PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-470 WAC, Quarantine -- Agricultural pests, this proposal amends the current rules by establishing a quarantine for apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella) in all or a portion of Kittitas County and increasing consistency between the rule and industry and environmental conditions.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapters 17.24 and 34.05 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Multiple life stages of apple maggot were detected in Kittitas County this summer. This is significant because it indicates there is a local reproducing population of this pest. The proposed rule amendments may add all or a portion of Kittitas County to the existing quarantine area. The proposal is intended to prevent or minimize possible movement of apple maggot from Kittitas County into uninfested areas and to protect the commercial tree fruit industry from an economically significant pest by regulatory measures, including quarantine establishment.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Department staff will discuss any proposed amendments with affected stakeholders, including the Apple Maggot Working Group. Affected stakeholders will also have an opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed rules during the public comment period and will be able to present oral testimony at the public hearing.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Mary A. Martin Toohey, Assistant Director, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Division, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1907, fax (360) 902-2094, e-mail mtoohey@agr.wa.gov; or Brad White, Pest Program Manager, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Division, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-2071, fax (360) 902-2094, e-mail bwhite@agr.wa.gov.
September 30, 2003
Mary A. Martin Toohey
Assistant Director