Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

We inspect facilities to ensure they legally handle, store, and dispose of dangerous waste.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/dangerous-waste-guidance/dangerous-waste-basics/prepare-for-an-inspection

State Emergency Response Commission (SERC)

State Emergency Response Commission implements the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to Know Act

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/emergency-planning-community-right-to-know-act/state-emergency-response-commission

Dam construction & modification guidance

We provide guidance and technical notes for dam construction and modification.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/dam-construction-modification-guidance

Bridge & Ferry Terminal Washing Permit

This permit protects water from cleaning and painting activities at bridges and ferry terminals.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/bridge-and-ferry-terminal-washing-permit

E-Cycle WA guidance and reports

This page includes E-Cycle WA frequently asked questions and annual reports.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/electronics-ecycle-guidance-and-reports

Winery general permit

The winery general permit helps prevent possible pollution problems from winery wastewater.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/winery-permit

Safer products for businesses

Learn how your business can find and purchase less toxic chemicals and products.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/safer-alternatives/safer-products-for-businesses

Solvents

Most solvents become dangerous waste and must be managed properly.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/dangerous-waste-guidance/common-dangerous-waste/solvents

Frequently asked questions about pharmaceutical waste

Frequently asked questions about pharmaceutical waste and our answers.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/dangerous-waste-guidance/common-dangerous-waste/pharmaceutical-waste/frequently-asked-questions

401 Water Quality Certifications for non-hydropower permits

We review projects needing federal approval to assure compliance with state water quality standards.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/401-water-quality-certification/non-hydropower-401-certifications

TurboWaste

TurboWaste is Washington's electronic dangerous waste annual report reporting tool.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/dangerous-waste-reporting-requirements/dangerous-waste-annual-report/turbowaste

Air operating permit for large sources of air pollution

Air operating permit requirements for large sources of air pollution.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/air-quality-permits/air-operating-permit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Chapter 173-303

Frequently asked questions about Chapter 173-303 WAC, Dangerous Waste Regulations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/closed-rulemaking/wac173-303-faq

Recordkeeping

Learn what records your business must keep if you generate dangerous waste.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/dangerous-waste-guidance/dangerous-waste-basics/recordkeeping

Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs)

Information on how to contact state and local emergency planning officials.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/emergency-planning-community-right-to-know-act/local-emergency-planning-committees

SEPA lead agency contacts

Browse tables containing SEPA contacts at state and local agencies in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-lead-agency-contacts

Lithium-ion battery safety and management

Learn how to safely manage, store, and dispose of lithium-ion batteries.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/dangerous-waste-guidance/common-dangerous-waste/batteries/lithium-ion-batteries

CLARC guidance

Use these guidance documents in combination with CLARC to establish cleanup levels.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/contamination-cleanup-tools/clarc/guidance

Hazardous waste service providers

Learn how your business can hire a waste service provider to handle and dispose of your dangerous waste.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/dangerous-waste-guidance/dispose-recycle-or-treat/hazardous-waste-service-provider

Nicotine and cannabis waste

Learn how your business can properly handle nicotine, vape, and cannabis waste.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/dangerous-waste-guidance/common-dangerous-waste/nicotine-and-cannabis-waste

Tier Two reporting

Facility reporting guidelines for Tier Two, including how to file with Tier Two Online.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/emergency-planning-community-right-to-know-act/tier-two-reporting

Notification of dangerous waste activity

Learn how to get an EPA/State Identification (ID) Number to report your dangerous waste.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/dangerous-waste-reporting-requirements/notification-of-dangerous-waste

Certification information

We certify wastewater treatment plant operators to ensure that Washington’s waters are protected.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/wastewater-operator-certification/certification-information

Manuals & procedures for accredited labs

Download the procedure manual, and find tips and tools for accredited environmental labs.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/laboratory-accreditation/manual-and-procedures-for-accredited-laboratories

Pollution prevention assistance (PPA)

Businesses can get free, non-regulatory pollution prevention help from local PPA specialists.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/pollution-prevention-services/pollution-prevention-assistance

Dangerous waste permits

Facilities that store, treat, or dispose of dangerous waste must have a dangerous waste permit.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/dangerous-waste-permits

Proposed plan would guide Washington’s efforts to better prepare for and deal with climate impacts

June 11, 2024 News release: Working with other state agencies to update Washington’s Climate Resilience Strategy, Ecology has released a draft of that strategy and is seeking public comment on the plan.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/draft-climate-resilience-strategy

Drought declared for Yakima region for third year in a row

April 8, 2025 News release: Ecology is extending a drought emergency for a third consecutive year in central Washington. It is also issuing a drought advisory for north-central Washington and parts of the Puget Sound region.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/april-8-drought

New rules cut the use of climate change “super pollutants”

December 14, 2020 News release: Ecology adopts final rules to guide phase-out of hydrofluorcarbons, or HFCs, which are potent climate change chemicals.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/dec-14-new-rules-cut-the-use-of-climate-change-sup

New grants will help Washington landfills reduce methane emissions

August 6, 2024 News release: Ecology is award $15 million in grants from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act to help cut climate-warming methane escaping from municipal solid waste landfills.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/ecology-opens-landfill-methane-grants

