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Ocean Shores board coordinates Vactor truck, disposal rules and resident guidance for aquatic weeds
Summary
The advisory board and Public Works discussed using a Vactor truck and safe handling methods for pennywort and other aquatic weeds, clarified resident disposal options at the city yard (proof of residency required) and warned that moving rooted weeds between water bodies may violate state rules.
Ocean Shores — Members of the Freshwaterways Advisory Board and City Public Works reviewed logistics for removing aquatic weeds, including using a Vactor truck to pump collected vegetation, safe worker positioning on platforms and options for resident disposal at the city yard.
Public Works Director Ricky Victoriano said the city can use a Vactor truck and agreed that crews could assist with pumping weed material from collection points into the truck: ‘‘We do have the ability with our new back to prep to pump out and dewater what's in the tank... we can pump the water right back in the canal,’’ he said. Ricky and other staff stressed safety protocols for workers on boat platforms and the need to coordinate timing and equipment staging.
Board members and an agency official cautioned that transferring rooted weed material between water bodies is restricted. The agency official said he had discussed with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife that moving weed ‘‘wraps’’ from one water body to another can be prohibited because it risks spreading invasive species.
The board clarified options for residents to dispose of harvested weeds: the city yard accepts vegetative matter on designated days but usually requires proof of residency (tax bill, city ID or county ownership record). One member suggested letting dried, compacted material go in household trash depending on volume, but noted large wet masses will need city-yard disposal.
Practical steps and next actions included scheduling removal days when tides and truck access are favorable, coordinating with the Parks Board for larger volunteer workdays (particularly on the north end of canals) and arranging a meeting between Public Works and the advisory board to set dates and safety plans. The board also decided not to advise members to confront alleged violators in the field; instead, members should document suspected violations and forward them to planning or public works for follow-up.
No formal votes were taken on new removal contracts at the May 4 meeting; the board will coordinate scheduling and equipment needs with Public Works and report back to council if additional funding or permits are required.
