WSR 17-20-083

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed October 3, 2017, 12:03 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-232 WAC, Use restricted herbicides in certain counties, as the result of a petition for rule making, the department is considering expanding the boundaries of Area 1 in Kittitas County.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 15.58.040, 17.21.030, and chapter 34.05 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Restricted use pesticides are pesticides that the department has determined require additional restrictions for use to prevent unreasonable adverse effects. The restrictions may include limitations concerning the time when, and the conditions under which restricted use pesticides can be used. The rule currently has multiple areas where restrictions apply, including an area identified in Kittitas County as "Area 1." The department is considering expanding the southwest boundary of Area 1 in Kittitas County.

Placing restrictions on the use of certain pesticides helps to reduce the incident of crop damage, especially for sensitive crops.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No coordination with any federal or state agency is necessary to adopt these rule amendments.

Process for Developing New Rule: The department will provide an extensive explanation of all changes and solicit feedback from affected stakeholders. Affected stakeholders will also have an opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed rule amendments during the public comment period and will be able to present oral testimony at the public hearing.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Joel Kangiser, Acting Compliance Program Manager, Pesticide Management Division, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone 360-902-2013, fax 360-902-2093, email jkangiser@agr.wa.gov.

October 3, 2017

Robin Schoen-Nessa

Assistant Director