Some minor updates are in store for a permit used by Washington state agencies to treat marine algae and aquatic animal species not native to state waters. Once non-native species become established in a new environment where there are few natural enemies or disease to keep them in check, they may spread rapidly and cause biological and economic harm

The permit, first developed by the Department of Ecology in 2011, is a regulatory tool that directs how chemicals or other control products may be used to manage invasive aquatic animals and invasive marine algae that threaten native species in state waters.

The permit does not cover invasive aquatic weeds, which are covered by other permits. Changes to the permit focus primarily on streamlining environmental review, clarifications and removing one pesticide from the list of approved treatment products. Ecology will accept comments on the proposed changes until July 1. It will hold an in-person and online workshop/hearing at 1 p.m. on June 21 at Ecology’s Lacey office, at 300 Desmond Drive in Lacey.