Section 77.135.170. Department's authority to enter upon property/water body—Notification—Application, issuance of warrant.

(1) The department may enter upon a property or water body at any reasonable time for the purpose of administering this chapter, including inspecting and decontaminating aquatic conveyances, collecting invasive species samples, implementing rapid response management actions or infested site management actions, and containing, controlling, or eradicating invasive species.

(2) Prior to entering the property or water body, the department shall make a reasonable attempt to notify the owner of the property or water body as to the purpose and need for the entry. Should the department be denied access to any property or water body where access is sought for the purposes set forth in this chapter, the department may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for a warrant authorizing access to the property.

(3) Upon such an application, the court may issue the warrant for the purposes requested where the court finds reasonable cause to believe it is necessary to achieve the purposes of this chapter.

[ 2014 c 202 § 119.]

NOTES:

Findings—2014 c 202: See note following RCW 77.135.010.

2014 c 202 § 119.