Water Quality > Permits - Point Source Pollution > Aquatic Pesticide Permits > Japanese Eelgrass Management on Commercial Shellfish Beds General Permit

Japanese Eelgrass Management on Commercial Clam Beds in Willapa Bay General Permit

General Permit Proposal:

After considering public comments, the Department of Ecology has decided to develop a permit that will allow the treatment of commercial clam beds in Willapa Bay with the aquatic herbicide imazamox to manage the growth of the Class C noxious weed Japanese eelgrass.

These management activities will result in the discharge of imazamox and marker dyes to the surface waters of the state of Washington. Ecology will follow a public process that includes issuing a draft permit and fact sheet, holding at least one public hearing and workshop about the draft permit, and establishing a public comment period.

Permit Development Public Comments (March 2012 comment period)

Ecology contact:

Kathy Hamel
Washington State Department of Ecology
P.O. Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
Telephone: (360) 407-6562
Email: Kathy.Hamel@ecy.wa.gov

Purpose of the General Permit:

The Japanese Eelgrass Management on Commercial Clam Beds in Willapa Bay General Permit (permit) will regulate the use of imazamox and marker dyes applied to manage Japanese eelgrass on commercial clam beds. Under the Washington State Water Pollution Control Act, a permit is required for the discharge of pollutants which may alter the biological or chemical characteristics of a water body. The proposed permit will address these legal requirements and regulate the discharge of pollutants to protect surface water quality in Washington State. Ecology issues general permits in place of a series of individual permits when the permitted activities are similar. Entities that receive coverage under the general permit must comply with the terms and conditions of the permit.

More information about the listing of Japanese eelgrass as a noxious weed: 

Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board