Formal Draft Comment Period

The draft permit and supporting documents are available for review on our Zostera japonica permit webpage.

We ask that comments reference specific text, permit condition(s), and page number(s) in your comments whenever possible. It’s also helpful if you describe the nature of your concern and propose any potential solutions or changes to permit language. References or other supporting documentation in support of your comments should also be provided when appropriate and available.

Background

Zostera japonica is a non-native eelgrass and causes significant impacts on clam aquaculture and harvest for the shellfish industry in Willapa Bay in southwest Washington near South Bend. It is classified as a Class C noxious weed, the lowest category of noxious weed, generally present over a large area in Washington.

The permit to control Zostera japonica using an aquatic herbicide is limited to commercial clam growers in Willapa Bay and it does not apply to geoduck or oyster beds. The only herbicide allowed under the permit is imazamox. Registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for aquatic uses, EPA categorizes this herbicide as a reduced risk pesticide (their lowest toxicity category), meaning any amount of imazamox found in or on food products is not considered a human health risk. Imazamox is only toxic to plants and is considered practically non-toxic to animals, fish, invertebrates, and other non-plant aquatic species.

The current permit was last issued in March 2020 and is scheduled to expire in March 2025. After the close of the public comment period, we will prepare a response to comments and describe any changes to the draft permit, and make a decision on permit reissuance. We expect to reissue the final permit by Spring 2025.