(1) If the director finds that there exists an imminent danger of a prohibited level 1 or level 2 species detection that seriously endangers or threatens the environment, economy, human health, or well-being of the state of Washington, the director must ask the governor to order, under RCW 43.06.010(14), emergency measures to prevent or abate the prohibited species. The director’s findings must contain an evaluation of the effect of the emergency measures on environmental factors such as fish listed under the endangered species act, economic factors such as public and private access, human health factors such as water quality, or well-being factors such as cultural resources.

(2) If an emergency is declared pursuant to RCW 43.06.010(14), the director may consult with the invasive species council to advise the governor on emergency measures necessary under RCW 43.06.010(14) and this section, and make subsequent recommendations to the governor. The invasive species council must involve owners of the affected water body or property, state and local governments, federal agencies, tribes, public health interests, technical service providers, and environmental organizations, as appropriate.

(3) Upon the governor’s approval of emergency measures, the director may implement these measures to prevent, contain, control, or eradicate invasive species that are the subject of the emergency order, notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 15.58 or 17.21 RCW or any other statute. These measures, after evaluation of all other alternatives, may include the surface and aerial application of pesticides.

(4) The director must continually evaluate the effects of the emergency measures and report these to the governor at intervals of not less than ten days. The director must immediately advise the governor if the director finds that the emergency no longer exists or if certain emergency measures should be discontinued.

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