WSR 99-03-092
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
[Filed January 20, 1999, 10:16 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: To amend chapter 16-470 WAC, Quarantine pests (apple maggot).
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 17.24.041.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Updating the current rule would clarify restrictions on movement of fruit and other quarantine provisions. It would also help to maintain consistency with other states' rules and acknowledge changes in industry practices, environmental conditions, and legislative mandates, i.e., the regulatory reform statutes.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: USDA APHIS has federal plant pest quarantine authority. However, it regards apple maggot as a state regulatory matter and has not chosen to exercise authority in this area.
Process for Developing New Rule: Washington State Department of Agriculture representatives discuss proposed rule change with affected stakeholders and then publish the rule proposal.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Mary A. Martin Toohey, Assistant Director, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Laboratory Services Division, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1907, fax (360) 902-2094; or Linda Polzin, Pest Program Manager, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Laboratory Services Division, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-2071, fax (360) 902-2094.
January 20, 1999
Mary A. Martin Toohey
Assistant Director