State lays out plan to tackle impacts of climate change in Washington

September 30, 2024 News release: The Washington State Climate Resilience Strategy works to prepare for climate change threats and impacts from drought, changing ocean conditions, flooding, extreme heat, and wildfires and smoke.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/sept-30-climate-resilience-strategy

Greenhouse gas reporting rules updated for new climate law

October 13, 2021 News release: New greenhouse gas reporting rules proposed for Climate Commitment Act

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/oct-13-greenhouse-gas-reporting-rules-updated-for

Public invited to comment on rule for landmark climate change program

May 17, 2022 News release: Ecology is seeking public comment on a new “cap-and-invest” rule needed to implement the Climate Commitment Act and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the state’s largest sources.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/may-17-cap-and-invest-public-comment

Ecology begins rulemaking on climate funds reporting

May 25, 2023 News release: Ecology is starting new rulemaking focused on reporting requirements for state agencies that receive and use CCA auction revenues.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-25-cca-funds-reporting

State and local agencies to host community event focused on Lower Yakima Valley drinking water

May 20, 2024 News release: On May 29, state and local agencies are hosting an open house-style event to provide information about well water safety in the Lower Yakima Valley. Free door prizes, kids' activities, and food.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/may-20-gwma-open-house-notice

Yakima area air quality focus of March 24 listening sessions

March 10, 2022 News release: On March 24, the Washington Department of Ecology will host two virtual listening sessions for Yakima area residents to hear about their concerns with air quality issues in their communities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/march-10-yakima-listening-sessions-on-march-24

Washington adopts rule to decrease methane emissions from landfills

May 13, 2024 News release: Ecology is adopting a new regulation to reduce emissions of methane – a potent greenhouse gas – from municipal solid waste landfills.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/new-rule-to-decrease-landfill-methane-emissions

State begins work to implement Climate Commitment Act

August 6, 2021 News release: Ecology begins rulemaking to implement Climate Commitment Act.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/aug-6-state-begins-work-to-implement-climate-commi

Washington state targets methane gas from landfills to help slow climate change

December 8, 2022 News release: Washington continues to focus on decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and is now working on a rule requiring some municipal solid waste landfills to reduce the amount of methane they emit.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/landfill-methane-rule

Washington begins work to slash HFCs – climate change “super pollutants”

August 1, 2019 News release: We're working to reduce use of hydrofluorocarbons - climate change super pollutants.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/aug-1-washington-begins-work-to-slash-hfcs

Ecology proposes adopting federal human health criteria for water quality

September 17, 2024 News release: We are proposing to adopt the federal human health criteria for water quality in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/sept-17-proposal-on-federal-human-health-criteria

2019 data shows greenhouse gas emissions increased

December 28, 2022 News release: The latest data available in Washington’s inventory of greenhouse gas emissions shows statewide emissions rose in 2019, reaching their highest mark since 2007.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/dec-28-2019-state-ghg-inventory

Washington inks deal with carbon emissions auction platform

December 20, 2021 News release: Ecology signs deal for greenhouse gas emissions auction services with WCI, Inc.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/dec-20-washington-inks-deal-with-emissions-auction

Better protections proposed for salmon spawning and habitat

October 19, 2021 News release: Proposed updates will help ensure salmon have enough oxygen and a healthy habitat for spawning.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/oct-19-salmon-spawning-rule

EPA water standards create uncertainty for rule to reduce PCBs discharged into Spokane River

June 10, 2020 News release: EPA roll back of water quality standards creates uncertainty for rule to reduce PCBs discharged into Spokane River. Instead Ecology seeks early feedback on preliminary plans.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/june-10-spokane-river-preliminary-draft

Washington aces first Climate Commitment Act compliance test

November 15, 2024 News release: Climate Commitment Act businesses had to turn in emissions allowances for the first time in November. 99.9% were submitted-- a strong start to achieving the policy’s greenhouse gas limits.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/nov-15-washington-aces-first-climate-commitment-act-compliance-event

Report outlines plan to reduce bacteria levels in Yakima-area creeks

October 13, 2020 News release: Strategies to address fecal bacteria in Cowiche Creek, Wide Hollow Creek and the Moxee Drain watersheds are outlined in a draft technical report that’s now available for review and comment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-13-mid-yakima-bacteria-tmdl

Ecology offering $1.8 million to Washington communities for drought planning, preparedness

November 30, 2023 News release: The Department of Ecology will offer $1.8 million in grants to increase local drought preparedness throughout the state.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-30-drought-planning-and-preparedness-grants

New report and dashboard show Climate Commitment Act investments

November 27, 2024 News release: See exactly how Climate Commitment Act funds have been spent on transit, wildfire preparedness, clean energy and more.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/nov-27-cca-investments

Ecology proposes rulemaking on electricity markets

June 28, 2024 News release: The Department of Ecology has proposed rule changes to ensure that greenhouse gas emissions from centralized electricity market imports are accounted for under the Climate Commitment Act.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-28-electricity-markets-rule-proposal