Clamming is popular on the Long Beach Peninsula.

LONG BEACH, Wash. — Grab your boots and get your shovel, razor clamming will return for a one-day evening dig on the Long Beach Peninsula this weekend.

The dig was approved for Sunday by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat.

Local retailers are rejoicing the announcement, which is likely to send a boost in business.

The economic impact of the razor clam season is profound, particularly for the peninsula, which offers some of the most desirable clamming destinations in the state.

A state economic impact report estimated that diggers bring $22 million during an average season. On a single day, razor clam digs can draw up to 30,000 people to Washington’s beaches, according to state figures, with a high percentage coming to Long Beach.

Retailers and restaurants benefit from open clamming days as crowds from Seattle, Portland and surrounding towns often descend on the peninsula for the digs.

At Dennis Co. in Long Beach, selling a “couple hundred” licenses ahead of single-day clam dig isn’t uncommon.

“A lot of people come looking for a clam license and they often leave with supplies too,” Jose Hernandez, the assistant manager, said.

“People always seem to forget their boots.”

The store carries an array of clamming gear and accessories from $5 plastic clam nets to $150 steel clam guns and maximizes sales by offering discounts in anticipation of the seasons.

At Sportsmen’s Cannery in Seaview, owner Tina Ward has made special adjustments ahead of the increasingly popular razor clam seasons. Ward recently installed a new freezer to accommodate their growing line of frozen seafood, including scallops, prawns and razor clams. The expansion was largely driven by customer demand for razor clams.

“When there’s no digs, people still want clams,” Ward said in between boiling batches of Dungeness crab. About a month ago, the store started selling razor clams harvested from Alaska and Washington state beaches, in Quinault.

“We had so many people asking for clams that we brought in both kinds,” Ward said.

The business also cleans clams for $10.50 per limit, or 15 clams. Ward is hopeful the weather this weekend will cooperate allowing for ideal conditions for diggers, and ultimately more business for her Seaview store.

“It’s really going to depend on the weather. If it’s clear, we’ll do really well, but not if the surf’s pounding and there’s a big surge,” Ward said.

“I’m excited.”