PROPOSED RULES
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 99-11-058.
Title of Rule: Rules relating to the pesticide penalty matrix, WAC 16-228-1100 through 16-228-1160.
Purpose: The rule ensures a fair and uniform method when assessing penalties for violations of the pesticide laws and rules. The proposed changes simplify and provide additional clarification to the existing rule. Changes will also provide an increased level of deterrence.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapters 15.58 and 17.21 RCW.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapters 15.58 and 17.21 RCW.
Summary: The primary purpose of these rules is to clarify and simplify the existing matrix. This is accomplished in part by consolidating the existing two matrices into one and eliminating the knowledge element as a factor. The amendments repeal the first level of violation, leaving only four levels on the matrix. The amendments also clearly separate days of license suspension from monetary fines by adding the words and/or in the first level of violation providing flexibility for WSDA to seek both a civil penalty, a license suspension or both depending on the violation. Additional changes proposed include adding specific language concerning the length of license revocation, new language to address violations committed during a license suspension/revocation, and a new section concerning licensing actions only.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: To provide clarification, to update and adjust penalties, and to increase deterrence effectiveness.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Cliff Weed, 1111 Washington Street, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, (360) 902-2036.
Name of Proponent: Department of Agriculture, governmental.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The penalty matrix rule was originally established to provide an effective deterrent in relationship to the nature and magnitude of the violation. Specifically, the proposed changes to the rule clarify the manner in which a penalty is accessed. The changes also provide for slightly higher civil penalties and license suspensions. The proposal allows for the revocation of a license sooner than allowed by the existing matrix. The proposed changes will provide a greater level of deterrence and allow the department a better method to deal with repeat violators in a more effective manner.
Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: Definitions of "knowingly" and "unknowingly" are repealed, definitions of "civil penalty," "technical assistance" and "notice of correction" are added. A provision (aggravating factor) is added for "actions against licenses only" without also seeking a civil penalty. Two penalty assignment schedules are combined into one schedule, the first level of violation is repealed, and penalty determination is clarified. A new section is added to clarify notices of correction. Other proposed changes include adding specific language concerning the length of license revocation, new language to address violations committed during a license suspension/revocation, and a new section concerning licensing actions only.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The imposition of civil penalties and/or license suspension on violators of the state pesticide laws and rules does not disproportionally impact small businesses. There is nothing mandatory in these rules that would require any business to expend additional funds to comply with these rules. Rather, the only way businesses will be effected by these rules would be if they violated the pesticide laws and rules. Therefore, no economic impact consideration is necessary.
Section 201, chapter 403, Laws of 1995, does not apply to this rule adoption. The Washington State Department of Agriculture is not a listed agency in section 201.
Hearing Location: The videoconference hearing will be held at six sites throughout the state simultaneously. Videoconference hearing sites: Lacey, WA Interactive Technologies, 710 Sleater-Kinney Road S.E., Suite Q, Lacey, WA 98503, (360) 407-9487; Seattle, WA Interactive Technologies, 1500 Harvard, Seattle, WA 98122, (206) 720-3050; Spokane, WA Interactive Technologies, North 1101 Argonne, Suite 109, Spokane, WA 99201, (509) 921-2371; Tri-Cities, WA Interactive Technologies, 8551 West Gage Boulevard, Suite H, Kennewick, WA 99336, (509) 734-7180; Vancouver, ESD 112, 2500 N.E. 65th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98661-6812, (360) 750-7500; and Yakima, WA Interactive Technologies, Yesterday's Village, 15 West Yakima Avenue, Suite 220, Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 454-7878, on June 6, 2000, at 7:00 p.m.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Laurie Mauerman by May 26, 2000, TDD (360) 902-1996.
Submit Written Comments to: Cliff Weed, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, fax (360) 902-2093, by June 9, 2000.
Date of Intended Adoption: June 23, 2000.
May 2, 2000
Bob Arrington
Assistant Director
OTS-3877.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 99-22-002, filed 10/20/99,
effective 11/20/99)
WAC 16-228-1110
Definitions -- Penalty assignment.
