WSR 14-05-094

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed February 19, 2014, 9:28 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-483 WAC, Grape virus quarantine and chapter 16-481 WAC, Grape insect pests. The department is considering:

(1) Combining the grape virus quarantine and the grape insect pests rules into one chapter under chapter 16-483 WAC;

(2) Adding additional virus pests to the quarantine;

(3) Adding additional insect pests to the quarantine; and

(4) Repealing chapter 16-481 WAC, Grape insect pests.

Adding additional pests to the quarantine is the result of a petition submitted by the Washington association of wine grape growers.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 17.24.011, 17.24.041, and chapter 34.05 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Introduction of pests into the state of Washington through infested grape plants, rootstock, and plant cuttings or on contaminated grape cultivation or harvesting equipment could have a severe economic impact on the Washington grape industry. Modifications to the grape virus quarantine are necessary to standardize Washington's quarantine with Oregon and Idaho and continue to be effective in excluding harmful viruses and insects.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: Department staff will discuss any proposed amendments with affected stakeholders. Affected stakeholders will also have an opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed rules during the public comment period and will be able to present oral testimony at the public hearing.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Brad White, Acting Assistant Director, Plant Protection Division, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1907, fax (360) 902-2094, e-mail bwhite@agr.wa.gov; or Tom Wessels, Plant Services Program Manager, Plant Protection Division, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1984, fax (360) 902-2094, e-mail twessels@agr.wa.gov.

February 19, 2014

Brad White

Acting Assistant Director