Apple Maggot

On June 10, 2020 the department adopted amendments to the apple maggot quarantine specified in chapter 16-470 WAC that include:

1. Adding soil and growing medium in pots and on root balls of apple maggot host plants originating from the quarantine area, to the list of regulated commodities;
2. Adding soil and growing medium in pots and on root balls of nonhost plants originating from the quarantine area that were grown within the drip line of host plants that have produced fruit, to the list of regulated commodities;
3. Specifying the criteria for how these plants may enter the pest free area if risk is mitigated;
4. Specifying the documentation that must accompany these plants when shipping to or through a pest free area and when receiving these plants from a quarantine area; and,
5. Specifying the fees associated with inspection and certification services.

This rule went into effect on July 11, 2020. You can find additional information on the rule change, by visiting: https://agr.wa.gov/services/rulemaking/wac16-470-apple-maggot-quarantine-soil-111417
 

The City of Leavenworth and its surrounding areas are under quarantine for apple maggot. Residents in these areas cannot take homegrown fruit or green waste from a quarantined area into the pest-free area. Green waste includes yard debris, leaves, tree trimmings, and garden waste.

Click the link below to learn more about the quarantine and where residents can take green waste.

Chelan County Quarantine

In November 2018, a portion of Okanogan County was added to the areas quarantined for apple maggot. To learn more abut the Okanogan quarantine and if you are in the quarantine area follow the link below.

Okanogan County Quarantine
 

WAC 16-470-111 lists all commodities regulated for apple maggot including fresh host fruit, municipal solid waste, and organic materials. To view the full list of commodities regulated for apple maggot follow the link below.

Commodities regulated for apple maggot
 

A WSDA issued special permit is required in order to transport waste from an apple maggot quarantine area, to or through a pest-free area. To apply for a special permit, first contact WSDA staff who will help you determine if a special permit is required. Then follow the instructions outlined in the appropriate guidance document below. 

Special permit application guidance document for the movement of municipal solid waste
Special permit application guidance document for the movement of municipal green waste  

For additional questions or to apply for a special permit, contact the Pest Program.

In 2015, WSDA contracted expert consultants to conduct a Pest Risk Analysis on the risk of introducing apple maggot transported in municipal green waste, to pest-free areas of the state. The analysis found that the overall risk of entry into pest-free areas was likely to occur and that the risk posed by apple maggot moving on municipal green waste was unacceptable. Follow the link below to review the full analysis.

Pest Risk Analysis for apple maggot moving on municipal green waste into the Pest-Free Area of the state of Washington, USA [PDF]

In 2018, the Washington State Legislature passed Substitute Senate Bill 6055 which amended RCW 17.24.051 and added a new section to chapter 70.94 RCW. This bill created a pilot program for outdoor burning of residential yard waste in cities and towns located partially inside an area under quarantine for apple maggot. The bill required the Washington State Department of Ecology and WSDA to submit a report to the legislature which addressed available options for processing and disposal of MGW generated in the quarantine area. The report was written jointly by the two departments. Follow the link below to read the full report.

Options for the Processign and Disposal of Minicipal Yard Waste Generated in Apple Maggot Quarantine Areas [PDF]