WSR 97-13-001

PERMANENT RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

(Fisheries)

[Order 97-84--Filed June 4, 1997, 1:37 p.m.]

Date of Adoption: May 5, 1997.

Purpose: Amend hydraulic project approval rules and adopt rules pertaining to control of aquatic plants.

Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-110-010, 220-110-020, and 220-110-035.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 75.08.080.

Adopted under notice filed as WSR 97-07-077 on March 19, 1997.

Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: WAC 220-110-332, prior authorization will be required for weed raking in eight lakes which contain sockeye salmon. A ten-linear feet aquatic plant removal for access and egress is permitted. Removal of the entire aquatic noxious weed is required, if possible. A general requirement for prior approval for raking in fish spawning areas was removed.

WAC 220-110-333, both biodegradable and nonbiodegradable screens may be used to provide the access and egress point.

WAC 220-110-334, prior approval needed for use of weed rollers to remove beneficial aquatic plants. Removal of the entire aquatic noxious weed is required, if possible. A general requirement for prior approval for weed rolling in fish spawning areas was removed.

WAC 220-110-337, a general requirement for prior approval for dredging in fish spawning areas was removed.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 10, amended 3, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 10, amended 2, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

May 28, 1997

Chris Drivdahl

for Bern Shanks

Director

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 94-160, filed 11/14/94, effective 12/15/94)

WAC 220-110-010 Purpose. It is the intent of the department to provide protection for all fish life through the development of a state-wide system of consistent and predictable rules. The department will coordinate with other local, state, and federal regulatory agencies, and tribal governments, to minimize regulatory duplication. Pursuant to chapter 75.20 RCW, this chapter establishes regulations for the construction of hydraulic project(s) or performance of other work that will use, divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow or bed of any of the salt or fresh waters of the state, and sets forth procedures for obtaining a hydraulic project approval (HPA). In addition, this chapter incorporates criteria generally used by the department ((of fish and wildlife)) for project review and conditioning HPAs.

The technical provisions in WAC 220-110-040 through ((220-110-330)) 220-110-338 represent common provisions for the protection of fish life for typical projects proposed to the department. Implementation of these provisions is necessary to minimize project specific and cumulative impacts to fish life. These regulations reflect the best available science and practices related to protection of fish life. The department will incorporate new information as it becomes available, and to allow for alternative practices that provide equal or greater protection for fish life.

The technical provisions shall apply to a hydraulic project when included as provisions on the HPA. Each application shall be reviewed on an individual basis. Common technical provisions applicable to a specific project may be modified or deleted by the department pursuant to WAC 220-110-032. HPAs may also be subject to additional special provisions to address project or site-specific considerations not adequately addressed by the common technical provisions.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 94-23-058 (Order 94-160), 220-110-010, filed 11/14/94, effective 12/15/94; 87-15-086 (Order 87-48), 220-110-010, filed 7/20/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.012, 75.08.080 and 75.20.100. 84-04-047 (Order 84-04), 220-110-010, filed 1/30/84. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.20.100 and 75.08.080. 83-09-019 (Order 83-25), 220-110-010, filed 4/13/83.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 94-160, filed 11/14/94, effective 12/15/94)

WAC 220-110-020 Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

(1) "Aquatic beneficial plant" means native and nonnative aquatic plants not prescribed by RCW 17.10.010(10), and that are of value to fish life.

(2) "Aquatic noxious weed" means an aquatic weed on the state noxious weed list as prescribed by RCW 17.10.010(10).

(3) "Aquatic plant" means any aquatic noxious weed and aquatic beneficial plant that occurs within the ordinary high water line of waters of the state.

(4) "Beach area" means the beds between the ordinary high water line and extreme low tide.

(((2))) (5) "Bed" means the land below the ordinary high water lines of state waters. This definition shall not include irrigation ditches, canals, storm water run-off devices, or other artificial watercourses except where they exist in a natural watercourse that has been altered by man.

(((3))) (6) "Bed materials" means natural-occurring material, including aquatic plants, found in the beds of state waters.

(((4))) (7) "Bio-degradable" means material that is capable of being readily decomposed by biological means, such as by bacteria.

(8) "Bio-engineering" means project designs or construction methods which use live woody vegetation or a combination of live woody vegetation and specially developed natural or synthetic materials to establish a complex root grid within the existing bank which is resistant to erosion, provides bank stability, and maintains a healthy riparian environment with habitat features important to fish life. Use of wood structures or limited use of clean angular rock may be allowable to provide stability for establishment of the vegetation.

(((5))) (9) "Bottom barrier or screen" means synthetic or natural fiber sheets of material used to cover and kill plants growing on the bottom of a watercourse.

(10) "Bulkhead" means a vertical or nearly vertical erosion protection structure placed parallel to the shoreline consisting of concrete, timber, steel, rock, or other permanent material not readily subject to erosion.

(((6))) (11) "Cofferdam" means a temporary enclosure used to keep water from a work area.

