA 53 Lower Lake Roosevelt
There are no specific waterbody entries for this WRIA.
WRIA 54 Lower Spokane
Spokane River from mouth to Long Lake Dam (river mile 33.9).1 X X X X X X X X X X X
Spokane River from Long Lake Dam (river mile 33.9) to Nine Mile
Bridge (river mile 58.0).2 X X X X X X X X X X X
Spokane River from Nine Mile Bridge (river mile 58.0) to the Idaho
border (river mile 96.5).3 X X X X X X X X X X X
Notes for WRIA 54:
1. Temperature shall not exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C due to human activities. When natural conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C, no
temperature increase will be allowed which will raise the receiving water temperature by greater than 0.3°C; nor shall such temperature
increases, at any time, exceed t=34/(T + 9).
2. a. The average euphotic zone concentration of total phosphorus (as P) shall not exceed 25µg/L during the period of June 1 to October 31.
b. Temperature shall not exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C, due to human activities. When natural conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C, no
temperature increase will be allowed which will raise the receiving water temperature by greater than 0.3°C; nor shall such temperature
increases, at any time, exceed t=34/(T + 9).
3. Temperature shall not exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C due to human activities. When natural conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C no
temperature increase will be allowed which will raise the receiving water temperature by greater than 0.3°C; nor shall such temperature
increases, at any time exceed t=34/(T+9).
WRIA 55 Little Spokane
There are no specific waterbody entries for this WRIA.
Page 129
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics WRIA 56 Hangman
There are no specific waterbody entries for this WRIA.
WRIA 57 Middle Spokane
Lake Creek and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Spokane River from Nine Mile Bridge (river mile 58.0) to the Idaho
border (river mile 96.5).1 X X X X X X X X X X X
Notes on WRIA 57:
1. Temperature shall not exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C due to human activities. When natural conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C no
temperature increase will be allowed which will raise the receiving water temperature by greater than 0.3°C; nor shall such temperature
increases, at any time exceed t=34/(T+9).
WRIA 58 Middle Lake Roosevelt
There are no specific waterbody entries for this WRIA.
WRIA 59 Colville
Colville River. X X X X X X X X X X X
WRIA 60 Kettle
There are no specific waterbody entries for this WRIA.
WRIA 61 Upper Lake Roosevelt
There are no specific waterbody entries for this WRIA.
WRIA 62 Pend Oreille
All streams flowing into Idaho from Bath Creek (latitude 48.5865
longitude 117.0351) to the Canadian border. X X X X X X X X X X X
Page 130
TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Calispell Creek (including tributaries) from Small Creek to Calispell
Lake. X X X X X X X X X X X
Calispell Lake and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Cedar Creek from latitude 48.7500 longitude -117.4349 (including
tributaries) to headwaters: all waters that are in the Colville National
Forest.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Cedar Creek from latitude 48.7500 longitude -117.4349 to (including
tributaries) to headwaters: all waters that are outside the Colville
National Forest.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Cedar Creek from mouth to latitude 48.7500 longitude -117.4349
(including tributaries) in or above Colville National Forest boundary. X X X X X X X X X X X
Cedar Creek from mouth to latitude 48.7500 longitude -117.4349
(including tributaries) downstream of the Colville National Forest. X X X X X X X X X X X
Harvey Creek (also called Outlet Creek) and Paupac Creek: All waters
(including tributaries) above the confluence. X X X X X X X X X X X
Indian Creek from mouth to headwaters. X X X X X X X X X X X
Le Clerc Creek, East Branch, and West Branch Le Clerc Creek: All
waters (including tributaries) above the confluence, except those waters
in or above the Colville National Forest.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Le Clerc Creek, East Branch, and West Branch Le Clerc Creek: All
waters (including tributaries) above the confluence that are in or above
the Colville National Forest.
