Hydraulic Project Approval

(HPA)

What is the Purpose of this Approval?

Any form of work that uses, diverts, obstructs, or changes the natural flow or bed of any fresh water or saltwater of the state, requires a Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Permit processing can take up to 45 days following receipt of a complete application package.

A complete application package for an HPA must include a completed Joint Aquatic Resource Permit Application (JARPA) form, general plans for the overall project, complete plans and specifications of the proposed work within the mean higher high water line in salt waters or within the ordinary high water line in fresh waters of the state, complete plans and specifications for the proper protection of fish life, and starting July 10, 2012, payment of, or exemption from, the $150 application fee. You must also provide notice of compliance with any applicable requirements of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

Who issues this Approval?

Department of Fish and Wildlife

What Activities Require this Approval?

Work that uses, diverts, obstructs, or changes the natural flow or bed of any of the salt or fresh waters of state.

Includes bed reconfiguration, all construction or other work waterward, under and over the ordinary high water line, including dry channels, and may include projects landward of the ordinary high water line (e.g., activities outside the ordinary high water line that will directly impact fish life and habitat, falling trees into streams or lakes, bridge maintenance, dike construction, etc.)

How Much Will this Approval Cost?

Starting July 10, 2012, most HPA applications must be accompanied with a check for $150. Some projects are exempt from this fee, such as mineral prospecting and mining, forest practices, and those on farm and agricultural land. Payment for emergency HPAs is not required until after the department issues the written permit.

Where Can I Get the Application for this Approval?

The application which is called 'Joint Aquatic Resource Permit Application (JARPA)', is online and can be downloaded at http://www.epermitting.wa.gov/site/alias__resourcecenter/jarpa/9983/jarpa.aspx.

Do I Need to Include Anything with my Application?

As contained within JARPA; must include general plans for project, complete plans and specifications for the proposed construction or work within the mean higher high water line in salt water or within the ordinary high water line in fresh water, and complete plans and specs for the proper protection of fish life. Starting July 10, 2012, you must also provide payment of, or exemption from, the $150 application fee, and notice of compliance with any applicable requirements of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). Applications for streamlined processing of fish habitat enhancement projects must additionally include the application form for these projects that is attached to the JARPA.

Is the Decision on my Approval Dependent on Anything Besides the Information in my Application?

State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) compliance must be completed prior to review of your application and issuance of the HPA by WDFW. SEPA compliance is not required for an expedited, emergency, or a fish habitat enhancement streamlined HPA.

How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?

Where do I Submit my Application?

• If you are NOT requesting emergency processing, submit your application to:
  
  Department of Fish and Wildlife
  PO Box 43234
  Olympia, WA 98504-3234
  email: HPAapplications@dfw.wa.gov
  
  
• If you are requesting emergency processing, contact the appropriate Regional Office during office hours; if it's after hours, call (360) 902-2537.
  
• If you are applying for a fish habitat enhancement project permit you also must send your application package to the local government at the same time you send it to WDFW.

Schematic:

schematic

How Long is my Approval Valid?

Up to five years for a standard HPA; up to 60 days for an expedited HPA; the length of the emergency for emergency HPAs.

What is the Appeal Process for the Approval?

Informal and formal appeal processes are available to the applicant or other aggrieved parties, but must be filed within 30 days of notice of receipt of issuance or denial of HPA.

Notes / Comments:

Legal Authority:

• Chapter 220-110 Hydraulic Code Rules WAC
• Chapter 77.55 Construction Projects in State Waters RCW

Links:

• Hydraulic Project Approval Information

Statewide Contact:

* Permit information last updated 12/17/2012.