(((7))) (12) "Control" means level of treatment of aquatic noxious weeds as prescribed by RCW 17.10.010(5).

(13) "Department" means the department of fish and wildlife.

(((8))) (14) "Diver-operated dredging" means the use of portable suction or hydraulic dredges held by SCUBA divers to remove aquatic plants.

(15) "Drawdown" means decreasing the level of standing water in a watercourse to expose bottom sediments and rooted plants.

(16) "Dredging" means removal of bed material using other than hand held tools.

(((9))) (17) "Early infestation" means an aquatic noxious weed whose stage of development, life history, or area of coverage makes one hundred percent control and eradication as prescribed by RCW 17.10.010(5) likely to occur.

(18) "Emergency" means an immediate threat to life, public or private property, or an immediate threat of serious environmental degradation, arising from weather or stream flow conditions, other natural conditions, or fire.

(((10))) (19) "Entrained" means the entrapment of fish into a watercourse diversion without the presence of a screen, into high velocity water along the face of an improperly designed screen, or into the vegetation cut by a mechanical harvester.

(20) "Equipment" means any device powered by internal combustion; hydraulics; electricity, except less than one horsepower; or livestock used as draft animals, except saddle horses; and the lines, cables, arms, or extensions associated with the device.

(((11))) (21) "Eradication" See "control."

(22) "Established ford" means a crossing place in a watercourse that was in existence and annually used prior to 1986 or subsequently permitted by the department, and, has identifiable approaches on the streambanks.

(((12))) (23) "Extreme low tide" means the lowest level reached by a receding tide.

(((13))) (24) "Farm and agricultural land" means those lands identified as such in RCW 84.34.020.

(((14))) (25) "Filter blanket" means a layer or combination of layers of pervious materials (organic, mineral, or synthetic) designed and installed in such a manner as to provide drainage, yet prevent the movement of soil particles due to flowing water.

(((15))) (26) "Fish life" means all fish species, including but not limited to food fish, shellfish, game fish, and other nonclassified fish species and all stages of development of those species.

(((16))) (27) "Food fish" means those species of the classes Osteichthyes, Agnatha, and Chondrichthyes that shall not be fished for except as authorized by rule of the director of the department of fish and wildlife.

(((17))) (28) "Freshwater area" means those state waters and associated beds below the ordinary high water line that are upstream of river mouths including all lakes, ponds, and streams.

(((18))) (29) "Game fish" means those species of the class Osteichthyes that shall not be fished for except as authorized by rule of the fish and wildlife commission.

(((19))) (30) "General provisions" means those provisions that are contained in every (((HPA))) HPA.

(((20))) (31) "Hand cutting" means the removal or control of aquatic plants with the use of hand-held tools or equipment, or equipment that is carried by a person when used.

(32) "Hand-held tools" means tools that are held by hand and are not powered by internal combustion, hydraulics, pneumatics, or electricity. Examples are shovels, rakes, hammers, etc.

(((21))) (33) "Hatchery" means any water impoundment or facility used for the captive spawning, hatching, or rearing of fish and shellfish.

(((22))) (34) "Hydraulic project" means construction or performance of other work that will use, divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow or bed of any of the salt or fresh waters of the state. Hydraulic projects include forest practice activities, conducted pursuant to the forest practices rules (Title 222 WAC), that involve construction or performance of other work in or across the ordinary high water line of:

(a) Type 1-3 waters; or

(b) Type 4 and 5 waters with identifiable bed or banks where there is a hatchery water intake within two miles downstream; or

(c) Type 4 and 5 waters with identifiable bed or banks within one-fourth mile of Type 1-3 waters where any of the following conditions apply:

(i) Where the removal of timber adjacent to the stream is likely to result in entry of felled trees into flowing channels;

(ii) Where there is any felling, skidding, or ground lead yarding through flowing water, or through dry channels with identifiable bed or banks with gradient greater than twenty percent;

(iii) Where riparian or wetland leave trees are required and cable tailholds are on the opposite side of the channel;

(iv) Where road construction or placement of culverts occurs in flowing water;

(v) Where timber is yarded in or across flowing water;

(d) Type 4 and 5 waters with identifiable bed or banks that are likely to adversely affect fish life, where the HPA requirement is noted by the department in response to the forest practice application.

Hydraulic projects and associated permit requirements for specific project types are further defined in other sections of this chapter.

(((23))) (35) "Hydraulic project application" means a form provided by and submitted to the department of fish and wildlife accompanied by plans and specifications of the proposed hydraulic project.

(((24))) (36) "Hydraulic project approval" (HPA) means:

(a) A written approval for a hydraulic project signed by the director of the department of fish and wildlife, or the director's designates; or

(b) A verbal approval for an emergency hydraulic project from the director of the department of fish and wildlife, or the director's designates; or

(c) A "Gold and Fish" pamphlet issued by the department which identifies and authorizes specific minor hydraulic project activities for mineral prospecting (panning); or

(d) An "Irrigation and Fish" pamphlet issued by the department which identifies and authorizes specific minor hydraulic project activities; or

(e) An "Aquatic Plants and Fish" pamphlet issued by the department which identifies and authorizes specific aquatic noxious weed and aquatic beneficial plant removal and control activities.

