This class addresses local, state and federal permitting associated with the implementation of alternatives to bulkheads or armoring shoreline projects. It is especially geared toward shoreline planners, consultants, and marine contractors who are interested in the permits required to restore shorelines to natural conditions or to implement projects considered “soft” alternatives to bulkheads or armoring. This class will help you understand which permits are required for different activities in the marine shoreline and how they relate to different levels of government. You will learn whom to contact, what steps are involved in the permit process, what to include in a permit package, and how the different permits relate to one another.
Permits reviewed in this class include: local government shoreline master program permits, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Hydraulic Project Approval, US Army Corp of Engineer permits, FEMA and floodplain permits, and Endangered Species Act review by National Marine Fisheries Service, and US Fish and Wildlife Service. Additional permit-related issues include Department of Natural Resources (DNR) leases and cultural resources reviews and coordination with the Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP). The role of tribes in the permit process is also included.
This class will be held virtually over two half-days from 9 am - 12 pm (6 AICP CM credits/ CEP Points).
This course is offered as part of a series of six courses related to Alternatives to Bulkheads. Courses 1-4 will be offered during fall 2024 and Courses 5-6 will be offered during winter 2025. These courses are endorsed by the Shore Friendly program and the content is consistent with Shore Friendly recommended practices. Here is a link to more information.
Please email the Coastal Training Program (ecyrectpadmin@ecy.wa.gov) if you require an accommodation for this training (audio, visual, mobility, or other). Additionally, the program can offer a couple of scholarships to cover the registration fees with each training. Please reach out if you need a scholarship in order to participate in the training.
Instructors
Jennifer Rotsten graduated from Huxley College of the Environment in 2003 with a degree in Environmental Economics and came on board that same year to handle project permitting. Since then, she continues to coordinate the design of projects based on the local, state and federal regulations applicable to the project along with contract and submittal requirements for projects. She currently holds a seat on the Hydraulic Code Implementation Citizen Advisory Group in Olympia for Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, representing contractors working within the water bodies of the State.
Diane Hennessey is a Senior Ecologist and Wetlands Specialist for the Washington State Department of Ecology on assignment with the Environmental Protection Agency. At EPA, she leads a federal and state multi-agency team that is evaluating and implementing a streamlined permitting process for beneficial marine shoreline projects. At Ecology, she worked with other government partners on Critical Areas Ordinance updates, Wetland delineation and Stream Ordinary High Water Mark delineations, Clean Water Act Section 401 permits, and wetlands policy development. She is also an instructor in the Wetland Science and Management Program at the University of Washington.
Rebecca Rothwell is a Shoreline Planner with Ecology’s headquarters office and represents the SEA Program in the development and review of statewide guidelines, policies, and regulations related to protecting and managing the state’s shorelines. She has 11 years’ experience with reviewing shoreline permits, providing technical assistance to applicants and consultants, and coordinating with property owners to resolve SMA violations. Rebecca has a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Puget Sound and a master’s degree in environmental studies from The Evergreen State College. She has worked at Ecology for 15 years.
