PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Rules relating to restricted use herbicides in Franklin County, WAC 16-231-100 through 16-231-145.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 15.58.040 and 17.21.030.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: New rules relating to the application of pesticides in Benton County and portions of Franklin and Walla Walla counties were adopted. As a result, portions of Franklin County are currently regulated by two rules. This has created confusion as the rules overlap. The Franklin County rules need to be amended to eliminate the areas of overlap and confusion. The rules are necessary to prevent damage to vineyards from pesticide (phenoxy) drift.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other state or federal organizations have any jurisdiction relating to restricted use herbicides in Franklin County.
Process for Developing New Rule: A rules review was conducted in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order 97-02. Results of this review will be shared with representatives of the rule stakeholders for input.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Cliff Weed, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Management Division, P.O. Box 42589, Olympia, WA 98504-2589, (360) 902-2040, fax (360) 902-2093. Comments must be received by December 15, 1999.
October 15, 1999
Bob Arrington
Assistant Director