WSR 22-22-007
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 22-247—Filed October 20, 2022, 2:47 p.m., effective October 20, 2022, 2:47 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: Amends recreational razor clam rules.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-330-16000R; and amending WAC 220-330-160.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047.
Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.
Reasons for this Finding: This emergency rule is needed to open the recreational razor clam season. Survey results show that adequate clams are available for recreational harvest in Razor Clam Areas 1, 3, and 4. Washington department of health has certified clams from this beach to be safe for human consumption. There is insufficient time to adopt permanent rules.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: October 20, 2022.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-330-16000RRazor clamsAreas and seasons.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-330-160, it is unlawful to take, dig for or possess razor clams taken for personal use from any beaches in any razor clam area except as provided for in this section:
(1) Effective 12:01 p.m. October 24 through 11:59 p.m. October 30, 2022, razor clam digging is permissible in Razor Clam Areas defined in WAC 220-330-160 during afternoon and evening tides on dates and times listed below:
Razor Clam Area
Date
Time
Area 1
October 24 through October 30
From 12:01 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Area 2
Closed
Closed
Area 3
October 24 through October 30
From 12:01 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Area 4
October 24, 26, 28, and 30
From 12:01 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Area 5
Closed
Closed
Area 6
Closed
Closed
Area 7
Closed
Closed
(2) It is unlawful to dig for razor clams at any time in the Long Beach and Copalis Beach Clam sanctuaries defined in WAC 220-320-130.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective 12:01 a.m. October 31, 2022:
WAC 220-330-16000R
Razor clamsAreas and seasons.