Fishway and Screening Rules

Rule-making status: Pending

Rule Making Reference# P2020-02
WDFW is proposing a new WAC chapter implementing RCW 77.57.

This proposal would create and populate a new chapter in WAC (220-670) that defines general passability and protection standards for new and existing fishways and water diversions. Consideration of incorporating climate change into the design of new water crossing structures is detailed within the standards as well. The proposal codifies current WDFW practices of using the agency’s fish passage inventory and assessment guidance and Water Crossing Design Guidelines. These standards are the foundation for establishing compliance measures. Compliance measures detail technical assistance support and voluntary compliance steps a structure owner may follow to correct a barrier fishway or water diversion. Compliance measures also establish the effects of non-compliance when a structure owner does not agree to a WDFW compliance request.

SEPA information

This rule making has undergone SEPA review for environmental impacts and the department has issued a SEPA Determination. The SEPA Determination document is also available for public comment.

Please visit WDFW's SEPA page for more information.

Public comments

To submit comments on this proposal, please visit Fishway and Screening Rules public engagement page.

You may also submit a comment via email to fish-passage-rules@PublicInput.com or by leaving a voicemail message at 855-925-2801 and entering project code 2051.

Comments will be accepted until the end of the comment period on September 29, 2023.

Public hearing

October 26-28, 2023 at 9:00 am

In-person at the Natural Resource Building (NRB)
1111 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501

and online via Zoom Meetings

Detailed information about Fish and Wildlife Commission meetings can be found at https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings

For more information

An informational webinar was held on Tuesday, Oct. 25. Refer to the meeting presentation. The recording of the webinar is available on our YouTube page

More information is available on the Fish Passage Rule Making Page.

Staff Contact: Gabrielle Stillwater at FishPassageRules@dfw.wa.gov

Assistance for Additional Accessibility and Persons with Disabilities Contact:
Title VI/ADA Compliance Coordinator  
Phone: (360) 902-2349, TTY: 1-800-833-6388 OR 711  
Email: Title6@dfw.wa.gov