COLUMBIA BASIN — The Department of Ecology will allow mosquito control districts to spray for vector and nuisance mosquitoes.

Ecology issued the final version of the spraying permit Wednesday.

Grant County Mosquito Control District 1 Manager Dan Couture said he hadn’t had a chance to read the entire permit but says it appears to be beneficial. He said it seems the permit allows the district to spray all adult mosquitoes in areas of public concern.

“We’re going to kill some stupid mosquitoes,” Couture said.

He said the district will be reviewing the permit today.

“I’m pleased Ecology not only listened to the public, but clearly understood their concerns and made appropriate changes to the permit,” stated Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake. “There was a great deal of genuine worry the proposed permit would not protect the public from mosquitoes and the many diseases they spread. My constituents made me proud with their level of involvement and response to their government.”

In March, hundreds of people gathered at the Moses Lake Fire Department for the final permit hearing hosted by Ecology. Several people addressed concern over the possibility of mosquito districts not being able to spray until it was determined there was a health threat. Concerns included how an over-population of mosquitoes could hurt the tourism economy.

“This final permit is a direct response to the many public comments received,” stated Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum. “I think we are seeing renewed interest in government actions by the people this year. They are holding their elected and unelected officials accountable, and I am glad to see their hard work pay off.”

Ecology stands by the newly-enacted permit process.

“We believe this permit protects public health and the environment and is workable for mosquito control districts across the state,” stated Kelly Susewind, manager of Ecology’s Water Quality Program. “We thank the mosquito control districts for weighing in. They provided input that helped us improve this permit without sacrificing water protections.”

According to the permit, mosquito control districts must submit a permit application at least 60 days prior to spraying for adult mosquitoes if spraying results in the adulticide entering water.

To view the spraying permit, visit www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/pesticides/final_pesticide_permits/mosquito/mosquito_index.html.