Aquatic Plant & Algae Management General Permit

We issue the Aquatic Plant and Algae Management (APAM) General Permit to allow chemical treatments for the management of aquatic noxious weeds, native nuisance plants, and algae. These chemicals are limited to a specific list of aquatic-labeled herbicides, algaecides, biological water clarifiers, adjuvants, marker dyes, shading products, and phosphorus sequestration products. They can be used directly into fresh water (lakes, streams, and rivers) or along shorelines, roadsides, dikes/levees, and ditch banks.

The current permit went into effect on April 21, 2021, and expires on March 21, 2026.

Join our email list to receive email updates about this permit.

We've updated our sign template to use more icons to help applicators warn people about any restrictions. 

Current permit documents

Permit reissuance

The current permit expires on March 21, 2026. The permit reissuance process includes informal listening sessions and feedback period, a formal public comment period on the draft, and public meetings and hearings. We are taking the first steps in developing the new permit and the public is invited to submit early informal feedback on the current permit through July 20, 2025.We plan to make a permit reissuance decision at the end of this process in February 2026.

Changes we are considering

  • Revising monitoring requirements around treatments to reduce phosphorous
  • Clarifying treatment timing windows and the process to modify them
  • Adding a few more aquatic herbicides and phosphorous control products
  • Updating permit language to be consistent with current state and federal laws

Anticipated timeline

July 2025: Informal feedback period and listening session
September and October 2025: Formal public comment period on the draft permit
Early October 2025: Formal public hearings
February 2026: Decision on reissuance
March 21, 2026: Current permit expires

Public involvement

Ecology has begun the process of revising the Aquatic Plant and Algae Management General Permit, and we invite your input. Ecology invites early informal feedback during the online listening session on July 16, 2025. You can also send us your thoughts in writing between July 3 and 20, 2025. Feedback should reference specific permit text in the current permit when possible.

Listening Session

The online meeting is an opportunity for Ecology staff to share ideas on potential changes to the current permit, answer your questions, and discuss options.

Listening Session on the Aquatic Plant & Algae Management General Permit
July 16, 2025 03:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Submit feedback online (preferred method): 

Provide written suggestions online between 9 a.m. July 3 and 9 p.m. July 20, 2025.

Submit by U.S. mail (postmarked by July 20, 2025)

Shawn Ultican
Water Quality Program
Washington State Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696
Olympia, WA 98504-7696

Permittee resources 

Permit documents

View and download permit documents.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's Aquatic Pesticides Map Tool (Treatment Timing Windows)

Map shows specific locations where use of aquatic herbicides is subject to different timing restrictions to protect fish and other priority species. Click image to go to WDFW's map.