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Dam Construction Permit
What is the Purpose of this Permit?
A Dam Safety Construction Permit is required before constructing, modifying, or repairing any dam or controlling works for storage of 10 or more acre-feet of water, liquid waste, or mine tailings.
This requirement may apply to dams and storage lagoons for:
- flood control
- domestic or irrigation water
- domestic, industrial, or agricultural wastes (including animal waste)
- mine tailings.
The applicant must submit plans and specifications to Ecology for review and approval. These must be prepared by a qualified professional engineer registered in Washington state and carry the engineer's signature and seal. Permit processing time averages from 6 to 8 weeks, but varies depending on project complexity. Ecology also inspects the construction of all dams to reasonably secure safety of life and property.
Who issues this Permit?
Department of Ecology
What Activities Require this Permit?
Constructing, modifying, or repairing any dam or controlling works for storage of 10 or more acre-feet of water, waste, or mine tailings.
How Much Will this Permit Cost?
There is a $1400 initial fee at the time of application. Permit fees range from $1400 to $59,525 depending on the size of the project, calculated based on height and crest length of the dam. The complete fee schedule is contained in WAC 173-175-350 (link below).
The $1400 initial fee counts toward the permit fee. The fee schedule is adjusted yearly to reflect the fiscal growth factor.
Where Can I Get the Application for this Permit?
The application which is called 'Application for Dam Construction Permit', is online and can be downloaded at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/ecy07038.pdf.
Do I Need to Include Anything with my Application?
An application for a construction permit must be submitted when the first substantive engineering information about the proposed project becomes available, usually when the conceptual plans are completed. Include the initial fee ($1400) with the application form.
How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?
In general, owners and project engineers should allow 60 days for plan review by the Dam Safety Office (DSO). During the summer and fall construction season, DSO workload for construction inspection and periodic inspection of existing dams reduces the time for plan review. Thus, where possible, owners are requested to submit plans in the winter or early spring to allow sufficient lead time.Where do I Submit my Application?
The application, fee, and supporting engineering documentation should be sent to
The Department of Ecology
Dam Safety Office
PO Box 47600
Olympia WA 98504-7600.
Notes / Comments:
A number of other permits and approvals are often required at the local, state, and federal levels for the construction of a dam. Contact the Office of Regulatory Assistance for more information (800) 917-0043.Legal Authority:
Links:
- Dam Safety Guidelines Part 1 - General Information and Owner Responsibilities
- Dam Safety Guidelines Part 2 - Project Planning and Approval of Dam Construction and Modification
- Dam Safety Guidelines Part 3 - An Owner's Guidance Manual
- Dam Safety Guidelines Part 4 - Dam Design and Construction
- Dam Safety Office
- Declaration of Construction Completion
- Operation and Maintenance Plan
- Simplified Emergency Action Plan
Statewide Contact:
Water Resources Program
Headquarters
300 Desmond Drive
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
Telephone: (360) 407-6600
Fax: (360) 407-7162
Website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/wrhome.html
* Permit information last updated 7/16/2008.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. All Rights Reserved.