Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Más de 35,000 barriles de desechos industriales removidos del Pasco Landfill

June 28, 2022 News release: Más de 35,000 barriles de desechos industriales removidos del Pasco Landfill

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-28-mas-de-35-000-barriles-de-desechos-industr

Five facilities to receive updated requirements to protect Spokane River

December 29, 2021 News release: Five Washington facilities on the Spokane River are due for revisions to their wastewater permits, which will better protect the river.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/dec-27-updated-requirements-for-spokane-river

Public discussion begins on plans to improve air quality in overburdened communities

September 19, 2022 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology opens public comment today on a new initiative to improve air quality in overburdened communities that are highly impacted by air pollution.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/sept-19-section-3-public-discussion

Washington seeks to link carbon market with California, Québec

November 2, 2023 News release: Director Laura Watson made a preliminary decision today to pursue linking Washington’s cap-and-invest program to carbon markets in California and Québec.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-2-ecology-to-pursue-carbon-market-linkage

Community grants available to improve outdoor air for most vulnerable

August 29, 2024 News release: Ecology is providing $10 million from Climate Commitment Act funds for grants to improve air quality in overburdened communities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-29-community-grants-open-to-improve-air-quality

Listo para revisión: Permiso de agua limpia actualizado para el corral de engorde a gran escala Simplot Feeders

April 10, 2025 News release: El Departamento de Ecología desea escuchar los comentarios del público acerca de un permiso de agua limpia actualizado para Simplot Feeders.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/abril-10-listo-para-revision-simplot-feeders

New report: Washington met 2020 greenhouse gas emissions limit

January 6, 2025 News release: This new report contains official estimates of Washington's greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 through 2021.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/jan-6-2024-greenhouse-gas-inventory

Industrial painting company fined $49,000 for hazardous waste violations at Kelso, Longview facilities

August 21, 2024 News release: Industrial painting company fined $49,000 for hazardous waste violations at Kelso, Longview facilities

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-21-steel-painter-penalty

Updated clean water permit for Simplot Feeders, a large livestock operation, available for review

April 10, 2025 News release: We are seeking feedback on updates to the water quality permit for Simplot Feeders, the largest cattle feedlot in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/april-10-simplot-feeders-permit-updates

Rising temperatures will shift timing of water availability, amplifying vulnerabilities in Columbia River Basin over next 20 years

August 1, 2022 News release: Anticipated future shifts in water supply and water demands will combine to create potential vulnerabilities related to water availability across many areas of eastern Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/aug-1-2022-columbia-river-basin-outlook

Ecology tracking Hanford waste tank leak

April 29, 2021 News release: The U.S. Department of Energy announced Thursday an underground radioactive and dangerous chemical waste storage tank at the Hanford Site in Southeast Washington is leaking.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/ecology-tracking-hanford-waste-tank-leak

State emissions rise in new greenhouse gas data

January 14, 2021 News release: New greenhouse gas data shows that emissions rose 1.3% from 2017 to 2018.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/jan-14-state-emissions-rise-in-new-greenhouse-gas

New report shows air pollution hits Washington’s most vulnerable the hardest

December 28, 2023 News release: A new Ecology report shows people in 16 overburdened areas of Washington face a higher death rate from air pollution than the state average.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/dec-28-new-report-shows-air-pollution-hits-washington-s-most-vulnerable-the-hardest

Federal court strikes down attempt to limit state, Tribal rights to protect water quality

October 22, 2021 News release: Ecology Director Laura Watson's comments on Oct. 21 court decision regarding federal Clean Water Act Section 401 rule.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/oct-21-statement-from-ecology-director-on-court-de

Ilwaco seafood processor fined for repeated water quality violations

February 1, 2022 News release: Ecology has fined Safe Coast Seafoods $69,348 for ongoing water quality violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/feb-1-safe-coast-seafoods-penalty

Spokane County farmer fined for unpermitted water use

August 28, 2024 News release: We have issued a $15,000 penalty to a Spokane County farmer for continued unpermitted irrigation of 69 acres of crops.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-28-greiff-penalty

Ecology invests $53.5 million to help rivers and streams

October 8, 2024 News release: Ecology is investing up to $53.5 million in streamflow restoration grants for 25 high-priority projects in watersheds across the state.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/oct-8-streamflow-restoration-grants

