DNR Application process to utilize Open Water Disposal Sites

DNR Dredged Material Management Program
Program Overview

The Dredged Material Management Program (DMMP) represents a coordinated multi-agency approach to management of dredged materials in the state of Washington. The cooperating agencies include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Seattle Office, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 10, Washington State Department of Ecology and Department of Natural Resources.
We are committed to protecting the aquatic environment through stringent oversight of all disposal activities occurring on the public’s state-owned aquatic lands. Three location-specific programs exist under the DMMP framework.

•The Dredged Material Management Program (DMMP) manages disposal within Puget Sound, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and coastal embayments of the Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay sites.

•The Columbia River Disposal Program manages the disposal of dredged materials on the Washington side of the river.

Using this framework, DNR manages eight unconfined open-water dredged material disposal sites around Puget Sound and two sites each in Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay. Use of the sites must be requested and approved prior to entering state lands for the purpose of disposal.

Dredging is a critical activity that affects the lives of nearly every Washington State citizen and visitor. For more information view the Dredged Material Fact Sheet. — (pdf) 39kb

Application Requirements

Before dredgers may take dredged material to one of DNR’s unconfined open-water dredged material disposal sites, they must obtain a valid Site Use Authorization (SUA) from the DNR’s DMMP office. View DNR's Application Requirements , Site Use Application and Clarification for obtaining a SUA.

Reporting Requirements

DNR is committed to protecting the aquatic environment through stringent oversight of all disposal activities occurring under a SUA. DNR accomplishes this by imposing specific reporting requirements for every load of dredged material taken to one of DNR’s unconfined open-water dredged material disposal sites. Disposal Site Use Report and Monthly Disposal Forms forms once completed may be submitted via email, fax, courier, or USPS.

Fees

Users of any of DNR’s unconfined open-water dredged material disposal sites must pay disposal fees, which are assessed at a per cubic yard rate and subject to a minimum application fee. These fees are authorized under RCW 79.105.520, and defined under WAC 332-30-166. View the current Current Fee Structure. — (pdf) 319kb

DNR is currently reviewing the fee structure. See Clarification of Fee Structure.

Mail Completed Application and Associated Documents to:
Department of Natural Resources
Aquatic Resources Division
ATTN: Courtney Wasson, DMMP Manager
1111 Washington Street SE
P.O. Box 47027
Olympia, WA 98504-7027

A copy of the DNR Application for Authorization:

Site Application

DNR Business Permits