CR-102 Proposed Rule Alert: Sanitary Control of Shellfish

CR-102 Proposed Rule Alert: Sanitary Control of Shellfish

The Washington State Board of Health (Board), working with the Department of Health, proposed rule changes to chapter 246-282 WAC. These rules explain how shellfish in Washington must be safely grown, harvested, processed, packed, stored, transported, and sold so that it is safe to eat. They set the minimum safety standards that everyone in the shellfish industry must follow.

The filing includes:

  • A summary of the proposed rule changes
  • A draft of the proposed rule text
  • Details for the public hearing
  • A Small Business Economic Impact Statement

The proposed rule changes are on the Board’s webpage. You can read more in the attached CR-102 form and significant analysis. A CR-102 is a formal notice that explains proposed rule changes and opens them up for public comment before a final decision is made.

Public Comment Period and Hearing Public Hearing Date: November 19, 2025
Formal Comment Period: August 29 – October 27, 2025

How to Get Involved
Submit Written Comments
The Board welcomes public feedback during the formal comment period from August 29, 2025, to October 27, 2025.

You can submit your feedback in one of the following ways:

  1. Online through the Rules Comment (wa.gov) website
  2. By Email: shellfish@sboh.wa.gov
  3. By Mail:
    Washington State Board of Health
    PO Box 47990
    Olympia, WA 98504-7990

All written comments received by October 27 will be shared with the Board before the hearing.

Attend the Public Hearing
The Board will consider the proposed rule and all public feedback at a hearing on November 19, 2025. Members of the public may give verbal testimony either in person or virtually.

Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM
Location (In-Person):
Washington State Department of Health
111 Israel Road S.E.
Tumwater, WA 98501
Building: Town Center Two (TC2, Rooms 166 & 167)
Online Option: You can sign up through Zoom to join the public hearing online.

For more information on these rules contact Shay Bauman, 360-236-4110, at the State Board of Health, or Danielle Toepelt, 360-890-6054 and Kseniya Efremova, 360-236-3449 at the Department of Health.

To request this document in an alternative format or a different language, or if you would like to request meeting accommodations, please contact the State Board of Health at 360-236-4110 or by email at wsboh@sboh.wa.gov.