Report on Proposed Updates to Washington’s Aquatic Plant and Algae Management Permit

Introduction: Aligning Ecosystem Management with Sustainable Development Goals

The Washington State Department of Ecology has initiated a review and update process for its Aquatic Plant and Algae Management General Permit. This report outlines the proposed changes and analyzes their direct contributions to achieving key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning water quality, biodiversity, and sustainable ecosystems.

The Ecological Challenge and Its Relation to SDG 15: Life on Land

Invasive, non-native aquatic plants, legally termed noxious weeds, pose a significant threat to Washington’s freshwater ecosystems. These species disrupt local habitats and can impede agricultural production.

Impacts of Invasive Species

• Degradation of native fish habitats.
• Impairment of recreational water access.
• Disruption of ecological balance.

Contribution to SDG 15

Efforts to control and manage these invasive species are in direct alignment with SDG 15, Target 15.8, which calls for measures to prevent the introduction of and reduce the impact of invasive alien species on water ecosystems, and to control or eradicate priority species.

Regulatory Framework and Support for SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The Department of Ecology’s general permit provides a legal framework for managing noxious aquatic plants and algae, primarily through the regulated use of approved pesticides and chemicals. This system is foundational to protecting the state’s water resources.

Permit Objectives and Processes

1. To provide a legal mechanism for controlling harmful aquatic plants and algae, as mandated by state law (RCW 90.48.447).
2. To ensure that any chemical treatments use only pesticides registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
3. To mandate an Integrated Pest Management approach, requiring permittees to use solutions with the least environmental impact, including non-chemical methods like mechanical harvesting and public outreach programs.

Contribution to SDG 6 and SDG 14

This regulatory oversight directly supports SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems (Target 6.6) and improving water quality by reducing pollution (Target 6.3). It also contributes to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by protecting freshwater habitats from degradation, thereby safeguarding aquatic life.

Proposed Revisions to the General Permit

As part of a standard five-year review cycle, Ecology is proposing several updates based on new scientific data and feedback from stakeholders. These changes aim to enhance both the effectiveness of management actions and the protection of the environment.

Flexibility in Herbicide Application

• The proposed update allows for more flexible treatment windows for certain aquatic herbicides.
• This change is based on detailed ecotoxicity data and is designed to make pesticide application more effective by targeting plants before they have fully grown and reproduced.
• This approach, developed in collaboration with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, ensures that actions to control invasive species under SDG 15 are implemented while simultaneously protecting sensitive native species, a core principle of SDG 14.

Enhanced Phosphorus Control and Monitoring

• Phosphorus pollution contributes to harmful algae blooms, which deplete oxygen and endanger aquatic life, wildlife, and human health.
• The permit regulates phosphorus control treatments, such as alum and lanthanum-based products, which bind to phosphorus and prevent it from fueling algae growth.
• To mitigate risks associated with these treatments, Ecology proposes additional monitoring requirements to better understand their effects and prevent ecological damage.
• A new lanthanum-based product is proposed for inclusion, expanding options for lake managers.
• These measures are critical for advancing SDG 6 by preventing water contamination and for protecting aquatic ecosystems as outlined in SDG 14.

Governance and Stakeholder Engagement: A Commitment to SDG 17

The permit update process is transparent and collaborative, inviting input from a wide range of stakeholders.

Public Consultation Process

1. A public comment period on the draft permit is open until 11:59 p.m. on October 24, 2025.
2. Public meetings and Q&A sessions are scheduled to provide information and gather testimony.
3. Feedback from permittees, tribes, and interested parties is incorporated into the review.

Contribution to SDG 17

This inclusive approach exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), demonstrating a multi-stakeholder partnership between government agencies, scientific experts, and the public to achieve sustainable environmental management.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The proposed updates to the Aquatic Plant and Algae Management general permit represent a significant step toward more effective and scientifically informed management of Washington’s freshwater ecosystems. By integrating principles of sustainability and aligning with SDGs 6, 14, 15, and 17, the Department of Ecology aims to protect biodiversity, ensure clean water, and maintain the recreational value of its lakes and rivers. A final decision on the permit reissuance is anticipated in early 2026 following a thorough review of public comments.

1. Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • The article extensively discusses the management of water quality in lakes and shorelines. It highlights how invasive weeds and algae can “degrade water quality” and how the state’s program aims to manage these threats. The discussion on controlling excess phosphorus to “help improve water quality and prevent algae blooms” directly relates to ensuring clean water bodies.

2. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • The focus is on protecting freshwater ecosystems. The article states that invasive aquatic plants can “harm native fish habitat” and that decomposing algae blooms can lower oxygen levels, which is “dangerous for aquatic life.” The permitting process aims to “better protect sensitive species” and minimize risks to “animals and other plants,” which aligns with the goal of conserving aquatic ecosystems.

3. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • This goal is directly addressed through the management of invasive species. The article defines “noxious weeds” as “invasive, non-native plants that are so aggressive they harm local ecosystems.” The entire purpose of the described permitting program is to control these species and mitigate their impact on water-related ecosystems, which is a key component of protecting biodiversity on land and in inland waters.

4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • The article details a regulatory framework for the “environmentally sound management of chemicals.” The Washington State Department of Ecology’s “water quality permitting program for appropriate pesticide use” ensures that chemicals are reviewed, registered, and applied in a manner that minimizes environmental damage. This includes setting specific methods for release, monitoring, and mitigating potential harm, which is central to responsible chemical management.

5. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • A clear connection is made between water quality and human health. The article notes that algae can “generate health and safety conditions dangerous to fish, wildlife, and humans.” It specifically mentions that “Toxic algae blooms can be harmful to wildlife, humans and pets, requiring recreation areas to close to prevent exposure,” linking environmental management directly to public health protection.

2. Specific SDG Targets

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials… The article’s focus on controlling phosphorus, a nutrient pollutant that causes algae blooms, and managing the application of pesticides directly supports this target.
   • Target 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes. The program’s objective to control invasive weeds that “harm local ecosystems” and degrade lakes is a direct action towards protecting and restoring these water-related ecosystems.

2. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts… and take action for their restoration… While the article focuses on freshwater, the principle of managing and protecting aquatic ecosystems from the “adverse impacts” of invasive species and pollution is identical. The efforts to protect “native fish habitat” align with this target.

3. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • Target 15.8: By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species. This is the most directly relevant target, as the entire article is about the legal and practical measures in Washington state to control “noxious aquatic weeds,” which are defined as “invasive, non-native plants.”

4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes… to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. The detailed description of the “water quality permitting program,” which regulates the types of pesticides used, application methods, and monitoring, is a clear implementation of this target.

5. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination. The management of “toxic algae blooms” that are “harmful to wildlife, humans and pets” is a direct effort to reduce illnesses resulting from water contamination.

3. Mentioned or Implied Indicators

1. Indicators for Water Quality (SDG 6)

   • Concentration of phosphorus: The article explicitly mentions that “Phosphorus is a nutrient that can boost the growth of aquatic plants” and that treatments are used to “help control excess phosphorus.” Monitoring phosphorus levels is therefore an implied indicator of water quality.
   • Frequency and extent of algae blooms: The goal of phosphorus control is to reduce “frequent algae blooms.” The occurrence of these blooms serves as a direct indicator of water body health.
   • Dissolved oxygen levels: The article states that when algae blooms decompose, “it lowers the oxygen levels in water, which can be dangerous for aquatic life.” This implies that dissolved oxygen is a key indicator of the ecosystem’s health.

2. Indicators for Ecosystem Health and Invasive Species (SDG 14 & 15)

   • Coverage of invasive aquatic plants: The problem is defined by the colonization of shorelines by “dense surface vegetation mats” of noxious weeds. Measuring the area covered by these invasive species would be a primary indicator of the problem’s scale and the success of control efforts.
   • Health and population of sensitive species: The permit updates aim to “better protect sensitive species” and fish. Monitoring the populations and health of these species is an implied indicator of the program’s success in minimizing ecological harm.
   • Number of adverse ecological incidents: The article notes that “there have been incidents of alum treatments harming lake ecosystems.” Tracking the number of such incidents is an indicator used to improve safety protocols and monitoring requirements.

3. Indicators for Chemical Management (SDG 12)

   • Compliance with permit conditions: The article states that a permit holder “must follow the conditions and requirements in the permit. Failure to do so can result in enforcement action.” The rate of compliance is a direct indicator of effective regulatory management.
   • Ecotoxicity data: The proposed changes incorporate “more detailed ecotoxicity data for products.” The collection and use of this data to inform regulations is an indicator of a science-based approach to chemical management.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: myedmondsnews.com