SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5038

BYSenators Rasmussen and Garrett

Prohibiting the use of the pesticide sevin in certain fish and shrimp habitats.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 20, 1987

Senate Staff:Kaleen Cottingham (786-7415)

AS OF JANUARY 19, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Ghost and mud shrimp are considered to be pests by Washington's commercial oyster industry.  These shrimp are abundant in Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor where they dig complex burrow networks in the soft sediments.  Extensive burrowing softens the substrate and slowly raises the level of the beach.  Any oysters planted on beds heavily infested by burrowing shrimp may either sink into the sediment or be covered by silt.  In either case, the oysters are smothered and die.

Burrowing shrimp infestations of prime oyster growing grounds have been controlled by applications of the pesticide Sevin since 1963.  These treatments are regulated by the Washington Departments of Fisheries, Ecology, and Agriculture, and by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

In 1984, in response to concerns by agencies, crab fishermen, and others, the Departments of Fisheries and Ecology directed that an Environmental Impact Statement be prepared to address the effects of the treatment program.

The pesticide Sevin, which is the trade name for Carbaryl, is manufactured by Union Carbide and registered by the Environmental Protection Agency.  It is a violation of federal law to use Sevin in a manner inconsistent with its EPA labeling.

The label states that for control of ghost shrimp and mud shrimp, treatment is allowed only on ground with no oysters or oysters less than one year old on it.  A 200 foot buffer zone is required between the treatment area and the nearest marketable shellfish if treatment is by aerial spray, and a 50 foot buffer is required if treatment is by groundspray.  The treatment must be timed seasonally to avoid concentrations of Dungeness crabs.  Such treatment can only occur when the ground is bare at ebb tide.  The quantity of pesticide is restricted based on acreage treated.  A special permit is required from the Department of Fisheries prior to application.  Such a permit requires a physical inspection of the site and must be reviewed by the Departments of Agriculture and Social and Health Services.  The Department of Fisheries must supervise the spraying and may suspend or cancel the treatment if conditions change.

SUMMARY:

The director of Fisheries shall not authorize the use of the pesticide Sevin for control of ghost shrimp in the proximity of critical crab habitat or in estuaries utilized by juvenile anadromous fish.

Fiscal Note:      none requested