TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The Board of Wildlife Resources is claiming an exemption from the Administrative Process Act pursuant to § 29.1-701 E of the Code of Virginia, which provides that the board shall promulgate regulations to supplement Chapter 7 (§ 29.1-700 et seq.) of Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia as prescribed in Article 1 (§ 29.1-500 et seq.) of Chapter 5 of Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-370. Watercraft: In General (adding 4VAC15-370-45).
Statutory Authority: §§ 29.1-701 and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Public Hearing Information:
August 18, 2022 - 9 a.m. - Department of Wildlife Resources, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228.
Public Comment Deadline: July 23, 2022.
Agency Contact: Aaron Proctor, Regulations Coordinator, Department of Wildlife Resources, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228, telephone (804) 367-8341, or email aaron.proctor@dwr.virginia.gov.
Summary:
The proposed amendments require that watercraft operators (i) clean any aquatic organisms or vegetation from the vessel, trailer, and equipment before departing the boating area and (ii) drain bilge tanks, livewells, and ballast tanks before departing a body of water.
4VAC15-370-45. Invasive species prevention.
Before leaving the area where the watercraft has been removed from the water, all aquatic vegetation must be removed from the vessel, trailer, and equipment. At the same time, watercraft operators must also remove or open water drain plugs from bilges of watercraft. Operators shall take reasonable measures to dry bilges, livewells, baitwells, and ballast tanks on a watercraft before it is used on another body of water.
VA.R. Doc. No. R22-7230; Filed May 30, 2022