OLYMPIA — The state Department of Ecology is considering a request from the shellfish industry, which wants to use the pesticide imidacloprid in Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor to help control burrowing shrimp. Burrowing shrimp harm oyster production, destabilizing tidelands, causing oysters to sink into mud and sand and suffocate.
The state is developing a permit that could allow the use of the pesticide.
Environmental Impact Study
Ecology determined that an environmental impact study (EIS) is needed before a new permit can be issued. An EIS reports on the potential impacts a proposed project would have on the environment.
The public is invited to review and comment now through Dec. 8, on the draft EIS, draft permit, and draft sediment impact zone. Visit Ecology’s website for information on how to submit comments.
Permit purpose
The shellfish industry’s control of burrowing shrimp in Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor is in transition. Coastal shellfish growers have used the pesticide carbaryl for decades to control burrowing shrimp on their commercial oyster and clam beds. The Willapa Grays Harbor Oyster Growers Association agreed to phase out carbaryl by 2013 under a settlement agreement with the Washington Toxics Coalition. Since carbaryl is no longer available, growers are requesting use of imidacloprid instead.
Copies of Draft Permit
Copies of the draft permit, SIZ applications, DEIS, and fact sheet may be downloaded from the following web site: http://ift.tt/1EGBPKf You may request hard copies by contacting Derek Rockett (see contact information below).
Public Workshop &Hearing
Ecology will accept oral and written comments during a public meeting at 10 a.m., Dec. 2, at the Willapa Harbor Community Center, 916 W. First St., South Bend. At the workshop, Ecology will explain the proposed permit and answer questions. A hearing will immediately follow the workshop. The hearing will provide the opportunity for formal oral testimony and comments on the proposed permit. Written comments will receive the same consideration as oral testimony.
Written comments
Submitting Written Comments: Ecology will accept written comments on the draft permit, SIZ application, DEIS, and fact sheet until 5 p.m. December 8, 2014 Written comments must be postmarked no later than Dec. 8, 2014. Ecology prefers comments be submitted by e-mail. All comments, including those sent by e-mail, must contain the commenter’s name and postal address, and should reference specific permit text when possible.
Submit comments by e-mail to: derek.rockett@ecy.wa.gov.
Submit written, hard-copy comments to: Derek Rockett, Department of Ecology, and PO BOX 47775, Olympia, WA 98504-7775
Issuing the Permit
The final permit will be issued after ecology receives and considers all public comments. If public comments cause a substantial change in the permit conditions from the original draft permit, another public notice of draft and comment period may ensue. Ecology expects to issue the permit in the spring of 2015.
Questions
If you have questions, contact Derek Rockett at: derek.rockett@ecy.wa.gov or 360- 407-6697.
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