Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 16.49.680.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Rules covering these operations are contained in four separate sections, chapters 16-20, 16-21, 16-22, and 16-23 WAC. The rules need to be reviewed and updated to meet current operating conditions in the industry. For efficiency and convenience in use we have combined the four rule sections into one rule.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). We share inspection of these facilities and mobile units with the USDA. We will continue to coordinate our inspections to maximize the efficiency of both agencies. We are considering an MOU with USDA to formalize our coordination.

Process for Developing New Rule: We will receive comments from review by our Food Safety Advisory Committee (FSAC). Two meetings, one in Olympia and one in Moses Lake have been set to discuss draft language with the affected industry. Recommendations received from the industry, FSAC and USDA will be reviewed and incorporated into a final draft.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Verne E. Hedlund, 1111 Washington Street, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1860, fax (360) 902-2087.

Meeting: On July 15, 1998, at 9 a.m. to noon, Room 172, Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington Street, Olympia, WA 98504.

Meeting: On August 5, 1998, at 10 a.m. to noon, Shilo Inn, Moses Lake, Washington.

July 8, 1998

Candace A. Jacobs, DVM

Assistant Director