Zostera japonica management on commercial clam beds in Willapa Bay general permit

We issue coverage under this general permit when shellfish growers choose to use an herbicide (imazamox) to control the non-native eelgrass Zostera japonica on their commercial clam beds. Zostera japonica is a class C noxious weed that may be controlled on commercial clam beds but does not include use for control on geoduck and oyster beds. Physical and mechanical methods of Zostera japonica control are not regulated by this permit. Read our blog to find out more about the Zostera japonica permit.

The current permit went into effect April 4, 2020 and expires on March 3, 2025.

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Current permit and related document

aerial of willapa bay with small sections showing treatment areas, mostly on west side of bay — Click the map to enlarge.

Map of treatment areas

This map shows where treatments to control Z. japonica have been done between 2019 - 2023. An average of 82 acres of clam beds have been treated each year during this time. The total area of Willapa Bay is around 80,000 acres, with approximately 8,000 acres covered by the native eelgrass Z. marina, and about 6,000 acres covered by the invasive eelgrass Z. japonica.

Permit reissuance

The draft Zostera japonica Management general permit is available for public comment. A formal announcement was published in the Washington State Register on Nov. 20, 2024.

We invite comments on the draft permit document beginning at 12 a.m. on Nov. 21, 2024 until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 14, 2025. After it closes, we will publish a Response to Comments as an appendix to the Fact Sheet to address the comments submitted.

Draft documents for comment:

Documents to support the draft general permit:

Ways to comment:

Submit comments online (preferred)
By U.S. mail (postmarked by Jan. 14, 2025)
Shawn Ultican
WA Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696
Olympia, WA 98504-7696
Verbal testimony, at a public hearing

Workshops and hearings

We are hosting two public workshops and hearings on the draft permit, one online and one in person. At the workshop, we will explain the draft permit and answer questions. The hearing will provide an opportunity for the public to provide formal verbal testimony and submit written comments on the draft permit. Verbal testimony will receive the same consideration as written comments. The public hearing will begin immediately following each workshop and will conclude when testimony is complete.

Online Public Workshop and Hearing
Dec. 30, 2024 2 p.m.
Register for the webinar

In-Person Public Workshop and Hearing
Jan. 7, 2024 6 p.m.
Willapa Harbor Community Center
916 West First Street
South Bend, Washington, 98586
Free parking is available. No registration is required, but you are welcome to let us know if you plan to attend for planning purposes – email shawn.ultican@ecy.wa.gov.

We also heald an in-person informational workshop on November 6 to discuss the draft permit. A presentation on the draft permit was given, followed by questions and answers. No formal comments were taken during this meeting.

Timeline

Spring/Summer 2024: Gather early input on the permit.
August to October 2024: Develop draft permit.
Nov. 21, 2024 through Jan. 14, 2025: Formal public comment period on the draft permit
February 2025: Proposed permit reissuance.
March 3, 2025: Current permit expires

Permit application, forms, and resources

These templates are for new Zostera japonica Management General Permit holders to use. The templates are open for review as part of the public comment period for the draft 2025 permit. Please use the online comment form, to make suggestions or provide feedback on the documents by the end of the day on Jan. 14, 2025.

Draft Site Signage Template
Use this template for signage posted at all corners of the treatment sites, nearby public shoreline access areas, and public boat launches within ¼ mile of a treated area.
Draft Ecology Pre-Treatment Notification form
Complete this form and email it to Ecology aquaticpesticideperm@ecy.wa.gov at least 10 days before treatment begins.
Draft Landowner Pre-Treatment Notice Template
This template is for providing written notice to owners of property adjacent to the treated areas at least 10 days prior to treatment.

Contact information

Shawn Ultican
Aquatic Pesticide Permit Specialist
shawn.ultican@ecy.wa.gov
360-870-3492

Eman Jabali
General Permit Administrator
aquaticpesticideperm@ecy.wa.gov
564-233-9135