WSR 20-08-008
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 20-49—Filed March 19, 2020, 5:19 p.m., effective March 19, 2020, 5:19 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: Amend recreational razor clam rules.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-330-16000S.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047.
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 rule is necessary to close recreational razor clam seasons on the coast. Pacific County health officials advise this is necessary to control and prevent the spread of a dangerous, contagious coronavirus disease 2019 within the jurisdiction of the Pacific County health officer; to maintain health over the territory of this jurisdiction; and to promote the public health. Because razor clam beaches cross county lines, maintaining an orderly fishery is not possible, so harvest on all beaches is closed. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: March 19, 2020.
Kelly Susewind
Director
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective immediately:
WAC 220-330-16000S
Razor clamsAreas and seasons.