WSR 98-20-095
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
[Filed October 7, 1998, 10:34 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: To amend the existing gypsy moth quarantine rule to address new gypsy moth infestation(s) on Vancouver Island and other location(s) in British Columbia.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 17.24.041.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Gypsy moth in a nonnative insect which, if established would have extremely severe environmental and economic consequences to Washington state. Multi-year insect trapping data from British Columbia indicates a burgeoning gypsy moth infestation which hasn't been effectively controlled. Unless regulatory action is taken, the probability of repeated introductions into Washington state is very high.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: 1. United States Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service.
2. Neighboring states' departments of agriculture.
Direct consultation with both entities is on-going.
Process for Developing New Rule: Washington State Department of Agriculture representatives discuss proposed rule change with affected government agencies and stakeholders and then publish the rule proposal.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Linda Polzin, Pest Program Manager, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Laboratory Services Division, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-2070, fax (360) 902-2094; or Mary Toohey, Assistant Director, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Laboratory Services Division, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1907, fax (360) 902-2094.
October 7, 1998
Mary A. Martin Toohey
Assistant Director