(1) Upon discovery of an aquatic conveyance that carries or contains an aquatic invasive species without department authorization, a permit, or as otherwise provided by rule, a fish and wildlife officer or ex officio fish and wildlife officer may issue a decontamination order:

(a) Requiring decontamination at the discovery site, if the situation presents a low risk of aquatic invasive species introduction, and sufficient department resources are available at the discovery site;

(b) Prohibiting the launch of the aquatic conveyance in a water body until decontamination is completed and certified, if the situation presents a low risk of aquatic invasive species introduction, and sufficient department resources are not available at the discovery site;

(c) Requiring immediate transport of the conveyance to an approved decontamination station, and prohibiting the launch of the conveyance in a water body until decontamination is completed and certified, if the situation presents a moderate risk of aquatic invasive species introduction, and sufficient department resources are not available at the discovery site; or

(d) Seizing and transporting the aquatic conveyance to an approved decontamination station until decontamination is completed and certified, if the situation presents a high risk of aquatic invasive species introduction, and sufficient department resources are not available at the discovery site.

(2) The person possessing the aquatic conveyance that is subject to orders issued under subsection (1)(b) through (d) of this section must bear any costs for seizure, transportation, or decontamination.

(3) Orders issued under subsection (1)(b) through (d) of this section must be in writing and must include notice of the opportunity for a hearing pursuant to RCW 77.135.140 to determine the validity of the orders.

(4) If a decontamination order is issued under subsection (1)(d) of this section, the department may seize the aquatic conveyance for two working days or a reasonable additional period of time thereafter as needed to meet decontamination requirements. The decontamination period must be based on factors including conveyance size and complexity, type and number of aquatic invasive species present, and decontamination station resource capacity.

(5) If an aquatic conveyance is subject to forfeiture under RCW 77.15.070, the timelines and other provisions under that section apply to the seizure.

(6) Upon decontamination and issuing a certificate of inspection, an aquatic conveyance must be released to the person in possession of the aquatic conveyance at the time the decontamination order was issued, or to the owner of the aquatic conveyance.

Findings—2014 c 202: See note following RCW 77.135.010.