In addition to the definitions set forth in RCW 17.21.020, 15.58.030, and WAC 16-228-1010, the following shall apply to WAC 16-228-1100 through 16-228-1150:
(1) "Adverse effect(s)" means ((a)) that the alleged
activity actually causes, or creates the possibility of
((pesticide exposure that could cause)) damage ((or)), injury or
public health threat, to humans, animals, plants, property or the
environment. In those situations involving a wood destroying
organism inspection, adverse effects exist when the inspection
has been performed in a faulty, careless or negligent manner.
(2) (("Knowingly" means that the alleged violator knew or
should have known that conditions existed that would result in
adverse effect(s) or knew that a violation would occur.
(3))) "Level of violation" means that the alleged violation
is a first, second, third, fourth, ((fifth,)) or more
violation(s).
(a) First violation. This means the alleged violator has committed no prior incident(s) which resulted in a violation or violations within three years of committing the current alleged violation.
(b) Second violation. This means the alleged violator committed one prior incident which resulted in a violation or violations within three years of committing the current alleged violation.
(c) Third violation. This means the alleged violator committed two prior incidents which resulted in a violation or violations within three years of committing the current alleged violation.
(d) Fourth violation. This means the alleged violator committed three prior incidents which resulted in a violation or violations within three years of committing the current alleged violation.
(e) ((Fifth or more violation. This means the alleged
violator committed at least four prior incidents which resulted
in a violation or violations within three years of committing the
current alleged violation.
(4))) For purposes of calculating the level of violation, prior incidents will be measured from the date that a final order or stipulated order resolved the prior violation(s), and not from the date that the incident(s) occurred.
(3) "Not probable" means that the alleged violator's conduct more likely than not would not have an adverse effect.
(((5))) (4) "Probable" means that the alleged violator's
conduct more likely than not would have an adverse effect.
(((6) "Unknowingly" means that the alleged violator did not
act knowingly.
(7))) (5) "Violation" means commission of an act or acts prohibited by chapter 17.21 RCW, chapter 15.58 RCW, and/or rules adopted thereunder.
(6) "Civil penalty" means a monetary penalty administratively issued by a regulatory agency for noncompliance with state or federal law, or rules. The term does not include any criminal penalty, damage assessment, wages, premiums, or taxes owed, or interest or late fees on any existing obligation.
(7) "Notice of correction" means a document issued by the department that describes a condition or conduct that is not in compliance with chapter 15.58 or 17.21 RCW, or the rules adopted under the authority of chapter 15.58 or 17.21 RCW and is not subject to civil penalties as provided for in RCW 43.05.110. A notice of correction is not a formal enforcement action, is not subject to appeal and is a public record.
(8) "Notice of intent" means a document issued by the department that alleges specific violations of chapter 15.58 or 17.21 RCW, or any rules adopted under the authority of those chapters. A notice of intent is a formal enforcement document issued with the intent to assess civil penalties to the alleged violator and/or to suspend, deny or revoke the alleged violator's pesticide license.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 15.54, 15.58 and 17.21 RCW. 99-22-002, § 16-228-1110, filed 10/20/99, effective 11/20/99.]
(1) Median penalty
selection. In the disposition of administrative cases, the
department shall ((determine the penalty by first determining))
use the penalty assignment schedule ((table)) listed in
((either)) WAC 16-228-1130 ((or 16-228-1140 that is applied based
on the type of violation alleged)) to determine appropriate
penalties. The department shall ((then determine the)) calculate
the appropriate penalty ((range)) based on the level of
violation((,)) and the adverse effect(s) or potential adverse
effect(s) at the time of the incident(s) giving rise to the
violation((, and the knowledge of the alleged violator)). The
median penalty ((is then selected as the penalty)) shall be
assessed unless a proportionate adjustment is ((required))
warranted and/or there are aggravating or mitigating factors ((as
provided herein)) present. The median penalty ((under Table A))
as listed in WAC 16-228-1130 may be proportionately adjusted
and/or aggravated to a level more than the maximum penalty listed
for the violation in the penalty assignment schedule table. The
median penalty under ((Table B listed in WAC 16-228-1140 may be
proportionately adjusted and/or aggravated to a level more than
the maximum penalty listed for the violation. The median penalty
under Table A and B)) the penalty assignment schedule may not be
proportionately adjusted and/or mitigated to a level less than
the minimum penalty listed for the violation.
