PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Rules relating to picloram (Tordon) in Spokane County, WAC 16-230-510 through 16-230-520.
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: The department has conducted a review of the above-mentioned rules under the provisions of the Governor's Executive Order 97-02 and has determined that the rules are necessary and should be retained. In the late 1970s the product picloram was detected in ground water in a small area of Spokane County. Picloram is a product which is easily leached into ground water especially in areas of shallow aquifers. Chapter 16-230 WAC was adopted with the intent to protect/safeguard health, welfare and safety of the people of Washington by prohibiting the use of picloram in certain areas of Spokane County. The rule is necessary to prevent possible recurrance of ground water contamination by picloram.
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. The department is seeking input on its decision to retain the rules. You may comment by writing to the Washington State Department of Agriculture, Administrative Regulations Unit, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, or fax at (360) 902-2092, or e-mail kbromley@agr.wa.gov. Comments should be made by May 7, 1999.
For a copy of the review report, contact Laurie Mauerman, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560.
March 18, 1999
Bob Arrington
Assistant Director