Section 43.21C.470 - Categorical exemption for structurally deficient bridges-Definition(1) The department [of ecology] must amend the categorical exemption available to Washington department of transportation projects under WAC 197-11-800(26) as of July 24, 2015, so that the same categorical exemption applies to structurally deficient city, town, or county bridge repair or replacement projects.(2) For purposes of this section, "structurally deficient" means a bridge that is classified as in poor condition under the state bridge condition rating system and is reported by the state to the national bridge inventory as having a deck, superstructure, or substructure rating of four or below. Structurally deficient bridges are characterized by deteriorated conditions of significant bridge elements and potentially reduced load-carrying capacity. Bridges deemed structurally deficient typically require significant maintenance and repair to remain in service, and require major rehabilitation or replacement to address the underlying deficiency.