Weyerhaeuser’s Longview lumber mill fined $145,000 for stormwater violations

July 30, 2024 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued two penalties totaling $145,000 to Weyerhaeuser for stormwater violations at the company’s Longview lumber mill.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/july-30-lumber-mill-fined

Ecology upgrades Washington air quality map in time for wildfire smoke season

July 25, 2024 News release: Updated air quality map features real-time information about wildfire smoke and other air pollution and includes information about impacts in overburdened communities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/july-25-ecology-releases-updated-air-quality-map

'Simple As That' campaign helps create a litter free Washington

April 17, 2023 News release: Statewide litter prevention initiative encourages residents to take action to prevent litter on roads.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-17-simple-as-that-litter-prevention-campaign

Hanford Advisory Board to meet in Yakima April 19, 2023

April 10, 2023 News release: The Hanford Advisory Board is on the road again for the first time since before the pandemic – holding its next regional meeting in Yakima later this month.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-hanford-advisory-board-meeting-in-yakima

Ecology invests nearly $35 million to help rivers and streams

October 5, 2022 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology is slated to distribute about $35 million for 26 streamflow restoration projects in 22 watersheds.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/oct-5-streamflow-grants

Washington finalizes historic cap-and-invest plan to slash carbon pollution

September 29, 2022 News release: Washington finalizes historic plan to slash carbon pollution by adopting cap-and-invest regulations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/sept-29-cap-and-invest-adoption

Comments sought on a program to reduce nitrate levels in Lower Yakima Valley wells

February 25, 2019 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology is opening a comment period, and jointly hosting a public hearing with Yakima County, on a proposed program to address nitrates in drinking water in the Lower Yakima Valley.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/lower-yakima-valley-groundwater-management-area

Statewide drought declared due to low snowpack and dry forecast

April 16, 2024 News release: The Department of Ecology has declared a drought emergency for most of Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/april-16-drought-declaration

Ecology to expand air monitoring in overburdened communities

March 1, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has identified numerous areas across the state to include in a new environmental justice initiative focused on reducing air pollution.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/march-1-overburdened-communities-announced

Additional environmental review required for Kalama methanol project

November 22, 2019 News release: We have determined that information submitted by Cowlitz County and the project applicants is insufficient and that additional environmental review is required.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/kalama-methanol-project-announcement

First cap-and-invest auction raised $299 million for climate response

March 28, 2023 News release: Washington's first cap-and-invest auction raises over $299 million for critical climate projects.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/march-28-revenue-raised-by-cap-and-invest-auction

Ecology adds additional phone-in only hearing for Kalama methanol testimony

September 17, 2020 News release: New phone-in only hearing scheduled for Kalama second Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/phone-in-only-hearing-scheduled-for-kalama-second

Pullman contractor fined for improper decommissioning of well

September 20, 2022 News release: A contractor in Pullman is facing penalties after illegally altering and filling a homeowner’s well with debris from a razed house in Whitman County.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/sept-20-pullman-contractor-fined-for-improper-de

Washington holds first auction under new cap-and-invest program

February 28, 2023 News release: Ecology hosted the first auction under the new cap-and-invest program on Feb. 28, 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/feb-28-first-cap-and-invest-auction

Fishing vessel owner fined for 2018 spill

April 30, 2020 News release: Phoenix Processors fined for 2018 spill Fishing Vessel Excellence

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/april-30-fishing-vessel-owner-fined-for-2018-spill

Public input sought on environmental review for new Duwamish–Green river watershed plan

March 8, 2021 News release: A new plan for the Duwamish-Green watershed lays out priorities to protect fish habitat and ensuring sufficient water for rural residents. We're seeking public comments through April 8.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/mar-8-duwamish-green-watershed-sepa-comment-period

Weyerhaeuser mill fined $40,000 for water quality violations

February 17, 2022 News release: The Weyerhaeuser Company is being fined $40,000 for repeated water quality violations at its Longview mill.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/feb-17-weyerhaeuser-penalty

