Section 173-183-460. Marine mammal vulnerability.

(1) Each of the marine and estuarine subregions of state waters designated in WAC 173-183-400(2) is relatively ranked and scored for marine mammal vulnerability to oil spills on a 1 to 5 scale for each season where 5 represents the greatest vulnerability and 1 represents the least vulnerability.

(2) Marine mammal vulnerability ranking scores take into consideration species presence, diversity, population status, breeding vulnerability, presence of young, physiological vulnerability, primary habitat, feeding habitats and abundance.

(3) Marine mammal seasonal vulnerability scores for each of the marine and estuarine subregions of state waters are based on existing information and determinations made by the marine mammals subcommittee of the scientific advisory board. For purposes of RCW 90.48.366, marine mammal vulnerability ranking scores for subregions classified in WAC 173-183-400(2) are as follows:

Table 9. Marine Mammal Vulnerability Scores (MVS)

(4) The marine mammal vulnerability score for a spill shall be multiplied by 1.5 when any number of state or federal threatened or endangered marine mammal species are exposed to spilled oil.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-10-005 (Order 91-13), § 173-183-460, filed 4/23/92, effective 5/24/92.]

Chapter 90.48 RCW. WSR 92-10-005 (Order 91-13), § 173-183-460, filed 4/23/92, effective 5/24/92.

Rules

173-183-400,173-183-400,