(1) The following projects do not require project reports under WAC 246-290-110 and construction documents under WAC 246-290-120 to be submitted to the department for review and approval prior to installation:

(a) Installation of valves, fittings, meters, and approved backflow prevention assemblies;

(b) Installation of hydrants under WAC 246-290-230 (3) and (6);

(c) Repair of a system component or replacement with a component of a similar capacity and material in accordance with the original construction specifications of the approved design. For the purposes of replacing existing pipe, similar capacity includes one standard pipe size larger; or

(d) Maintenance or painting of surfaces not contacting potable water.

(2) Purveyors may elect to not submit to the department for review and approval project reports under WAC 246-290-110 and construction documents under WAC 246-290-120 for new distribution mains if:

(a) The purveyor has on file with the department a current department-approved water system plan that includes standard construction specifications for distribution mains; and

(b) The purveyor maintains on file a completed construction completion report (department form) in accordance with WAC 246-290-120(5) and makes it available for review upon request by the department.

(3) Purveyors may elect to not submit to the department for review and approval project reports under WAC 246-290-110 and construction documents under WAC 246-290-120 for review and approval of other distribution-related projects as defined in WAC 246-290-010 providing:

(a) The purveyor has on file with the department a current department-approved water system plan, in accordance with WAC 246-290-100(5);

(b) The purveyor submits a written request with a new water system plan or an amendment to a water system plan, and updates the request with each water system plan update. The written request should specifically identify the types of projects or facilities for which the submittal exception procedure is requested;

(c) The purveyor has documented that they have employed or hired under contract the services of a professional engineer licensed in the state of Washington to review distribution-related projects not submitted to the department for review and approval. The review engineer and design engineer shall not be the same individual. The purveyor shall provide written notification to the department whenever they propose to change their designated review engineer;

(d) If the project is a new transmission main, storage tank, or booster pump station, it must be identified in the capital improvement program of the utility's water system plan. If not, either the project report must be submitted to the department for review and approval, or the water system plan must be amended;

(e) A project summary file is maintained by the purveyor for each project and made available for review upon request by the department, and includes:

(i) Descriptive project summary;

(ii) Anticipated completion schedule;

(iii) Consistency with utility's water system plan;

(iv) Water right self-assessment, where applicable;

(v) Change in system physical capacity;

(vi) Copies of original design and record drawings;

(vii) Engineering design review report (department form). The form shall:

(A) Bear the seal, date, and signature of a professional engineer licensed in the state of Washington prior to the start of construction;

(B) Provide a descriptive reference to completed project report and/or construction documents reviewed, including date of design engineer's seal and signature; and

(C) State the project report and/or construction documents have been reviewed, and the design is in accordance with department regulations and principles of standard engineering practice;

(f) The construction completion report is submitted to the department in accordance with WAC 246-290-120(5) for new storage tanks and booster pump stations, and maintained on file with the water system for all other distribution-related projects;

(g) A WFI is completed in accordance with WAC 246-290-120(6); and

(h) The purveyor meets the requirements of chapter 246-294 WAC to have a category "green" operating permit.

(4) Source of supply (including interties) and water quality treatment-related projects shall not be eligible for the submittal exception procedure.

(5) Purveyors not required to prepare a water system plan under WAC 246-290-100 shall be eligible for the submittal exception procedure if the purveyor:

(a) Has a department-approved water system plan meeting the requirements of WAC 246-290-100;

(b) Complies with all other requirements in this section; and

(c) Ensures that all work required to be prepared under the direction of a professional engineer be accomplished per WAC 246-290-040 and chapter 18.43 RCW.