WSR 22-23-119
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 22-274—Filed November 18, 2022, 7:59 a.m., effective November 20, 2022]
Effective Date of Rule: November 20, 2022.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to close steelhead fishing in the Hanford Reach area of the Columbia River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-060.
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 year's return of Ringold Springs Hatchery steelhead is projected to be the second lowest return on record in the past 20 years. Returning steelhead will be needed for broodstock to meet the production goal of 180,000 juvenile steelhead scheduled for release in April 2024.
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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: November 17, 2022.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-06000GFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia
Effective November 20, 2022, until further notice, provisions of WAC 220-312-060 regarding Columbia River hatchery steelhead seasons from the I-182 Bridge (Richland/Pasco) upstream to the Old Hanford townsite powerline crossing are modified as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-060 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule remain in effect:
I-182 Bridge (Richland/Pasco) upstream to the Old Hanford townsite powerline crossing: Steelhead: Closed.