(2) Proportionate adjustment of median penalty.
(a) The department reserves the right to proportionately
increase the civil penalty and proportionately decrease the
licensing action ((when)) under certain circumstances ((in the
particular case demonstrate the ineffectiveness of the licensing
action as a deterrent including but not limited to violations by
persons who are not licensed and violations by certified private
applicator(s), or proportionately decrease the civil penalty and
proportionately increase the licensing action when circumstances
in the particular case demonstrate the ineffectiveness of a civil
penalty action as a deterrent)). Such circumstances include
situations where licensing action(s) as a deterrent are
ineffective and include, but are not limited to:
(i) Violations by persons who are not licensed; and
(ii) Situations where the civil penalty assessed is not substantially equivalent to the violator's economic benefit derived from the violation.
(b) The department also reserves the right to proportionately decrease the civil penalty and increase the licensing action in circumstances that demonstrate the ineffectiveness of a civil penalty as a deterrent. Nothing shall prevent the department from proportionally adjusting a licensing action to a level greater than the maximum licensing action listed in the penalty assignment schedule.
(3) Aggravating factors. The department may consider
circumstances enhancing the penalty based on the seriousness of
the violation((, including)). Aggravating factors include, but
are not limited to, the following:
(a) ((Each separate additional incident of violation(s)
alleged within a single notice of intent to have been committed
by the alleged violator within the same calendar year.)) The
number of separate alleged violations contained within a single
notice of intent.
(b) The high magnitude of the harm, or potential harm, including quantity and/or degree, to humans, animals, plants, property or the environment caused by the violation(s).
(c) The similarity of the current alleged violation to
previous violations ((that occurred)) committed within the last
three years ((of the current alleged violation)).
(d) The extent to which the ((alleged)) violation is part of
a pattern of the same or substantially similar conduct ((by
others which necessitates a greater deterrent factor)).
(4) When the department determines that one or more aggravating factors are present, the department may assess the maximum penalty under the penalty schedule or may, in its discretion, increase the penalty to a level greater than that listed in the penalty schedule, including, but not limited to, revocation of the license.
(5) Mitigating factors. The department may consider
circumstances reducing the penalty based upon the seriousness of
the violation ((including, but)). Mitigating factors include,
but are not limited to, the following:
(a) ((A)) Voluntary disclosure of a violation ((by the
alleged violator)).
(b) The low magnitude of the harm, or potential harm, including quantity and/or degree, caused by the violation.
(c) Voluntary taking of remedial measures that will result in increased public protection, or that will result in a decreased likelihood that the violation will be repeated.
(6) When the department determines that one or more mitigating factors are present, the department may assess the minimum penalty for the violation from the penalty schedule.
(7) The department considers each violation to be a separate and distinct event. Every day a violation is continued may be considered a separate and distinct violation. When a person has committed multiple violations, the violations are cumulative for purposes of calculating the appropriate penalty. Penalties are added together.
(8) Violation(s) committed during the period when an individual's license is suspended or revoked shall be subject to the maximum civil penalty of seven thousand five hundred dollars and/or revocation of the license for a period of up to five years. Violation(s) committed by unlicensed individuals are subject to the provisions of this chapter, including the penalty provision.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 15.54, 15.58 and 17.21 RCW. 99-22-002, § 16-228-1120, filed 10/20/99, effective 11/20/99.]
(1) The department retains the sole discretion to determine when an individual license should be revoked rather than suspended. Revocation of a license shall be an option for the department in those circumstances where:
(a) The penalty schedule allows for revocation;
(b) One or more aggravating factors are present; and/or
(c) The duration of the licensure action exceeds six months.
In circumstances where the department determines revocation to be appropriate, the period of revocation shall be determined at the discretion of the department, but in no instance shall the revocation exceed five years.
