WSR 17-14-059 EMERGENCY RULES DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE [Order 17-144—Filed June 29, 2017, 9:36 a.m., effective June 30, 2017]
Effective Date of Rule: June 30, 2017.
Purpose: To prevent new and multiple wildfires during this period of extreme fire danger; and to prevent the severe deterioration of air quality, which exacerbates the risk to life, health, and property.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-500-030, 200-500-110, and 220-500-040.
Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.
Reasons for this Finding: Addresses an emergency need to prevent new and multiple wildfires during this period of extreme fire danger, and reduces the risk to life, health, and property.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 3, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: June 29, 2017.
J. W. Unsworth
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-500-03000A Operating chainsaws, welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-500-030, effective June 30, 2017, until further notice, in wildlife areas and access sites in eastern Washington owned or controlled by the department, it is unlawful to:
(a) Operate a chainsaw without a permit or approval from the director; or
(b) Weld or operate an acetylene torch or other open flame without a permit or approval from the director.
(2) A violation of this section is an infraction punishable under RCW 77.15.160 (5)(b).
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-500-11000A Fires, campfires and smoking.
(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-500-110, effective June 30, 2017, until further notice, it is unlawful to build, start, or maintain fires or campfires in wildlife areas and access sites owned or controlled by the department in eastern Washington without a permit or approval from the director. However, it is permissible to use personal camp stoves or lanterns fueled by liquid petroleum, liquid petroleum gas, or propane.
(2) Effective immediately until further notice, it is unlawful to smoke in wildlife areas and access sites owned or controlled by the department in eastern Washington, except in an enclosed vehicle.
(3) A violation of this section is an infraction punishable under RCW 77.15.160 (5)(b).
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-500-04000A Operating a motor vehicle off developed roadways.
(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-500-040, effective June 30, 2017, until further notice, it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle off developed roadways in wildlife areas and access sites owned or controlled by the department in eastern Washington. However, it is permissible to park in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway, and to park overnight in developed campgrounds and at trailheads.
(2) A violation of this section is an infraction punishable under RCW 77.15.160 (5)(b).
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