Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 90.56.370 — Strict liability of owner or controller of oil — Damages — Exceptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 90.56.370. Strict liability of owner or controller of oil — Damages — Exceptions.
(1) Any person owning oil or having control over oil that enters the waters of the state in violation of RCW
90.56.320 shall be strictly liable, without regard to fault, for the damages to persons or property, public or private, caused by such entry.
(2) Damages for which responsible parties are liable under this section include loss of income, net revenue, the means of producing income or revenue, or an economic benefit resulting from an injury to or loss of real or personal property or natural resources.
(3) Damages for which responsible parties are liable under this section include damages provided in subsections (1) and (2) of this section resulting from the use and deployment of chemical dispersants or from in situ burning in response to a violation of RCW
90.56.320.
(4) In any action to recover damages resulting from the discharge of oil in violation of RCW
90.56.320, the owner or person having control over the oil shall be relieved from strict liability, without regard to fault, if that person can prove that the discharge was caused solely by:
(a) An act of war or sabotage;
(b) An act of God;
(c) Negligence on the part of the United States government; or
(d) Negligence on the part of the state of Washington.
(5) The liability established in this section shall in no way affect the rights which: (a) The owner or other person having control over the oil may have against any person whose acts may in any way have caused or contributed to the discharge of oil, or (b) the state of Washington may have against any person whose actions may have caused or contributed to the discharge of oil.
Notes
Prospective application—1990 c 116 s 18(2): "The section 18(2), chapter 116, Laws of 1990 changes requiring the defenses in that subsection to be the sole causes of the discharge, and the text of section 18(2)(b), chapter 116, Laws of 1990 shall apply prospectively and not retroactively after June 7, 1990." [
2000 c 69 s 26.]
Findings—Severability—1990 c 116: See notes following RCW
90.56.210.
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 90.56.370
What does Revised Code of Washington § 90.56.370 cover?
Section 90.56.370 ("Strict liability of owner or controller of oil — Damages — Exceptions.") 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 § 90.56.370?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 90.56.370" (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 § 90.56.370 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.