(((25))) (37) "Large woody material" means trees or tree parts larger than four inches in diameter and longer than six feet and rootwads, wholly or partially waterward of the ordinary high water line.

(((26))) (38) "Mean higher high water" or "MHHW" means the tidal elevation obtained by averaging each day's highest tide at a particular location over a period of nineteen years. It is measured from the MLLW = 0.0 tidal elevation.

(((27))) (39) "Mean lower low water" or "MLLW" means the 0.0 tidal elevation. It is determined by averaging each days' lowest tide at a particular location over a period of nineteen years. It is the tidal datum for vertical tidal references in the saltwater area.

(((28))) (40) "Mechanical harvesting and cutting" means the partial removal or control of aquatic plants with the use of aquatic mechanical harvesters which cut and collect aquatic plants, and mechanical cutters which only cut aquatic plants.

(41) "Mitigation" means actions which shall be required as provisions of the HPA to avoid or compensate for impacts to fish life resulting from the proposed project activity. The type(s) of mitigation required shall be considered and implemented, where feasible, in the following sequential order of preference:

(a) Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action;

(b) Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation;

(c) Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment;

(d) Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the action;

(e) Compensating for the impact by replacing or providing substitute resources or environments; or

(f) Monitoring the impact and taking appropriate corrective measures to achieve the identified goal.

For projects with potentially significant impacts, a mitigation agreement may be required prior to approval. Replacement mitigation may be required to be established and functional prior to project construction.

(((29))) (42) "Natural conditions" means those conditions which arise in or are found in nature. This is not meant to include artificial or manufactured conditions.

(((30))) (43) "No-net-loss" means:

(a) Avoidance or mitigation of adverse impacts to fish life; or

(b) Avoidance or mitigation of net loss of habitat functions necessary to sustain fish life; or

(c) Avoidance or mitigation of loss of area by habitat type.

Mitigation to achieve no-net-loss should benefit those organisms being impacted.

(((31))) (44) "Ordinary high water line" means the mark on the shores of all waters that will be found by examining the bed and banks and ascertaining where the presence and action of waters are so common and usual and so long continued in ordinary years, as to mark upon the soil or vegetation a character distinct from that of the abutting upland: Provided, That in any area where the ordinary high water line cannot be found the ordinary high water line adjoining saltwater shall be the line of mean higher high water and the ordinary high water line adjoining freshwater shall be the elevation of the mean annual flood.

(((32))) (45) "Person" means an individual or a public or private entity or organization. The term "person" includes local, state, and federal government agencies, and all business organizations.

(((33))) (46) "Protection of fish life" means prevention of loss or injury to fish or shellfish, and protection of the habitat that supports fish and shellfish populations.

(((34))) (47) "Purple loosestrife" means Lythrum salicaria and Lythrum virgatum as prescribed in RCW 17.10.010(10) and defined in RCW 17.26.020 (5)(b).

(48) "River or stream." See "watercourse."

(((35))) (49) "Rotovation" means the use of aquatic rotovators which have underwater rototiller-like blades to uproot aquatic plants as a means of plant control.

(50) "Saltwater area" means those state waters and associated beds below the ordinary high water line and downstream of river mouths.

(((36))) (51) "Shellfish" means those species of saltwater and freshwater invertebrates that shall not be taken except as authorized by rule of the director of the department of fish and wildlife. The term "shellfish" includes all stages of development and the bodily parts of shellfish species.

(((37))) (52) "Spartina" means Spartina alterniflora, Spartina anglica, Spartina x townsendii, and Spartina patens as prescribed in RCW 17.10.010(10) and defined in RCW 17.26.020 (5)(a).

(53) "Special provisions" means those conditions that are a part of the (((HPA))) HPA, but are site or project specific, and are used to supplement or amend the technical provisions.

(((38))) (54) "Streambank stabilization" means those projects which prevent or limit erosion, slippage, and mass wasting; including, but not limited to bank resloping, log and debris relocation or removal, planting of woody vegetation, bank protection (physical armoring of streambanks using rock or woody material, or placement of jetties or groins), gravel removal or erosion control.

(((39))) (55) "Technical provisions" means those conditions that are a part of the (((HPA))) HPA and apply to most projects of that nature.

(((40))) (56) "Toe of the bank" means the distinct break in slope between the stream bank or shoreline and the stream bottom or marine beach or bed, excluding areas of sloughing. For steep banks that extend into the water, the toe may be submerged below the ordinary high water line. For artificial structures, such as jetties or bulkheads, the toe refers to the base of the structure, where it meets the stream bed or marine beach or bed.

(((41))) (57) "Viable" means that any plant or plant part is capable of taking root or living when introduced into a body of water.

