WSR 14-20-120

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed October 1, 2014, 10:32 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is considering rule making involving aquatic invasive species (AIS) rules. Rule making will embody the principles of prevention as the highest priority, identify allowable certificate of inspection forms for aquatic conveyances entering the state, determine exemptions to clean and drain requirements where there is minimal risk of spreading invasive species, set inspection and decontamination station standards, and establish types of services department-authorized representatives can perform.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012, 77.12.047, 77.135.020, 77.135.100, 77.135.110, 77.135.150, and 77.135.160.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The legislature adopted ESSB 6040 (codified as chapter 77.135 RCW) in 2014 which implements a more robust AIS program under the primary authority of the department. The department needs rules to implement the expanded program to provide additional protection against the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The department is the lead agency for managing invasive species of the animal kingdom statewide pursuant to RCW 77.135.020. This rule-making proposal will be centered on department activities, however, the department will collaborate with additional agencies should that become necessary as the project develops.

Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Allen Pleus, AIS Coordinator, Fish Program, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2724, fax (360) 902-2155, e-mail Allen.Pleus@dfw.wa.gov. Contact by November 14, 2014. Expected proposal filing on or after November 19, 2014.

October 1, 2014

Joanna M. Eide

Rules Coordinator