Whatcom County farm fined for illegal water use

August 1, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has issued a $12,000 fine to RAN General Partnership for illegally irrigating about 40 acres of crops in Whatcom County in June and July of 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/1-august-whatcom-county-farm-fined-for-illegal-water-use

Ecology seeks public comment on disposal of PFAS firefighting foam

December 20, 2023 News release: Ecology seeks public comment on a draft environmental impact statement outlining five disposal options for municipal firefighting foams with PFAS.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/afff-draft-eis-public-comment

Westport seafood plant penalized $222,000 for water quality violations

June 13, 2024 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued a $222,000 penalty to the Pacific Seafood-Westport facility for repeatedly sending polluted wastewater into Half Moon Bay in Westport.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-13-seafood-plant-penalized

New climate research shows need for deep cuts in Washington’s greenhouse gas emissions

December 19, 2019 News release: New research predicts that climate change will damage Washington’s environment, so we recommend eliminating nearly all sources of carbon pollution by 2050.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/dec-19-new-climate-research-shows-need-for-deep-cu

La campaña 'Así de simple', ayuda a tener un Washington libre de basura

April 17, 2023 News release: La iniciativa estatal de prevención de basura alienta a los residentes a tomar medidas para prevenir que la gente bote basura en las carreteras

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-17-la-campana-asi-de-simple

Port plans environmental studies at Terminal 90-91

October 24, 2019 News release: We're taking comment on a legal agreement where the Port of Seattle will study contamination in sediments at Terminal 90/91, leading to cleanup.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/oct-24-terminal-90-91

Cleanup proposed at former oil terminal on Salmon Bay

July 20, 2020 News release: We’re taking public comments on plans to complete cleanup work where re-development is planned at the former Time Oil bulk terminal near Salmon Bay in Seattle.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/july-20-time-oil-salmon-bay

Cleanup process to move forward at Port of Seattle site on Duwamish Waterway

April 23, 2020 News release: We're taking public comments on a legal agreement with the Port of Seattle and Boeing for environmental studies and cleanup plans for the Terminal 115 Plant 1 site on the Duwamish River in Seattle.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/april-23-terminal-115-plant-1

Preventing litter? New campaign reminds Washingtonians it’s as ‘Simple As That’

September 12, 2024 News release: The “Simple As That” litter prevention campaign launches September 13 with advertising around the state and partnerships with retailers and community groups.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/sept-12-preventing-litter-new-campaign-reminds-washingtonians-it-s-as-simple-as-that

EPA approves Budd Inlet water cleanup plan

January 10, 2023 News release: Last month, the Washington Department of Ecology received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its water quality cleanup plan for Budd Inlet.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/jan-10-epa-approves-budd-inlet-tmdl

Decades-long water dispute settled on Chamokane Creek

May 14, 2019 News release: Ecology, Spokane Tribe & federal government settlement on Chamokane Creek water mitigation

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/may-9-chamokane-creek-settlement

Inslee declares drought emergency for Okanogan, Methow and Upper Yakima

April 4, 2019 News release: Water supply shortages are projected in the Methow, Okanogan, Upper Yakima basins, prompting Gov. Jay Inslee to declare a drought emergency in those watersheds.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/drought-emergency-for-okanogan-and-methow

Restoration plan adopted for Icicle watershed

January 3, 2019 News release: Our Office of Columbia River and Chelan County adopt final programmatic EIS for Icicle Creek Watershed.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/jan-3

Ecology taking broad environmental planning look at potential solar, onshore wind energy facilities

September 27, 2023 News release: Ecology seeking public input on how to design environmental impact statements for solar and onshore wind energy projects.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-27-ecology-seeking-public-comment

State and EPA ready grants to restore salmon habitat, improve water quality near Puget Sound

November 14, 2023 News release: EPA has awarded Ecology up to $30 million to boost the health of Puget Sound rivers and streams.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-14-state-and-epa-ready-grants-to-restore-salmon-habitat-improve-water-quality-near-puget-sou

The Home Depot penalized $1.6 million for selling restricted hydrofluorocarbon products

June 27, 2024 News release: The Home Depot was penalized $1.6 million for selling prohibited hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) products. HFCs are powerful greenhouse gases that do far more damage than carbon dioxide.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-27-home-depot-penalty