Washington § 90.58.550 - Oil or natural gas exploration in marine waters — Definitions — Application for permit — Requirements — Review — Enforcement.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 90.58.550 — Oil or natural gas exploration in marine waters — Definitions — Application for permit — Requirements — Review — Enforcement., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 90.58.550. Oil or natural gas exploration in marine waters — Definitions — Application for permit — Requirements — Review — Enforcement.

(1) Within this section the following definitions apply:
(a) "Exploration activity" means reconnaissance or survey work related to gathering information about geologic features and formations underlying or adjacent to marine waters;
(b) "Marine waters" include the waters of Puget Sound north to the Canadian border, the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the waters between the western boundary of the state and the ordinary high water mark, and related bays and estuaries;
(c) "Vessel" includes ships, boats, barges, or any other floating craft.
(2) A person desiring to perform oil or natural gas exploration activities by vessel located on or within marine waters of the state shall first obtain a permit from the department of ecology. The department may approve an application for a permit only if it determines that the proposed activity will not:
(a) Interfere materially with the normal public uses of the marine waters of the state;
(b) Interfere with activities authorized by a permit issued under RCW 90.58.140(2);
(c) Injure the marine biota, beds, or tidelands of the waters;
(d) Violate water quality standards established by the department; or
(e) Create a public nuisance.
(3) Decisions on an application under subsection (2) of this section are subject to review only by the pollution control hearings board under chapter 43.21B RCW.
(4) This section does not apply to activities conducted by an agency of the United States or the state of Washington.
(5) This section does not lessen, reduce, or modify RCW 90.58.160.
(6) The department may adopt rules necessary to implement this section.
(7) The attorney general shall enforce this section.
[ 1983 c 138 s 1.]

Notes

Ocean resources management act: Chapter 43.143 RCW.
Transport of petroleum products or hazardous substances: Chapter 88.40 RCW.

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

Related Washington Legal Topics

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 90.58.550

What does Revised Code of Washington § 90.58.550 cover?

Section 90.58.550 ("Oil or natural gas exploration in marine waters — Definitions — Application for permit — Requirements — Review — Enforcement.") 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 § 90.58.550?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 90.58.550" (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 § 90.58.550 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.