12.11.341 AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES INSPECTION STATIONS

(1) Vessels approaching a department-operated inspection station must stop as directed.

(2) Vessels intended for launching on any water in Montana are subject to inspection for aquatic invasive species.

(3) Areas subject to the search include but are not limited to:

(a) the exterior of the vessel;

(b) livewells;

(d) ballast tanks;

(e) bilge areas; and

(f) trailer transporting vessel.

(4) Any vessel at an inspection station found with invasive species, or containing residual water and has been in infested water in the last 30 days, will be decontaminated by AIS staff as arranged by the department. Infested waters contain microscopic AIS species including zebra mussels, Dreissenia polymorpha, and quagga mussels, Dreissenia bugensis, and are identified on the map titled “Mussel-Infested States and Waterbodies” available at fwp.mt.gov. AIS staff shall refer to the map or to the most current known information.

(5) Decontamination methods on vessels subject to (4) may include hot water washing, hot water flushing, and drying time, including interior portions of complex engine systems and pumps. A decontamination order may be issued that requires a drying period as directed by the department. The drying time will depend on weather conditions. During the drying period, the department may lock the vessel to the trailer to prevent launching. The department will be responsible for arranging the time and location to unlock the vessel when the drying time is complete. It is prohibited for anyone other than authorized department staff to remove the lock during the drying time. The vessel must pass a second inspection prior to launching in Montana waters in order to be considered decontaminated.

History: 80-7-1007, 80-7-1012, 87-1-201, MCA; IMP, 80-7-1007, MCA; NEW, 2011 MAR p. 1132, Eff. 6/24/11; AMD, 2016 MAR p. 882, Eff. 5/21/16.