(58) "Watercourse" and "river or stream" means any portion of a channel, bed, bank, or bottom waterward of the ordinary high water line of waters of the state including areas in which fish may spawn, reside, or through which they may pass, and tributary waters with defined bed or banks, which influence the quality of fish habitat downstream. This includes watercourses which flow on an intermittent basis or which fluctuate in level during the year and applies to the entire bed of such watercourse whether or not the water is at peak level. This definition does not include irrigation ditches, canals, storm water run-off devices, or other entirely artificial watercourses, except where they exist in a natural watercourse which has been altered by humans.

(((42))) (59) "Water right" means a certificate of water right, a vested water right or a claim to a valid vested water right, or a water permit, pursuant to Title 90 RCW.

(((43))) (60) "Waters of the state" or "state waters" means all salt waters and fresh waters waterward of ordinary high water lines and within the territorial boundaries of the state.

(((44))) (61) "Water type" means water categories as defined in WAC 222-16-030 of the forest practice rules and regulations((, published and dated November 1, 1988)).

(((45))) (62) "Weed rolling" means the use of a mechanical roller designed to control aquatic plant growth.

(63) "Wetted perimeter" means the areas of a watercourse covered with water, flowing or nonflowing.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 94-23-058 (Order 94-160), 220-110-020, filed 11/14/94, effective 12/15/94; 87-15-086 (Order 87-48), 220-110-020, filed 7/20/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.012, 75.08.080 and 75.20.100. 84-04-047 (Order 84-04), 220-110-020, filed 1/30/84. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.20.100 and 75.08.080. 83-09-019 (Order 83-25), 220-110-020, filed 4/13/83.]

NEW SECTION

WAC 220-110-031 Pamphlet hydraulic project approvals--Procedures. (1) In those instances where a pamphlet is the equivalent of an HPA as defined in WAC 220-110-020(36), a person shall obtain a pamphlet HPA issued by the department which identifies and authorizes specific minor hydraulic project activities before conducting a hydraulic project.

(2) The pamphlet HPA, or clear reproduction, shall be on the project site when work is being conducted and shall be immediately available for inspection.

(3) The pamphlet HPA shall be conditioned to ensure protection of fish life.

(4) Pamphlet HPAs do not exempt the applicant from obtaining other appropriate permits and following the rules or regulations of local, federal, and other Washington state agencies.

(5) Administration of this chapter shall be conducted in compliance with SEPA, chapter 43.21C RCW, and chapters 197-11, 220-100, and 232-19 WAC.

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AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 94-160, filed 11/14/94, effective 12/15/94)

WAC 220-110-035 Miscellaneous hydraulic projects--Permit requirements and exemptions. (1) Operators of mechanical or hydraulic clam harvesters shall be required to obtain an HPA and comply with provisions of WAC 220-52-018, and shall obtain and comply with the provisions of the department's permit to operate a clam harvesting machine.

(2) ((Noxious aquatic weed control by hand pulling or hand-held tools does not require hydraulic project approval.)) An activity conducted solely for the removal or control of spartina does not require an HPA. An activity conducted solely for the removal or control of purple loosestrife and which is performed with hand-held tools, hand-held equipment, or equipment carried by a person when used does not require an HPA. Any other activity conducted solely for the removal or control of aquatic noxious weeds or aquatic beneficial plants shall require either a copy of the current Aquatic Plants and Fish pamphlet HPA available from the department or an individual HPA.

(3) The installation, by hand or hand-held tools, of small scientific markers, oyster stakes, boundary markers, or property line markers does not require an HPA.

(4) Driving a vehicle or operating equipment on or across an established ford does not require an HPA. However, ford repair with equipment or construction work waterward of the ordinary high water lines requires an HPA. Driving a vehicle or operating equipment on or across wetted stream beds at areas other than established fords requires an HPA. HPAs for new fords issued subsequent to January 1995 shall require that the entry and exit points of the ford not exceed one hundred feet upstream or downstream of each other.

(5) A person conducting a remedial action under a consent decree, order, or agreed order, pursuant to chapter 70.105D RCW, and the department of ecology when it conducts a remedial action, are exempt from the procedural requirements of the Hydraulic Code. Compliance with the substantive provisions of the Hydraulic Code is required.

(6) The technical and special provisions of an individual or a pamphlet HPA shall be followed by the permit holder, equipment operator(s), and other individuals conducting the project.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 94-23-058 (Order 94-160), 220-110-035, filed 11/14/94, effective 12/15/94.]

