WSR 97-08-038
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
[Order 97-06--Filed March 27, 1997, 12:19 p.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Revise forest practices rules (chapters 222-12 and 222-16 WAC) addressing water quality associated with forest management activities and define requirements for the Forest Practices Board manual. Forest practices rule changes are incorporated by reference, pursuant to WAC 173-202-020, Washington forest practices rules and regulations to protect water quality.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 90.48.420 and 76.09.040.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Under current forest practices, studies show water quality and habitat degradation. Changes to forest management practices proposed will improve or protect riparian areas and water quality.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: State agencies: Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife. Federal agencies: Environmental Protection Agency, National Marine Fisheries Service, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and United States Forest Service. Others: Indian tribes. Ecology and the Forest Practices Board copromulgate rules that overlap forest practices and water quality. Natural resources has regulatory responsibilities. Rules are based on TFW recommendations which include these agencies, among others.
Process for Developing New Rule: Negotiated rule making; and agency study.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by sending comments to Doug Rushton, Water Quality Program, Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600, phone (360) 407-6180, FAX (360) 407-6426. Interested parties can contact the above numbers regarding timber, fish, wildlife upcoming meetings where this rule may be discussed.
March 26, 1997
Linda G. Crerar
Assistant Director
Water Programs