Non-discrimination policy

Ecology is committed to preventing discrimination in our work. We do not discriminate against people based on their race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex. We do not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights or for the purpose of interfering with such rights.

If you have questions about our civil rights program or concerns about discrimination in our work, please contact our Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator. You may also file a formal discrimination complaint by following the process described below.


Federal non-discrimination laws

As recipients of federal funding, we are required to comply with federal non-discrimination laws, including the following:

  • Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, parts 5 and 7
  • Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  • Age Discrimination Act of 1975
  • Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
  • Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972

Anyone who believes they have been discriminated against in the receipt of benefits or services from Ecology on the grounds of race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex, or believe they have been retaliated against or intimidated on the same grounds, may file a formal complaint with Ecology.

How to file a complaint

Please submit your complaint in writing within 180 days from the date the incident you are describing occurred. If you need assistance to provide a written complaint, please contact our Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator at 360-688-3730 or civilrights@ecy.wa.gov.

Your complaint should contain the following information:

  1. Your name, address, and phone number.
  2. If you are an Ecology employee and your complaint is about discrimination you experienced at work.
  3. Name of the program or Ecology employee(s) your complaint concerns.
  4. Description of the alleged discrimination, including the location and date of the event and the basis (race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, or retaliation).
  5. Your signature. Or, if someone is filing the complaint on your behalf, their signature.

Where to send your complaint

What happens after we receive a complaint?