NEW SECTION

WAC 220-110-331 Aquatic plant removal and control technical provisions. WAC 220-110-332 through 220-110-338 set forth technical provisions that shall apply to hydraulic projects that control or remove aquatic plants. Aquatic plant removal and control methods include physical, mechanical, biological and chemical control methods. Often the best approach to aquatic plant control and removal is through the development of a vegetation management plan. A vegetation management plan is a comprehensive approach to control of aquatic plants where all forms of control strategies are considered and usually some combination of techniques is selected and implemented in a planned manner. These plans are based on the idea that decisions should be centered upon an understanding of the biology and ecology of the aquatic plant to be controlled and the environmental characteristics of the site. Integrated vegetation management planning is encouraged at all times to comprehensively address aquatic plant problems for a watercourse. Certain technical provisions shall be required depending upon the individual proposal and site specific characteristics. Additional special provisions may be included, as necessary to address site-specific conditions. Those provisions, where applicable, shall be contained in the HPA (pamphlet or individual), as necessary to protect fish life. HPAs shall have specific time limitations on project activities to protect fish life. Information concerning timing shall be included with the pamphlet HPA. Saltwater provisions may be applied to tidally influenced areas upstream of river mouths and the mainstem Columbia River downstream of Bonneville Dam where applicable.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 220-110-332 Hand removal or control. A copy of the current Aquatic Plants and Fish pamphlet available from the department shall serve as an HPA, unless otherwise indicated, and be on the job site at all times. Hand removal or control of aquatic plants is useful for eradication of an aquatic noxious weed early infestation. Hand removal or control can be effective for small, confined areas. Hand removal or control of aquatic plants projects may incorporate mitigation measures as necessary to achieve no-net-loss of productive capacity of fish and shellfish habitat. The following technical provisions shall apply to hand removal or control of both aquatic noxious weed and aquatic beneficial plant projects except where otherwise indicated:

(1) Due to potential impacts to sockeye spawning areas, prior authorization by the department shall be required for raking in Baker Lake and Lakes Osoyoos, Ozette, Pleasant, Quinault, Sammamish, Washington and Wenatchee. Authorization may or may not be given for raking, and if given, may require mitigation through a written agreement between the applicant and the department for impacts by raking to the spawning area.

(2) Work shall be restricted to the use of hand-pulling, hand-held tools or equipment, or equipment that is carried when used.

(3) Removal or control of aquatic beneficial plants to maintain an access for boating or swimming shall be allowed along a maximum length of 10 linear feet of the applicant's shoreline. Projects for boating and swimming access which cover a larger area shall require prior authorization by the department.

(4) Where possible, the entire plant shall be removed when using hand-pulling for aquatic noxious weeds.

(5) Removal of detached plants and plant fragments from the watercourse shall be as complete as possible when using hand removal to remove or control aquatic noxious weeds. Detached plants and plant fragments shall be disposed of at an upland site so as not to reenter state waters.

(6) Existing fish habitat components such as logs, stumps, and large boulders shall not be removed or disturbed.

(7) Work shall be conducted to minimize the release of sediment and sediment-laden water from the project site.

(8) Extreme care shall be taken to ensure that no petroleum products, hydraulic fluid or other deleterious material from equipment used are allowed to enter or leach into the watercourse.

(9) If at any time as a result of project activities or water quality problems, fish life are observed in distress or a fish kill occurs, operations shall cease and both the department and the department of ecology shall be notified of the problem immediately. The project shall not resume until further approval is given by the department. Additional measures to mitigate impacts may be required.

(10) Every effort shall be made to avoid the spread of plant fragments through equipment contamination. Persons or firms using any equipment to remove or control aquatic plants shall thoroughly remove and properly dispose of all viable residual plants and viable plant parts from the equipment prior to the equipment's use in a body of water.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 220-110-333 Bottom barriers or screens. A copy of the current Aquatic Plants and Fish pamphlet available from the department shall serve as an HPA, unless otherwise indicated, and be on the job site at all times. Bottom barriers or screens are useful for eradication of an aquatic noxious weed early infestation. Bottom barriers or screens are best used in small, confined areas where control of all plants is desirable. Bottom barrier or screen projects may incorporate mitigation measures as necessary to achieve no-net-loss of productive capacity of fish and shellfish habitat. The following technical provisions shall apply to bottom barrier or screen projects for both aquatic noxious weed or aquatic beneficial plant control or removal except where otherwise indicated:

(1) Due to potential impacts to sockeye spawning areas, prior authorization by the department shall be required for activities in Baker Lake and Lakes Osoyoos, Ozette, Pleasant, Quinault, Sammamish, Washington, and Wenatchee. Authorization may or may not be given for the activity, and if given, may require mitigation through a written agreement between the applicant and the department for impacts by the activity to the spawning area.

(2) For removal and control of aquatic noxious weeds, bottom barrier or screen material shall not cover more than fifty percent of the length of the applicant's shoreline. Bottom barrier or screen projects covering a larger area shall require prior authorization by the department. Bottom barrier or screen and anchor material consisting of biodegradable material may be left in place. Bottom barrier or screen and anchor material that is not biodegradable shall be completely removed within two years of placement to encourage recolonization of aquatic beneficial plants unless otherwise approved by the department.

(3) To remove or control aquatic beneficial plants such that an access is maintained for boating or swimming, bottom barrier or screen and anchor material that is either biodegradable or nonbiodegradable may be installed along a maximum length of ten linear feet of the applicant's shoreline. Bottom barrier or screen projects for boating and swimming access which cover a larger area shall require prior authorization by the department.

