# WAC 173-216-020: WAC 173-216-020. Policy enunciated

> Washington · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_216_020

## Section

- **Citation:** WAC 173-216-020
- **Heading:** WAC 173-216-020. Policy enunciated
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Administrative Code / Title 173 / Chapter 173-216 / Section 173-216-020

## Text

(1) It shall be the policy of the department in carrying out the requirements of this chapter, to maintain the highest possible standards to ensure the purity of all waters of the state and to require the use of all known, available and reasonable methods to prevent and control the discharge of wastes into the waters of the state. Notwithstanding that standards of quality established for the waters of the state would not be violated, wastes and other materials shall not be allowed to enter such waters which will reduce the existing quality thereof, except in those situations where it is clear that overriding considerations of public interest will be served.
(2) Consistent with this policy, the discharge of waste materials into municipal sewerage systems which would interfere with, pass through, or otherwise be incompatible with such systems or which would contaminate the sludge will not be permitted.
(3) Consistent with this policy, the department will act to prevent the disposal of wastes that present a risk to human health, including the potential, chronic effects of lifetime exposure to waste materials.

## Nearby sections

- [WAC 173-216-010 WAC 173-216-010. Purpose](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_216_010.md)
- [WAC 173-216-020 WAC 173-216-020. Policy enunciated](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_216_020.md)
- [WAC 173-216-030 WAC 173-216-030. Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_216_030.md)
- [WAC 173-216-040 WAC 173-216-040. Authorization required](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_216_040.md)
- [WAC 173-216-050 WAC 173-216-050. Discharges not subject to permits](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_216_050.md)
- [WAC 173-216-060 WAC 173-216-060. Prohibited discharges](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_216_060.md)
- [WAC 173-216-070 WAC 173-216-070. Application for a permit](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_216_070.md)
- [WAC 173-216-080 WAC 173-216-080. Confidentiality of information](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_216_080.md)
- [WAC 173-216-090 WAC 173-216-090. Public notice](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_216_090.md)
- [WAC 173-216-100 WAC 173-216-100. Public hearings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_216_100.md)
- [WAC 173-216-110 WAC 173-216-110. Permit terms and conditions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_216_110.md)
- [WAC 173-216-120 WAC 173-216-120. Transfer of a permit](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_216_120.md)
- [WAC 173-216-125 WAC 173-216-125. Monitoring](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_216_125.md)
- [WAC 173-216-130 WAC 173-216-130. Modification, suspension, and revocation of permits](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_216_130.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_216_020. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.