The Washington State Department of Ecology invites anyone with an interest in shaping laws aimed at enhancing the safety of transporting oil in Washington state to comment via public workshops in person or via webinars in Olympia and Auburn this week and next.

The Ecology Department is beginning the process to draft and update three rules related to oil transportation by rail and pipeline. The first rule creates a new law for notice requirements for facilities receiving crude oil by rail and pipelines. The second rule describes contingency planning requirements for railroads that transport oil (crude or refined) in bulk. And the third rule updates a current law for oil-spill contingency planning standards for pipelines.

The workshops provide an opportunity for the regulated community, interested members of the public, state, local and tribal governments to learn about the draft rules and provide input on the language.

Oil Movement by Rail and Pipeline Notification (new rule)

Tuesday, Jan. 26
1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Webinar (click for details)/Ecology Headquarters
300 Desmond Drive, Lacey

Oil Spill Contingency Plan — Railroad (new rule)

Monday, Feb. 1
1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Webinar (click for details)/Ecology Headquarters
300 Desmond Drive, Lacey

Oil Spill Contingency Plan Standards for Pipelines (rule update)

Thursday, Feb. 4
1-4 p.m.
Webinar (click for details)/Green River Community College — SY Building, River Room
12401 S.E. 320th St., Auburn

Preliminary draft rule language, workshop details and agenda, and other information is available online:
· Oil spill contingency plan – pipelines
· Oil movement by rail and pipeline notification
· Oil spill contingency plan – railroad