X X X X X X X X X X X
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TABLE 602 Aquatic Life Uses Recreation
Uses
Water Supply
Uses Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Fresh Waters by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) Char Spawning /Rearing Core Summer Habitat Spawning/Rearing Rearing/Migration Only Redband Trout Warm Water Species Ex Primary Cont Primary Cont Secondary Cont Domestic Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water Stock Water Wildlife Habitat Harvesting Commerce/Navigation Boating Aesthetics Le Clerc Creek from mouth to confluence with West Branch le Clerc
Creek (including tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
Mill Creek from mouth to headwaters (including tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
Pend Oreille River from Canadian border (river mile 16.0) to Idaho
border (river mile 87.7).1 X X X X X X X X X X X
Slate Creek from mouth to headwaters (including tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
Small Creek and all tributaries, except those waters in or above the
National Forest. X X X X X X X X X X X
Small Creek and all tributaries that are in or above the National Forest. X X X X X X X X X X X
South Salmo River and all tributaries. X X X X X X X X X X X
Sullivan Creek above confluence with Harvey Creek (including
tributaries) to headwaters. X X X X X X X X X X X
Tacoma Creek, South Fork, upstream of Tacoma Creek and
downstream of the Colville National Forest boundary (including
tributaries).
X X X X X X X X X X X
Tacoma Creek, South Fork, and tributaries upstream of the Colville
National Forest boundary (including tributaries). X X X X X X X X X X X
Notes for WRIA 62:
1. Temperature shall not exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C due to human activities. When natural conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C, no
temperature increase will be allowed which will raise the receiving water temperature by greater than 0.3°C; nor shall such temperature
increases, at any time, exceed t=34/(T + 9).
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. 11-09-090 and 11-11-022 (Order 10-10), § 173-201A-602, filed 4/20/11 and 5/9/11, effective 5/21/11 and 6/9/11; 06-23-117 (Order 06-04), § 173-201A-602,
filed 11/20/06, effective 12/21/06. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), § 173-201A-602, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03.]
Page 132
173-201A-610
Use designations — Marine waters.
All marine surface waters have been assigned specific uses for protection under Table 612.
Table 610 (Key to Table 612)
Abbreviation General Description
Aquatic Life Uses: (see WAC 173-201A-210(1))
Extraordinary Extraordinary quality salmonid and other fish migration, rearing, and
spawning; clam, oyster, and mussel rearing and spawning;
crustaceans and other shellfish (crabs, shrimp, crayfish, scallops, etc.)
rearing and spawning.
Excellent Excellent quality salmonid and other fish migration, rearing, and
spawning; clam, oyster, and mussel rearing and spawning;
crustaceans and other shellfish (crabs, shrimp, crayfish, scallops, etc.)
rearing and spawning.
Good Good quality salmonid migration and rearing; other fish migration,
rearing, and spawning; clam, oyster, and mussel rearing and spawning;
crustaceans and other shellfish (crabs, shrimp, crayfish, scallops, etc.)
rearing and spawning.
Fair Fair quality salmonid and other fish migration.
Shellfish Harvesting: (see WAC 173-201A-210(2))
Shellfish Harvest Shellfish (clam, oyster, and mussel) harvesting.
Recreational Uses: (see WAC 173-201A-210(3))
Primary Contact Primary contact recreation.
Secondary Contact Secondary contact recreation.
Miscellaneous Uses: (see WAC 173-201A-210(4))
Wildlife Habitat Wildlife habitat.
Harvesting Salmonid and other fish harvesting, and crustacean and other shellfish
(crabs, shrimp, scallops, etc.) harvesting.
Com./Navig. Commerce and navigation.
Boating Boating.
Aesthetics Aesthetic values.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), § 173-201A-610, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03.]
173-201A-612
Table 612 — Use designations for marine waters.
(1) Table 612 lists uses for marine waters. Only the uses with the most stringent criteria are
listed. The criteria notes in Table 612 take precedence over the criteria in WAC 173-201A-210
for the same parameter.
(2) Table 612 is necessary to determine and fully comply with the requirements of this chapter.
If you are viewing a paper copy of the rule from the office of the code reviser or are using their
web site, Table 612 may be missing (it will instead say "place illustration here"). In this
Page 133
situation, you may view Table 612 at the department of ecology's web site at www.ecy.wa.gov,
or request a paper copy of the rule with Table 612 from the department of ecology or the office
of the code reviser.
