AN
ACT Relating to prevention and control of nonindigenous aquatic species; adding
new sections to chapter 75.24 RCW; creating new sections; providing an
expiration date; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT
ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 1. The
unauthorized introduction of the zebra mussel and the European green crab into
Washington state waters would pose a serious economic and environmental
threat. The zebra mussel and European green crab have adverse impacts on
fisheries, waterways, public and private facilities, and the functioning of
natural ecosystems. The threat of zebra mussels and European green crabs
requires a coordinated response. It is the intent of the legislature to prevent
adverse economic and environmental impacts caused by zebra mussels and European
green crabs in cooperation and coordination with local governments, the public,
other states, and federal agencies.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 2. A new
section is added to chapter 75.24 RCW to read as follows:
To
complement programs authorized by the federal aquatic nuisance species task
force, the department of fish and wildlife is directed to develop draft rules
for legislative consideration to prevent the introduction and dispersal of
zebra mussels and European green crabs and to allow eradication of infestations
that may occur. The department is authorized to display and distribute
material and literature informing boaters and owners of airplanes that land on
water of the problem and to publicize and maintain a telephone number available
to the public to express concerns and report infestations.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 3. A
new section is added to chapter 75.24 RCW to read as follows:
The
department of fish and wildlife shall prepare, maintain, and publish a list of
all lakes, ponds, or other waters of the state and other states infested with
zebra mussels or European green crabs. The department may participate in
regional or national groups addressing these species.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 4. The
state shall develop a plan for controlling the introduction of zebra mussels
and European green crabs. A zebra mussel and European green crab task force is
created. The task force is chaired by the department of fish and wildlife.
The
task force shall:
(1)
Develop recommendations for legislative consideration including: (a) Control
methods; (b) inspection procedures; (c) penalties; (d) notification procedures;
and (e) eradication and control techniques.
(2)
For each threat, identify the primary pathways of introduction, options for
regulating each pathway, and if possible a recommended method of pathway
control. These methods of control shall include details on what entity would
be responsible for its implementation.
(3)
For each recommended mechanism of pathway control, identify the estimated costs
of implementing a state program, including ideas of funding sources.
(4)
Provide recommendations for how to structure and fund a state program that
monitors the detection and spread of these species.
When
making recommendations, the task force shall emphasize working in a coordinated
fashion with existing state, federal, and international programs.
The
task force shall invite participation from all groups affected by the proposed
pathway control measures, including representatives of aquaculture,
recreational boating, seaplane operators, maritime cargo vessels, retail and
wholesale aquariums, shellfish growers, marinas, and small boat harbors.
The
department of fish and wildlife shall also seek the participation of the
University of Washington, the department of ecology, the department of
agriculture, the department of transportation, the department of natural
resources, and the Washington state patrol. Appropriate federal interests
shall also be invited to participate, including the United States coast guard,
the United States department of agriculture and the United States fish and
wildlife service.
The
task force's final recommendations shall be provided to the legislature by
December 1, 1998.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 5.
Section 4 of this act expires January 1, 1999.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 6. This
act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or
safety, or support of the state government and its existing public
institutions, and takes effect immediately.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 7. If
specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or
chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 1998, in the omnibus appropriations
act, this act is null and void.