(2) The department may deny an applicant a license when the applicant has committed a violation(s) of chapters 15.58 and 17.21 RCW and/or the rules adopted under those chapters. The duration of denial shall be determined based upon the penalty provisions of this chapter. In circumstances where the department determines denial to be appropriate, the period of denial shall not exceed five years.
(3) Nothing shall prevent the department from denying an applicant a license when the applicant has an outstanding civil penalty owed to the department from a previous violation(s).
(4) The department may, at its discretion, suspend a license without also seeking a civil penalty. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, those incidents where a civil penalty is not available as an appropriate penalty pursuant to RCW 43.05.110. The appropriate period of suspension shall be determined from the penalty schedule.
[]
((Pesticide use, application, disposal, licensing, distribution,
recommendation, and label violations)) This assignment schedule
shall be used for violations of chapter 17.21 or 15.58 RCW or
chapter 16-228 WAC. (See WAC 16-228-1150 for other dispositions
of alleged violations, including ((warning letters)) notice of
corrections.)
50 days suspension |
|||||||
| $7500 and 90 days SUSPENSION OR DENIAL OR REVOCATION)) | |||||||
| LEVEL OF VIOLATION | ADVERSE EFFECTS NOT PROBABLE |
ADVERSE EFFECTS PROBABLE |
||||
| MINIMUM | MEDIAN | MAXIMUM | MINIMUM | MEDIAN | MAXIMUM | |
| FIRST | $300 and/or 3 days license suspension | $350 and/or 5 days license suspension | $450 and/or 7 days license suspension | $350 and/or 5 days license suspension | $450 and/or 7 days license suspension | $550 and/or 9 days license suspension |
| SECOND | $500 and 10 days license suspension denial or revocation | $1000 and 15 days license suspension denial or revocation | $1500 and 20 days license suspension denial or revocation | $600 and 10 days license suspension denial or revocation | $1300 and 20 days license suspension denial or revocation | $2000 and 30 days license suspension denial or revocation |
| THIRD | $700 and 20 days license suspension denial or revocation | $2100 and 30 days license suspension denial or revocation | $3500 and 40 days license suspension denial or revocation | $800 and 30 days license suspension denial or revocation | $2400 and 40 days license suspension denial or revocation | $4000 and 50 days license suspension denial or revocation |
| FOURTH OR MORE | $900 and 50 days license suspension denial or revocation | $3700 and 60 days license suspension denial or revocation | $6500 and 70 days license suspension denial or revocation | $1000 and 50 days license suspension denial or revocation | $4250 and 70 days license suspension denial or revocation | $7500 and 90 days license suspension denial or revocation |
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 15.54, 15.58 and 17.21 RCW. 99-22-002, § 16-228-1130, filed 10/20/99, effective 11/20/99.]
Nothing herein shall prevent the department from:
(1) Choosing not to pursue a case administratively.
(2) Issuing a ((warning letter)) notice of correction in
lieu of pursuing administrative action.
(3) Negotiating settlement(s) of cases on such terms and for such reasons as it deems appropriate. Prior violation(s) covered by a prior settlement agreement may be used by the department for the purpose of determining the appropriate penalty for the current alleged violation(s) if not prohibited by the agreement.
(4) Referring violations or alleged violations, to any federal, state or county authority with jurisdiction over the activities in question, including, but not limited to, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 15.54, 15.58 and 17.21 RCW. 99-22-002, § 16-228-1150, filed 10/20/99, effective 11/20/99.]
(1) Pursuant to RCW 43.05.100 a notice of correction may be issued by the department when they become aware of conditions and/or conduct that are not in compliance with the applicable laws and rules enforced by the department. The issuance of a notice of correction by the department shall not constitute a previous violation for purposes of WAC 16-228-1110(2), but may, at the discretion of the department, be considered as an aggravating factor for the purposes of WAC 16-228-1120(2).
(2) Prior to issuing a civil penalty for a violation of chapter 15.58 or 17.21 RCW, and the rules adopted under the authority of chapter 15.58 or 17.21 RCW the department shall comply with the requirements of RCW 43.05.110.
[]
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:
| WAC 16-228-1140 | Penalty assignment schedule -- Table B. |