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 documents
- Current permit (effective April 4, 2020)
- Fact sheet for the 2020 permit
- Comments on the 2020 draft permit
- Response to comments on the 2020 draft permit
- Small business economic impact statement for the 2020 permit
- Final Environmental Impact Statement: Management of Zostera japonica on Commercial Clam Beds in Willapa Bay, Washington (3/26/2014)
Permit reissuance
We are updating the current Zostera japonica management general permit. The draft permit will be available starting Nov. 21, 2024 and the comment period will open starting at 12 a.m. on Nov. 21, 2024 until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 14, 2025. The draft permit and associated documents, which includes the Fact Sheet describing the legal and technical basis for the permit, and instructions for how to comment, will be posted here for review.
Changes to the permit we are considering include:
- Updating information about applying for, modifying, renewing, transferring, and ending permit coverage.
- Creating a separate section about Spill Prevention and Control.
- In response to a permittee request, changed the dates when treatments can be done.
- Requiring monitoring related to treatment buffers and off-site impacts
- Requiring public notification signs at nearby public shoreline access points and boat ramps.
- Adding pre-treatment notifications to Ecology.
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
Get involved
Public workshop
On November 6 we hosted an in-person public meeting 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.
Public workshops and hearings
During the comment period – Nov. 21, 2024, 12 a.m. through Jan. 14, 2025, 11:59 p.m. – we will host one virtual and one in-person public workshop where we will explain the proposed changes to the permit and answer questions. The hearings will begin directly after the public workshop and will end when public testimony is complete. During the hearing, you may give oral testimony and written comments on the proposed changes. Written comments will receive the same consideration as oral testimony.
Virtual 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.
Related links
- PARIS – Permitting and Reporting Information System
- View annual reports and pre-treatment plans in PARIS (scroll down for results, after clicking link)
- Aquatic Pesticide Permit email list
- Washington Noxious Weed Control Board –Zostera japonica
Contact information
Shawn Ultican
Aquatic Pesticide Permit Specialist
shawn.ultican@ecy.wa.gov
360-870-3492
Eman Jabali
General Permit Administrator
eman.jabali@ecy.wa.gov
564-233-9135