# RCW 70A.305.080: RCW 70A.305.080: Private right of action—Remedial action costs

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70A_C305_S080

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 70A.305.080
- **Heading:** RCW 70A.305.080: Private right of action—Remedial action costs
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 70A / Chapter 305 / Section 080

## Text

Except as provided in RCW 70A.305.040 (4) (d) and (f), a person may bring a private right of action, including a claim for contribution or for declaratory relief, against any other person liable under RCW 70A.305.040 for the recovery of remedial action costs. In the action, natural resource damages paid to the state under this chapter may also be recovered. Recovery shall be based on such equitable factors as the court determines are appropriate. Remedial action costs shall include reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses. Recovery of remedial action costs shall be limited to those remedial actions that, when evaluated as a whole, are the substantial equivalent of a department-conducted or department-supervised remedial action. Substantial equivalence shall be determined by the court with reference to the rules adopted by the department under this chapter. An action under this section may be brought after remedial action costs are incurred but must be brought within three years from the date remedial action confirms cleanup standards are met or within one year of May 12, 1993, whichever is later. The prevailing party in such an action shall recover its reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. This section applies to all causes of action regardless of when the cause of action may have arisen. To the extent a cause of action has arisen prior to May 12, 1993, this section applies retroactively, but in all other respects it applies prospectively.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 70A.305.010 RCW 70A.305.010: Declaration of policy.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70A_C305_S010.md)
- [RCW 70A.305.020 RCW 70A.305.020: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70A_C305_S020.md)
- [RCW 70A.305.030 RCW 70A.305.030: Department's powers and duties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70A_C305_S030.md)
- [RCW 70A.305.040 RCW 70A.305.040: Standard of liability—Settlement.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70A_C305_S040.md)
- [RCW 70A.305.050 RCW 70A.305.050: Enforcement.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70A_C305_S050.md)
- [RCW 70A.305.060 RCW 70A.305.060: Lien authority.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70A_C305_S060.md)
- [RCW 70A.305.070 RCW 70A.305.070: Timing of review.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70A_C305_S070.md)
- [RCW 70A.305.080 RCW 70A.305.080: Private right of action—Remedial action costs.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70A_C305_S080.md)
- [RCW 70A.305.090 RCW 70A.305.090: Remedial actions—Exemption from procedural requirements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70A_C305_S090.md)
- [RCW 70A.305.100 RCW 70A.305.100: Grants to local governments—Statement of environmental benefits—Development of outcome-focused performance measures.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70A_C305_S100.md)
- [RCW 70A.305.110 RCW 70A.305.110: Releases of hazardous substances—Notice—Exemptions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70A_C305_S110.md)
- [RCW 70A.305.120 RCW 70A.305.120: Puget Sound partners.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70A_C305_S120.md)
- [RCW 70A.305.130 RCW 70A.305.130: Cleanup settlement account—Reporting requirements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70A_C305_S130.md)
- [RCW 70A.305.150 RCW 70A.305.150: Designation of a redevelopment opportunity zone—Criteria.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70A_C305_S150.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70A_C305_S080. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.