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P.O. Box 42560
1111 Washington ST SE
Olympia, WA 98504-2560
Phone: (360) 902-1800

Chapter 16-470 WAC

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CHAPTER 16-470 WAC

Quarantine - Agricultural Pests (Japanese Beetle)

Emergency Rule Making

Table of Contents

Overview of Rule Making

On March 7, 2024, the department adopted amendments to chapter 16-470 WAC that expand the boundaries of the internal quarantine for Japanese beetle within Washington State.

The quarantine prohibits the movement of regulated articles located inside the quarantine area, from moving outside of it. The quarantine prevents potentially infested host material from being transported to other parts of the state thereby limiting the spread of Japanese beetle and protecting non-infested areas from infestation.

Additionally, this rule making order adds:

  • Soil samples as a regulated article and specifies conditions governing the movement of soil samples from internal quarantined areas;
  • A requirement that any business located in the internal quarantine area that is selling regulated articles under WAC 16-470-710(4) or (7), must post signage developed by the department, clearly stating that regulated articles purchased cannot be transported outside of the quarantine area; and
  • Clarification that under WAC 16-470-710(7), “cut flowers for decorative purposes” includes those flowers that are exposed to open air environments during their harvest, transportation, or trade. Lastly, the amendment adds a condition for the transport of cut flowers grown in the quarantined area, to areas outside the quarantined area.

On July 5, 2024, the Department filed a renewal of the emergency rule documentation, extending the length of the emergency rule for an additional 120 days, while the permanent rule making process progesses.

To access the online searchable map of the expanded quarantine area click here.

Effective Date: July 5, 2024 
Expiration Date: November 2, 2024


Notices Published in State Register and Related Documents

Use of Emergency Rule Making Process

This rule was adopted under the emergency rule making process described in RCW 34.05.350. Emergency rule amendments may not be in effect for longer than one hundred twenty days after filing.

Agency Personnel Responsible for Rule Amendments

Please contact Sven-Erik Spichiger to discuss implementation and enforcement of the amended rule.

By mail:
Sven-Erik Spichiger, Acting Program Manager
Plant Protection Division
Washington State Dept. of Agriculture
PO Box 42560
Olympia, WA 98504-2560

By phone: (360) 280-6327
By email:  sspichiger@agr.wa.gov