Thurston County, WA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing manual
- 2022 DDECM, adopted by reference
- Enforcement
- Storm & surface water program manager
- Violation type
- Civil infraction, Ch. 7.80 RCW
- Penalty accrual
- Daily for ongoing violations
- Financial guarantee
- 25% of drainage facility construction cost
Summary
Thurston County requires construction and site development to follow its 2022 Drainage Design and Erosion Control Manual under TCC Chapter 15.05, enforced with civil infractions.
This section consists of the Drainage Design and Erosion Control Manual on file in the water resources program manager's office as amended.
The 2022 Edition of the Drainage Design and Erosion Control Manual for Thurston County ("manual") is adopted by reference as though set forth herein in full.
(Ord. 12305 § 1, 2000: Ord. 10610 § 1, 1994: Ord. 9859 § 1, 1991)
(Ord. No. 14265, § 1, 8-17-2009; Ord. No. 15355, 1(Att. A, § H), 10-18-2016; Ord. No. 16141, § 1, 4-12-2022)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 77).
Full Breakdown
Thurston County adopts the Drainage Design and Erosion Control Manual (DDECM) by reference under TCC 15.05.010, and every development project reviewed by the county must comply with it. Violations of the manual's drainage and erosion standards are civil infractions under Chapter 7.80 RCW, cited by the county's storm and surface water program manager, with penalties that can accrue daily for an ongoing violation. The county can also step in directly: if erosion or drainage problems demand immediate action, Thurston County will perform the remedial work itself and bill the property owner, the property owners' association, or the developer for the full cost, plus a lien if unpaid.
Violations & Fines
Civil infraction under Ch. 7.80 RCW with monetary penalty; daily accrual for ongoing violations; county may bill or lien owner for emergency remediation costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What manual governs erosion control in Thurston County?
What happens if a site violates the erosion control standards?
Can the county fix an erosion problem itself?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Thurston County
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