(4) Bottom barrier or screen material shall be securely anchored with pea-gravel filled bags, rock or similar mechanism to prevent billowing and movement offsite.

(5) Bottom barrier or screen and anchors shall be regularly maintained while in place to ensure the barrier or screen and anchors are functioning properly. Barriers or screens that have moved or are billowing shall immediately be securely reinstalled or removed from the watercourse.

(6) Existing fish habitat components such as logs, stumps, and large boulders may be relocated within the watercourse if necessary to properly install the bottom barrier or screen. These habitat components shall not be removed from the watercourse.

(7) If at any time as a result of project activities or water quality problems, fish life are observed in distress or a fish kill occurs, operations shall cease and both the department and the department of ecology shall be notified of the problem immediately. The project shall not resume until further approval is given by the department. Additional measures to mitigate impacts may be required.

(8) Every effort shall be made to avoid the spread of plant fragments through equipment contamination. Persons or firms using any equipment to remove or control aquatic plants shall thoroughly remove and properly dispose of all viable residual plants and viable plant parts from the equipment prior to the equipment's use in a body of water.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 220-110-334 Weed rolling. A copy of the current Aquatic Plants and Fish pamphlet available from the department shall serve as an HPA, unless otherwise indicated, and be on the job site at all times. Weed rollers are best used when control of all aquatic plants is desired. Weed rolling projects may incorporate mitigation measures as necessary to achieve no-net-loss of productive capacity of fish and shellfish habitat. The following technical provisions shall apply to weed rolling projects for both aquatic noxious weed or aquatic beneficial plant control or removal except where otherwise indicated:

(1) Due to potential impacts to sockeye spawning areas, prior authorization by the department shall be required for activities in Baker Lake and Lakes Osoyoos, Ozette, Pleasant, Quinault, Sammamish, Washington, and Wenatchee. Authorization may or may not be given for the activity, and if given, may require mitigation through a written agreement between the applicant and the department for impacts by the activity to the spawning area.

(2) Weed rollers shall not be used to remove an aquatic noxious weed early infestation. To remove or control all other infestation levels of aquatic noxious weeds, weed rollers shall not cover an area of more than two thousand five hundred square feet. Weed roller projects covering a greater area shall require prior authorization by the department.

(3) Where the intent is to remove or control aquatic beneficial plants, prior authorization by the department shall be required.

(4) Removal of detached plants and plant fragments from the watercourse shall be as complete as possible when using weed rollers to remove or control aquatic noxious weeds. Detached plants and plant fragments shall be disposed of at an upland site so as not to reenter state waters.

(5) Work shall be conducted to minimize the release of sediment and sediment-laden water from the project site.

(6) Extreme care shall be taken to ensure that no petroleum products, hydraulic fluid or other deleterious material from equipment used are allowed to enter or leach into the watercourse.

(7) If at any time as a result of project activities or water quality problems, fish life are observed in distress or a fish kill occurs, operations shall cease and both the department and the department of ecology shall be notified of the problem immediately. The project shall not resume until further approval is given by the department. Additional measures to mitigate impacts may be required.

(8) Existing fish habitat components such as logs, stumps, and large boulders may be relocated within the watercourse if necessary to properly install the weed roller. These habitat components shall not be removed from the watercourse.

(9) Every effort shall be made to avoid the spread of plant fragments through equipment contamination. Persons or firms using any equipment to remove or control aquatic plants shall thoroughly remove and properly dispose of all viable residual plants and viable plant parts from the equipment prior to the equipment's use in a body of water.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 220-110-335 Mechanical harvesting and cutting. A copy of the current Aquatic Plants and Fish pamphlet available from the department shall serve as an HPA, unless otherwise indicated, and be on the job site at all times. Mechanical harvesting and cutting projects may incorporate mitigation measures as necessary to achieve no-net-loss of productive capacity of fish and shellfish habitat. The following technical provisions shall apply to mechanical harvesting and cutting projects for both aquatic noxious weed or aquatic beneficial plant control or removal except where otherwise indicated:

(1) Mechanical harvesters and cutters shall not be used to remove an aquatic noxious weed early infestation.

(2) If the intent of the project is to remove aquatic beneficial plants, prior authorization by the department shall be required.

(3) Removal of detached plants and plant fragments from the watercourse shall be as complete as possible when using mechanical harvesters or cutters to remove or control aquatic noxious weeds. Detached plants and plant fragments shall be disposed of at an upland site so as not to reenter state waters.

(4) Extreme care shall be taken to ensure that no petroleum products, hydraulic fluid or other deleterious material from equipment used are allowed to enter or leach into the watercourse. Equipment shall be well-maintained and where practicable, food-grade oil in the hydraulic systems should be used.

(5) If at any time as a result of project activities or water quality problems, fish life are observed in distress or a fish kill occurs, operations shall cease and both the department and the department of ecology shall be notified of the problem immediately. The project shall not resume until further approval is given by the department. Additional measures to mitigate impacts may be required.

