Section 246-280-070. PSP monitoring of recreational beaches.

(1) The department shall conduct a paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) monitoring program for recreational shellfish beaches.

(2) The department shall coordinate the monitoring program with the health officer. The joint plan of operation developed between the department and the health officer shall include the following elements:

(a) A sampling schedule which includes the beaches sampled and the frequency of the sampling;

(b) Designation of responsibility for a sample collection; and

(c) A system of establishing beach closures due to PSP which includes:

(i) Closing the beach when the level of toxin exceeds 80 micrograms of toxin per 100 grams of shellfish meat;

(ii) Maintaining the beach closure until two consecutive samples of the same species test below the standard of 80 micrograms of toxin per 100 grams of shellfish meat; and

(iii) Closing beaches suspected of posing a PSP threat to public health when they are located in a PSP-impacted area that cannot be sampled on a frequent basis. The beaches shall remain closed until samples verify the area is safe to reopen.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-280-070, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.70 RCW. WSR 89-20-020 (Order 335), § 248-52-070, filed 9/27/89, effective 10/28/89.]

RCW 43.20.050. WSR 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-280-070, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.70 RCW. WSR 89-20-020 (Order 335), § 248-52-070, filed 9/27/89, effective 10/28/89.