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Shellfish Operation License and Certificate of Approval
What is the Purpose of this Permit?
The Commercial Shellfish Licensing & Certification Program is responsible for issuing licenses to Washington state commercial shellfish operations and certifying the sites from which they harvest. A variety of species are harvested commercially in Washington's Puget Sound and coastal regions, including oysters, clams, mussels, geoduck, and scallops. Since these species are filter feeders capable of concentrating chemicals, bacteria, viruses, or marine biotoxins, an ongoing evaluation of commercial shellfish growing areas, certified harvest sites, and licensed facilities is essential to protect the shellfish-consuming public.
Who issues this Permit?
Department of Health
What Activities Require this Permit?
Commercially harvesting and/or processing molluscan shellfish (clams, oysters, mussels, scallops).
How Much Will this Permit Cost?
$263 to $2,399 depending on the type of operation.
Do I Need to Include Anything with my Application?
Yes.
- the application packet that includes all necessary forms
- all applicable fees.
Is the Decision on my Permit Dependent on Anything Besides the Information in my Application?
All operations must meet stringent state and federal sanitation standards.
How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?
Varies from one week to one year, depending on the complexity of the project.Where do I Submit my Application?
The State Department of Health
Office of Shellfish and Water Protection
PO Box 47824
Olympia, WA 98504-7824
How Long is my Permit Valid?
Permits must be renewed annually.
What is the Appeal Process for the Permit?
An applicant has the right to an adjudicative proceeding to contest the decision. An adjudicative proceeding is governed by the Administrative Procedure Act Chapter 34.05 RCW.
Notes / Comments:
Applications may be obtained from:The State Department of Health, Office of Shellfish and Water Protection,
Physical Address: 111 Israel Rd SE, Tumwater, WA 98501
Mailing address: PO Box 47824, Olympia, WA 98504-7824
Phone 360-236-3330
FAX 360-236-2257
There are 3 major types of commercial shellfish operations:
Harvesters harvest shellstock (live, unshucked product) and sell only to other licensed Washington state shellfish dealers; Shellstock Shippers grow and harvest shellstock and buy/sell in or outside of Washington State; Shucker Packers activities may include those of harvesters and shellstock shippers, plus shucking product for packing jars.
Legal Authority:
Links:
Statewide Contact:
Headquarters
Shellfish and Water Protection, Wastewater Management
Department of Health
111 Israel Rd SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
PO Box 47824 Olympia, WA 98504-7824
Telephone: (360) 236-3062
Website: http://www.doh.wa.gov/
* Permit information last updated 11/12/2009.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. All Rights Reserved.