(6) Existing fish habitat components such as logs, stumps, and large boulders may be relocated within the watercourse if necessary to operate the equipment. These habitat components shall not be removed from the watercourse.

(7) Mechanical harvester and cutter operations shall only be conducted in waters of sufficient depth to avoid bottom contact with the cutter blades.

(8) Mechanical harvesters and cutters shall be operated at all times to cause the least adverse impact to fish life.

(9) Fish life that may be entrained in the cut vegetation during mechanical harvester operations shall be immediately and safely returned to the watercourse.

(10) Every effort shall be made to avoid the spread of plant fragments through equipment contamination. Persons or firms using any equipment to remove or control aquatic plants shall thoroughly remove and properly dispose of all viable residual plants and viable plant parts from the equipment prior to the equipment's use in a body of water.

(11) Alteration or disturbance of the bank and bank vegetation shall be limited to that necessary to conduct the project. All disturbed areas shall be protected from erosion, within seven calendar days of completion of the project, using vegetation or other means. The banks shall be revegetated within one year with native or other approved woody species. Vegetative cuttings shall be planted at a maximum interval of three feet (on center), and maintained as necessary for three years to ensure eighty percent survival. Where proposed, planting densities and maintenance requirements for rooted stock will be determined on a site-specific basis. After authorization by the department, the requirement to plant woody vegetation may be waived for areas where the potential for natural revegetation is adequate, or where other engineering or safety factors preclude them.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 220-110-336 Rotovation. An individual HPA shall be required for rotovation projects. Rotovation projects shall incorporate mitigation measures as necessary to achieve no-net-loss of productive capacity of fish and shellfish habitat. The following technical provisions shall apply to rotovation projects for both aquatic noxious weed or aquatic beneficial plant control or removal except where otherwise indicated:

(1) Rotovators shall not be used to remove an aquatic noxious weed early infestation.

(2) Removal of detached plants and plant fragments from the watercourse shall be as complete as possible when using rotovation to remove or control aquatic noxious weeds. Detached plants and plant fragments shall be disposed of at an upland site so as not to reenter state waters.

(3) Extreme care shall be taken to ensure that no petroleum products, hydraulic fluid or other deleterious material from equipment used are allowed to enter or leach into the watercourse. Rotovators shall be well-maintained and where practicable, food-grade oil in the hydraulic systems should be used.

(4) If at any time, as a result of project activities or water quality problems, fish life are observed in distress or a fish kill occurs, operations shall cease and both the department and the department of ecology shall be notified of the problem immediately. The project shall not resume until further approval is given by the department. Additional measures to mitigate impacts may be required.

(5) Existing fish habitat components such as logs, stumps, and large boulders may be relocated within the watercourse if necessary to operate the equipment. These habitat components shall not be removed from the watercourse.

(6) Rotovators shall be operated at all times to cause the least adverse impact to fish life.

(7) Every effort shall be made to avoid the spread of plant fragments through equipment contamination. Persons or firms using any equipment to remove or control aquatic plants shall thoroughly remove and properly dispose of all viable residual plants and viable plant parts from the equipment prior to the equipment's use in a body of water.

(8) Alteration or disturbance of the bank and bank vegetation shall be limited to that necessary to conduct the project. All disturbed areas shall be protected from erosion, within seven calendar days of completion of the project, using vegetation or other means. The banks shall be revegetated within one year with native or other approved woody species. Vegetative cuttings shall be planted at a maximum interval of three feet (on center), and maintained as necessary for three years to ensure eighty percent survival. Where proposed, planting densities and maintenance requirements for rooted stock will be determined on a site-specific basis. After authorization by the department, the requirement to plant woody vegetation may be waived for areas where the potential for natural revegetation is adequate, or where other engineering or safety factors preclude them.

(9) Rotovation shall not occur in fish spawning areas unless approved by the department.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 220-110-337 Aquatic plant dredging. A copy of the current Aquatic Plants and Fish pamphlet available from the department shall serve as an HPA for diver-operated dredging only, unless otherwise indicated, and shall be on the job site at all times. All other dredging for aquatic plant control or removal shall require an individual HPA. Dredging projects may incorporate mitigation measures as necessary to achieve no-net-loss of productive capacity of fish and shellfish habitat. The following technical provisions shall apply to dredging projects for both aquatic noxious weed or aquatic beneficial plant control or removal except where otherwise indicated:

(1) All aquatic plant dredging projects.

(a) Due to potential impacts to sockeye spawning areas, prior authorization by the department shall be required for activities in Baker Lake and Lakes Osoyoos, Ozette, Pleasant, Quinault, Sammamish, Washington, and Wenatchee. Authorization may or may not be given for the activity, and if given, may require mitigation through a written agreement between the applicant and the department for impacts by the activity to the spawning area.

(b) Extreme care shall be taken to ensure that no petroleum products, hydraulic fluid or other deleterious material from equipment used are allowed to enter or leach into the watercourse. Equipment shall be well-maintained and where practicable, food-grade oil in the hydraulic systems should be used.

