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Mitten Crab |
NOTE: Scoping Notice Public Comment Period May 14, 2009 through June 5, 2009
The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) is proposing to develop a general permit for the control of non-native invasive aquatic animals and non-native invasive marine algae. This permit will cover invasive aquatic animal control activities and invasive marine algae control activities that result in the discharge of chemicals and other control products into surface waters of the state of Washington.
This permit would allow for the treatment of early infestations and for small localized projects that may lead to the eradication of the invasive species from each site, or for the containment of the invasive species to one area or site. State agencies will apply for coverage under this permit prior to implementing their invasive aquatic animal control activities.
1. Marine/estuarine Projects
2. Freshwater Projects
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 addresses these legal requirements and regulates 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. Agencies that receive coverage under the general permit must comply with the terms and conditions of the permit.
Ecology has determined this non-project (i.e. program, plan or policy) proposal is likely to have a significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement (EIS) is required under RCW 43.21C.030 (2)(c) and will be prepared.
Ecology has identified the following areas for discussion in the EIS:
1. The potential environmental impacts of various management methods for the control of nonnative invasive aquatic animals, including chemical control.
2. The potential human health effects of using chemical control to manage nonnative invasive aquatic animals.
3. The efficacy of the various management methods on managing nonnative invasive aquatic animals.
4. Impacts of the nonnative invasive aquatic species on the environment and infrastructure if they are not managed.
Scoping is the public process in which Ecology specifies the significant environmental issues and provides notice to the public and other agencies that an EIS is being prepared. Through the scoping procedure the public can inform Ecology early in the process areas of public concern. The public can help define the issues this permit will address, identify reasonable alternatives, and focus the EIS.
We have identified five alternatives to analyze in the EIS for controlling aquatic invasive species.
1. Use of an integrated pest management approach that incorporates adaptive management principles.
2. The “no action” alternative – continuing current practices.
3. Use of mechanical/manual methods only.
4. Use of biological methods only.
5. Use of chemical methods only (the proposed action).
The official scoping public comment period extends from May 14, 2009 through June 5, 2009. Ecology invites members of the public to comment on the scope of the EIS. You may comment on alternatives, mitigation measures, probable significant adverse impacts, and licenses or other approvals that may be required.
Contact for submission of written comments, questions and to add your name to the mailing list:
Kathy Hamel
Permit Writer
Washington State Department of Ecology
P.O. Box 46600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
Telephone: (360) 407-6562
Email: kham461@ecy.wa.gov
A draft permit is tentatively scheduled for public comment in October 2009.
For more information contact Kathy Hamel at (360) 407-6562 or kham461@ecy.wa.gov.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
