(1) The department or the health officer for each local health jurisdiction as designated in the joint plan of operation, under WAC 246-280-015, shall classify recreational shellfish beaches, based on the risk to public health from consuming shellfish. After completing an initial classification, the department or the health officer for each local health jurisdiction shall make an annual update based on the additional data collected during the year.

(2) The joint plan of operation's criteria used to classify beaches shall include the following:

(a) Water quality data;

(b) A sanitary survey of pollution sources; and

(c) A review of natural and synthetic toxins, including PSP.

(3) The department shall classify recreational shellfish beaches as follows:

(a) Open;

(b) Conditionally open;

(c) Closed;

(d) Emergency closure; and

(e) Unclassified.