Water Quality > Permits - Point Source Pollution > General Permits > Aquatic Pesticide Permits > Zostera japonica Management Permit

General Permit for Zostera japonica Management on Commercial Clam Beds in Willapa Bay

Ecology held an informational public meeting on Dec. 6, 2012, to discuss the possible development of a general permit for Zostera japonica Management on Commercial Clam Beds in Willapa Bay. Future public involvement opportunities will be announced soon.

Risk Assessment of the Herbicide Imazamox

Frequently Asked Questions

Permit Development Public Comments (November 2012)

Permit Development Public Comments (March 2012)

Ecology is proposing to issue a general permit for the application of the aquatic herbicide imazamox to manage Zostera japonica on commercial clam beds in Willapa Bay. Based on comments from Ecology’s earlier proposal to issue a permit for all commercial shellfish beds, Ecology narrowed the scope of this proposed permit to include only commercial clam beds (excluding geoduck culture) in Willapa Bay in Pacific County.

These management activities may result in the discharge of chemicals to the surface waters of the state of Washington in Willapa Bay. Ecology issued a scoping notice for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to cover this activity. Ecology requested comments from the public about whether or not it is appropriate for Ecology to develop a permit for this activity. The comment period for this revised permit proposal was from October 3, 2012 through November 2, 2012.

• Determination of Significance and Environmental Impact Statement Scoping Notice
• Public Notice (October 3, 2012)

Purpose of the General Permit:

The Zostera japonica Management on Commercial Clam Beds in Willapa Bay General Permit (permit) will regulate the use of imazamox and marker dyes applied to manage Zostera japonica 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.

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