(c) If at any time as a result of project activities or water quality problems, fish life are observed in distress or a fish kill occurs, operations shall cease and both the department and the department of ecology shall be notified of the problem immediately. The project shall not resume until further approval is given by the department. Additional measures to mitigate impacts may be required.

(d) Existing fish habitat components such as logs, stumps, and large boulders may be relocated within the watercourse if necessary to operate the equipment. These habitat components shall not be removed from the watercourse.

(e) Dredging shall be conducted at all times with dredge types and methods that cause the least adverse impact to fish life.

(f) Every effort shall be made to avoid the spread of plant fragments through equipment contamination. Persons or firms using any equipment to remove or control aquatic plants shall thoroughly remove and properly dispose of all viable residual plants and viable plant parts from the equipment prior to the equipment's use in a body of water.

(g) Work shall be conducted to minimize the release of sediment and sediment-laden water from the project site.

(h) Upon completion of the dredging, the bed shall not contain pits, potholes, or large depressions to avoid stranding of fish.

(i) Alteration or disturbance of the bank and bank vegetation shall be limited to that necessary to conduct the project. All disturbed areas shall be protected from erosion, within seven calendar days of completion of the project, using vegetation or other means. The banks shall be revegetated within one year with native or other approved woody species. Vegetative cuttings shall be planted at a maximum interval of three feet (on center), and maintained as necessary for three years to ensure eighty percent survival. Where proposed, planting densities and maintenance requirements for rooted stock will be determined on a site-specific basis. After prior authorization by the department, the requirement to plant woody vegetation may be waived for areas where the potential for natural revegetation is adequate, or where other engineering or safety factors preclude them.

(2) Diver-operated dredging only. The use of diver-operated dredging is useful to remove an aquatic noxious weed early infestation, and to assist in long-term maintenance following control or removal via other methods.

(a) Removal of plants and plant fragments from the watercourse shall be as complete as possible when using diver-operated dredging to remove or control aquatic noxious weeds. Plants and plant fragments shall be removed from the dredge slurry prior to its return to the watercourse. Dredged bed materials, including detached plants and plant fragments, shall be disposed of at an upland disposal site so as not to reenter state waters.

(b) An hydraulic dredge shall only be operated with the intake at or below the surface of the material being removed. The intake shall only be raised a maximum of three feet above the bed for brief periods of purging or flushing the intake system.

(c) If the intent of the project is to remove or control aquatic beneficial plants, prior authorization from the department shall be required.

(3) Dredging other than diver-operated dredging. Except for diver-operated dredging, an individual HPA shall be required for all dredging for aquatic plant control or removal projects.

(a) Dragline and clamshell dredges shall not be used to remove an aquatic noxious weed early infestation.

(b) Removal of plants and plant fragments from the watercourse shall be as complete as possible when using dredging to remove or control aquatic noxious weeds. Dredged bed materials, including detached plants and plant fragments, shall be disposed of at an upland disposal site so as not to reenter state waters.

(c) Dredging shall not be conducted in fish spawning areas unless approved by the department.

(d) An hydraulic dredge shall only be operated with the intake at or below the surface of the material being removed. The intake shall only be raised a maximum of three feet above the bed for brief periods of purging or flushing the intake system.

(e) If a dragline or clamshell is used, it shall be operated to minimize turbidity. During excavation, each pass with the clamshell or dragline bucket shall be complete. Dredged material shall not be stockpiled waterward of the ordinary high water line.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 220-110-338 Water level manipulation. An individual HPA shall be required for water level manipulation. The use of water level manipulations (drawdowns) to remove or control aquatic noxious weeds or aquatic beneficial plants by exposing plants and root systems to extreme temperature and moisture conditions may be appropriate under specific circumstances. Accurate plant identification is important to ensuring any degree of success. Water level manipulation projects shall incorporate mitigation measures as necessary to achieve no-net-loss of productive capacity of fish and shellfish habitat. The following technical provisions shall apply to water level manipulation projects for both aquatic noxious weed or aquatic beneficial plant control or removal except where otherwise indicated:

(1) If at any time as a result of project activities or water quality problems, fish life are observed in distress or a fish kill occurs, operations shall cease and both the department and the department of ecology shall be notified of the problem immediately. The project shall not resume until further approval is given by the department. Additional measures to mitigate impacts may be required.

(2) Water level manipulation shall be conducted to cause the least adverse impact to fish life.

(3) Water level manipulation shall occur gradually and in a controlled manner to prevent a sudden release of impounded water or sediments which may result in downstream bed and bank degradation, sedimentation, or flooding. Water levels shall be drawndown and brought back up at rates predetermined in consultation with and approved by the department. Instream flow requirements shall be maintained as water levels are brought back up.

(4) Disturbed bank areas shall be protected from erosion. Erosion control methods may include, but are not limited to, filter fabric and immediate mulching of exposed areas. Riprap, or other bank hardening/armoring method, shall not be allowed.