The purpose of this proposal is to repeal WAC 220-660-490, which incorporates RCW 77.55.480 by reference into the Hydraulic Code rules. RCW 77.55.480 created the Habitat Recovery Pilot Program (HRPP). The purpose of the HRPP program was to streamline state and local permitting for qualifying habitat recovery projects. The HRPP program expired on June 30, 2025. With the expiration of the pilot program, permitting procedures have reverted to the pre-HRPP requirements. Habitat recovery projects must now obtain a standard Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permit from WDFW and all other relevant state and local permits, or else qualify for streamlined permitting as a Fish Habitat Enhancement Project. That streamlining program is described in RCW 77.55.181.
If you have any questions about this expedited rule making, please contact Theresa Nation at Theresa.Nation@dfw.wa.gov.
Please note: All comments received by WDFW are part of the public record and are made available for public viewing - so please do not include private information in the text of your comments. Comments are subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act, RCW 42.56