Our programs

Our staff work across the state of Washington. Headquartered in Lacey, WA, with regional offices across the state, we maintain high standards of transparency, professionalism, and accountability.

The employees in our environmental programs exhibit leadership in scientific research, creative problem-solving, complex project management, and innovative partnerships. We balance the resource demands of today's growing population and economy, preventing and cleaning up polluted places, and planning for future generations of people, fish, and wildlife. 

Learn about our  environmental programs

Air Quality – We partner with local clean air agencies to ensure communities have healthy air to breathe.

Climate Pollution Reduction Program – We implement policies and programs to reduce carbon emissions in the state of Washington so that the state meets its statutory greenhouse gas emission limits.

Environmental Assessment – We assess and monitor the environment, collect and share data, and assure that our science meets the highest standards. 

Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction – We provide assistance to manage dangerous waste, prevent pollution, and foster sustainability.

Nuclear Waste – We oversee cleanup of the toxic legacy of plutonium production at Hanford, and help keep people and the environment safe from dangerous radioactive and chemical hazards.

Shorelands and Environmental Assistance – We support community conservation efforts for shorelands, wetlands, and floodplains.

Solid Waste Management – We coordinate solid waste management and recycling programs for public safety and resource efficiency.

Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response – We prevent, prepare for, and respond to oil and hazardous materials spills.

Toxics Cleanup – We work to clean up accidental spills of dangerous materials and past contamination of land and water.

Water Quality – We protect Washington's waters for recreation, drinking, public health, business activities, and fish and wildlife.

Water Resources – We manage water to sustainably meet the current and future needs of people, farms, and fish.

Environmental offices

Office of Equity & Environmental Justice – The Office of Equity & Environmental Justice's (OEEJ) mission is to eliminate environmental and health disparities for communities most at risk from pollution and other environmental impacts.  We achieve this through fair and just practices that support the well-being and resilience of Ecology’s workforce and everyone in Washington.

Office of Chehalis Basin – We are working to reduce flood-related damages while restoring aquatic species habitat in the Chehalis – River basin in Southwest Washington, the state's second largest river drainage system.

Office of Columbia River – We are working to meet current and future water needs for Eastern Washington, in the Columbia River basin, and its tributaries.