Purpose: Personal use rules.

Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 232-12-017.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.040.

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: The European green crab was recently discovered in Willapa Bay and poses an imminent threat to the ecology and economy of Washington. This emergency rule will prohibit the possession and transport without a permit from the director and prevent them from spreading to other marine areas in Washington. There is insufficient time to promulgate 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately.

July 9, 1998

Larry Peck

for Bern Shanks

Director

WAC 232-12-01700A  Deleterious exotic wildlife. Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 232-12-017, effective immediately until further notice, the following animal is hereby designated as deleterious exotic wildlife:

(1) European green crab (Carcinus maenas)

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