Washington § 90.56.300 - Unlawful operation of facility — Criminal penalties.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 90.56.300 — Unlawful operation of facility — Criminal penalties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 90.56.300. Unlawful operation of facility — Criminal penalties.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, it shall be unlawful for the owner or operator to knowingly and intentionally operate in this state or on the waters of this state an onshore or offshore facility without an approved contingency plan or an approved prevention plan as required by this chapter, or financial responsibility in compliance with chapter 88.40 RCW and the federal oil pollution act of 1990.
(2)(a) The first conviction under this section is a gross misdemeanor under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(b) A second or subsequent conviction is a class C felony under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(3) It shall not be unlawful for the owner or operator to operate an onshore or offshore facility if:
(a) The facility is not required to have a contingency plan, spill prevention plan, or financial responsibility; or
(b) All required plans have been submitted to the department as required by RCW 90.56.210 and rules adopted by the department and the department is reviewing the plan and has not denied approval.
(4) A person may rely on a copy of the statement issued by the department pursuant to *RCW 90.56.210(7) as evidence that a facility has an approved contingency plan and the statement issued pursuant to **RCW 90.56.200(4) that a facility has an approved prevention plan.
[ 2003 c 53 s 420; 1992 c 73 s 34; 1991 c 200 s 301; 1990 c 116 s 8. Formerly RCW 90.48.376.]

Notes

Reviser's note: *(1) RCW 90.56.210 was amended by 2015 c 274 s 5, changing subsection (7) to subsection (8).
**(2) RCW 90.56.200 was amended by 2015 c 274 s 4, changing subsection (4) to subsection (5).
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Effective dates—1992 c 73: See RCW 82.23B.902.
Findings—Severability—1990 c 116: See notes following RCW 90.56.210.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Related Washington Legal Topics

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 90.56.300

What does Revised Code of Washington § 90.56.300 cover?

Section 90.56.300 ("Unlawful operation of facility — Criminal penalties.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 90.56.300?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 90.56.300" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 90.56.300 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.