News

Welcome to our news room. This is where you'll find links to recent news releases, blog stories, pictures and videos, our social media channels, and contact information for our communications team. Also, you can subscribe to our News email list.

Litter is a big problem with easy solutions, and small daily choices have a big impact. Learn about our campaign to live litter-free and help others do the same.

Aerial view of islands with trees surrounded by water.

The Blue Heron Slough project is restoring 353 acres of Snohomish River estuary habitat, which will benefit Chinook salmon and in turn, aid recovery of southern resident orcas in Puget Sound.

Ecology staff evaluating a tank of hazardous waste

Washington state’s Department of Ecology wants to make its hazardous waste planning fee more equitable by clarifying how it will be calculated.

Three people kayaking down a rushing river

Ecology is starting a rulemaking to consider putting four water bodies into a special category of protection, by designating them as "Outstanding Resource Waters."

Outdoor image of the Lacey Ecology headquarters building

Learn more about Ecology and the work we do in this short video.

Stay up-to-date with what Ecology is doing to implement the landmark Climate Commitment Act

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Ecology seeks feedback on rules to make products safer in Washington

Dec. 8 news release – Washington Department of Ecology is looking for input on a proposal that will help protect consumers by regulating some chemicals used in everyday products.

Ecology updates clean water permit for large livestock operations and manure lagoons

Dec. 7 news release – Washington Department of Ecology is issuing an updated final version of the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) water quality permit.

Ecología actualiza el permiso de agua limpia para las operaciones ganaderas y lagunas de estiércol

Dec. 7 news release – El Departamento de Ecología del Estado de Washington expide una versión final actualizada del permiso de calidad del agua para Operaciones de Alimentación de Animales Confinados (CAFO por sus siglas en inglés).

Ecology soliciting applications for local flood hazard planning grants

Dec. 6 blog – The Washington Legislature established the state Flood Control Assistance Account Program (FCAAP) to help local and Tribal governments plan for and reduce their flood risks.

Highlighting the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Dec. 6 blog – Spotlight on our Padilla Bay Reserve and its stewardship of estuarine ecosystems in the Puget Sound region.

Environmental penalties issued for the 3rd quarter of 2022

Dec. 5 news release – The Washington Department of Ecology issued $36,400 in penalties of $1,000 or more from July through September 2022.

Nuclear Waste Program Employee Spotlight

Dec. 1 blog – Spotlighting the team that oversees cleanup of the most contaminated nuclear site in the country.

Progress on the Voluntary Clean Water Guidance for Agriculture

Dec. 1 blog – We have more agriculture guidance chapters drafted for public review. This guidance will help protect water quality.

Plan to cut statewide fuel emissions 20% starts Jan. 1

Nov. 28 news release – New Clean Fuel Standard will tackle Washington’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.

All 2022 news releases ... | All blog posts

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Celebrate Native American Heritage Day with this great video.
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Flickr photo set for Landfill Cleanup progress in — **A collection of photos showcasing the Walla Walla Water 2050 project**
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Aerial view of a dam in central Washington

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