Table 612 Aquatic Life Uses Shellfish Harvest Recreational
Uses
Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Marine Waters Extraordinary Excellent Good Fair Primary Contact Secondary Contact Wildlife Harvesting Com/Navig. Boating Aesthetics Budd Inlet south of latitude 47°04'N (south of
Priest Point Park). X X X X X X X
Coastal waters: Pacific Ocean from Ilwaco to
Cape Flattery. X X X X X X X X
Commencement Bay south and east of a line
bearing 258° true from "Brown's Point" and
north and west of line bearing 225° true
through the Hylebos waterway light.
X X X X X X X X
Commencement Bay, inner, south and east of
a line bearing 225° true through Hylebos
waterway light except the city waterway south
and east of south 11th Street.
X X X X X X X
Commencement Bay, city waterway south and
east of south 11th Street. X X X X X X
Drayton Harbor, south of entrance. X X X X X X X X
Dyes and Sinclair inlets west of longitude
122°37'W. X X X X X X X X
Elliott Bay east of a line between Pier 91 and
Duwamish Head. X X X X X X X X
Everett Harbor, inner, northeast of a line
bearing 121° true from approximately
47°59'5"N and 122°13'44"W (southwest corner
of the pier).
X X X X X X X
Grays Harbor west of longitude 123°59'W. X X X X X X X X
Grays Harbor east of longitude 123°59'W to
longitude 123°45'45"W (Cosmopolis Chehalis
River, river mile 3.1). Special condition -
dissolved oxygen shall exceed 5.0 mg/L.
X X X X X X X
Guemes Channel, Padilla, Samish and
Bellingham bays east of longitude 122°39'W
and north of latitude 48°27'20"N.
X X X X X X X X
Hood Canal. X X X X X X X X
Page 134
Table 612 Aquatic Life Uses Shellfish Harvest Recreational
Uses
Misc. Uses
Use Designations for Marine Waters Extraordinary Excellent Good Fair Primary Contact Secondary Contact Wildlife Harvesting Com/Navig. Boating Aesthetics Mukilteo and all North Puget Sound west of
longitude 122°39'W (Whidbey, Fidalgo,
Guemes and Lummi islands and State
Highway 20 Bridge at Deception Pass), except
as otherwise noted.
X X X X X X X X
Oakland Bay west of longitude 123°05'W (inner
Shelton harbor). X X X X X X X
Port Angeles south and west of a line bearing
152° true from buoy "2" at the tip of Ediz Hook. X X X X X X X X
Port Gamble south of latitude 47°51'20"N. X X X X X X X X
Port Townsend west of a line between Point
Hudson and Kala Point. X X X X X X X X
Possession Sound, south of latitude 47°57'N. X X X X X X X X
Possession Sound, Port Susan, Saratoga
Passage, and Skagit Bay east of Whidbey
Island and State Highway 20 Bridge at
Deception Pass between latitude 47°57'N
(Mukilteo) and latitude 48°27'20"N (Similk
Bay), except as otherwise noted.
X X X X X X X X
Puget Sound through Admiralty Inlet and South
Puget Sound, south and west to longitude
122°52'30"W (Brisco Point) and longitude
122°51'W (northern tip of Hartstene Island).
X X X X X X X X
Sequim Bay southward of entrance. X X X X X X X X
South Puget Sound west of longitude
122°52'30"W (Brisco Point) and longitude
122°51'W (northern tip of Hartstene Island,
except as otherwise noted).
X X X X X X X X
Strait of Juan de Fuca. X X X X X X X X
Totten Inlet and Little Skookum Inlet, west of
longitude 122°56'32" (west side of Steamboat
Island).
X X X X X X X X
Willapa Bay seaward of a line bearing 70° true
through Mailboat Slough light (Willapa River,
river mile 1.8).
X X X X X X X X
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.48 and 90.54 RCW. 03-14-129 (Order 02-14), § 173-201A-612, filed 7/1/03, effective 8/1/03.]