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Information Center (800) 917-0043 or help@oria.wa.gov
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Regulatory Handbook -> Aquatic Resource Permits -> Harvest Site Certificate |
Harvest Site Certificate
What is the Purpose of this Certification?
The Department of Health (DOH) Commercial Shellfish Licensing & Certification Program is responsible for certifying Washington state commercial shellfish operation sites that are commercially harvested. 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.What Activities Require this Certification?
This certificate is required for each parcel being harvested by a licensed shellfish company. It must be ready to display whenever you are in possession of commercial quantities of molluscan shellfish (clams, oysters, mussels, scallops) that you intend to sell for human consumption. DOH continually evaluates commercial shellfish growing areas and certified harvest sites to protect the public since shellfish can carry chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and marine biotoxins.How Much Will this Certification Cost?
License fee is $263.00 to $1,210.00. The license fee will vary depending on the type of shellfish license.Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) testing fee is $173.00 to $1,189.00. The PSP testing fee is additional if you plan on having any harvest sites with your shellfish license.
Where Can I Get the Application for this Certification?
The application which is called 'Application for Harvest Site Certification' is online and can be accessed at http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Shellfish/CommercialShellfish/ApplyforaLicense.aspx.Do I Need to Include Anything with my Application?
Yes.- The shellfish operating application packet that includes all necessary forms. All applicable fees.
Is the Decision on my Certification 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 (if certifying it) to 5 years (if the area is not classified)Where do I Submit my Application?
If you are applying for a Harvest Site Certificate for the first time along with a new application for a Shellfish Operation License, send your application to:- Washington State Department of Health
Account Receivable
PO Box 1099
Olympia, WA 98504-7824
- Washington State Department of Health
Office of Environmental Health and Safety
Post Office Box 47824
Olympia, WA 98504-7824
How Long is my Certification Valid?
Each harvest site on the harvest site certificate will have an expiration date, which will vary depending on the lease agreement the licensed company has with the propriety owner. A current Shellfish Operation License is also required.What is the Appeal Process for the Certification?
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:
The application for harvest site certification is included with all three types of Shellfish Operation License applications.Applications may be obtained from:
- Washington State Department of Health, Office of Environmental Health and Safety
Physical Address: 243 Israel Rd SE, Tumwater, WA 98501
Mailing address: PO Box 47824, Olympia, WA 98504-7824
Phone: (360) 236-3330
Fax: (360) 236-2257
Statewide Contact:
Headquarters
Office of Environmental Health and Safety
243 Israel Rd SE
Tumwater WA 98501
PO Box 47824, Olympia, WA 98504-7824
Telephone: (360) 236-3330
Fax: (360) 236-2257
Website: http://www.doh.wa.gov/
* Permit information last updated 9/13/2016
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