What's Happening?
Department of Health Rulemaking – 2025 Vp Emergency Rule Adoption Effective June 6.
On June 6, 2025, the Department of Health (Department) filed a CR-103E Emergency Rule (PDF) to amend WAC 246-282-006 to require the most protective “time to cooling” and “harvest control” requirements for the commercial harvesting of shellfish. This emergency rule will remain in effect for 120 days, until the end of the control months outlined in WAC 246-282-006.
Why?
Using delegated authority from the State Board of Health (Board), the Department adopted an emergency rule to reduce the threat to public health from an increase in Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) related illnesses.
The adopted emergency rule makes the most protective “time to cooling” and “harvest control” requirements effective immediately – for each growing area category identified in WAC 246-282-006 (11)(a), (b), and (c).
Higher than normal temperatures, combined with midday low tides require more protective “time to cooling” requirements, those typically not needed or required until July 1. Reducing the time between harvest and cooling (“time to cooling”) helps reduce the chances of Vp related illnesses.
Rulemaking Files
| Document | What's This | Date Filed |
|---|---|---|
| CR-103E Emergency Rule Making Order (PDF) | Adopts temporary rule amendments. | June 6, 2025 |
Contacts
Kseniya Efremova, Rules Coordinator
Danielle Toepelt, Shellfish Licensing & Certification Section Manager