WAC 400-12-210   Overview.  (1) This chapter establishes a process to review the ranking of watersheds in the Puget Sound basin and to develop and implement action plans to prevent nonpoint pollution, enhance water quality, and protect beneficial uses.

     (2) Each county will convene a committee to review and/or rerank the watersheds wholly or partly within the county boundaries, using criteria set forth in this chapter. Local watershed management committees will be formed to develop action plans for the ranked watersheds. Lead agencies will submit completed action plans to the department for approval. Each action plan may be implemented, as coordinated by the lead agency, through voluntary actions, local ordinances, or a combination thereof; and/or local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and programs.

     (3) Technical assistance from state agencies will be available to committees and implementing entities. Substantial involvement by both the general public and affected parties shall be sought in all phases of watershed ranking and action plan development. If action plans are ineffective, a revision process can be initiated by either local governments or the department according to procedures outlined in the watershed action planning process.



[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.70 RCW. 91-22-096, § 400-12-210, filed 11/6/91, effective 12/7/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.70.055 and 90.70.060. 88-06-053 (Order 88-01), § 400-12-210, filed 3/2/88.]