Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Meet our team

Businesses can contact our team for non-enforcement pollution prevention (P2) technical assistance.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/pollution-prevention-services/toxics-reduction-assistance/meet-our-team

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

Safer chemicals for manufacturers

Learn how to formulate products using safer chemicals and how to design more sustainable products.

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

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

SEPA checklist guidance, Section B: Surface water

Guidance to complete Surface water section for Part B of SEPA environmental checklist.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/sepa-checklist-guidance/sepa-checklist-section-b-environmental-elements/environmental-elements-3-water/environmental-elements-surface-water

CLARC glossary

A glossary for terms and acronyms in CLARC's resource pages.

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

SEPA subject index

References to SEPA topics in rule and statute.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/sepa-subject-index

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

Delegation reports & contacts

Some county health agencies are authorized to inspect well construction and decommissioning work.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/wells/information-for-drillers/delegation-reports-contacts

Information for well drillers

We regulate and license well operators in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/wells/information-for-drillers

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

State takes steps toward banning persistent PFAS chemicals in food packaging

May 19, 2022 News release: A new report to the Washington State Legislature from the Department of Ecology identifies additional alternatives to food packaging that contains toxic chemicals.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/may-19-state-takes-steps-toward-banning-pfas-in-fo

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

Ecology encourages Washingtonians to ‘Use Food Well’ this holiday season

November 18, 2024 News release: The Use Food Well campaign focuses on preventing food waste through simple steps like smart shopping, meal planning, and proper food storage.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/use-food-well-this-holiday-season

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

'Use Food Well': New campaign seeks to reduce food waste in Washington

March 28, 2024 News release: On April 1, the Washington Department of Ecology will launch the Use Food Well campaign in conjunction with the start of National Food Waste Prevention Week, April 1 to 7.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/mar-28-use-food-well

Groundwater study begins in Walla Walla Basin

March 26, 2021 News release: Well owners needed to participate in groundwater study in the Walla Walla basin

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/mar-26-walla-walla-groundwater-study

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

Ecology, Safeway, and Washington State University partner to feed cougs well

April 7, 2025 News release: Ecology, Safeway, and WSU partner to fight college hunger during Food Waste Reduction Week

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/april-7-ecology-safeway-and-washington-state-university-partner-to-feed-cougs-well

New agreement provides water for Skagit well owners

May 14, 2019 News release: We've reached an agreement with Seattle City Light to provide water to more than 400 homes in Skagit and Snohomish counties.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/may-15-new-agreement-provides-water-for-skagit-wel

Ecology begins planning for future water use in Nooksack watershed

February 5, 2019 News release: Ecology begins rulemaking process for future water use in Nooksack watershed

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/planning-future-nooksack-water-use

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

Washington Department of Ecology and Coast Guard respond to sunken vessel in Lake Union

April 1, 2024 News release: The Coast Guard and Washington Department of Ecology continue their response Monday to a sunken tugboat in Lake Union in Seattle, Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/apr-1-sunken-vessel-in-lake-union

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

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

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

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 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

Ecology sees increase in illegal dumping amid COVID-19

April 27, 2020 News release: Ecology sees increase in illegal dumping amid COVID-19

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/ecology-sees-increase-in-illegal-dumping-amid-covi

Ecology releases final environmental review of proposal to rebuild Eightmile Lake Dam

June 21, 2024 News release: Ecology has issued the final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the rebuild and restoration of Eightmile Dam, a 95-year-old dam located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area west of Leavenworth.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-21-eightmile-lake-dam-feis

Seafood company reaches settlement over permit issues

June 24, 2024 News release: Seafood company South Bend Products will pay $16,000 to resolve violations of its water quality permit as part of a settlement agreement with the Washington Department of Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-24-seafood-company-settlement

Changes proposed for crude oil movement reporting requirements

September 2, 2020 News release: Changes proposed for crude oil movement reporting requirements

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/changes-proposed-for-crude-oil-movement-reporting

Ecology penalizing seafood processor for fuel spill after vessel fire in Tacoma

January 19, 2023 News release: Trident Seafoods penalized $25,000 for spill from Aleutian Falcon.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/aleutian-falcon-penalty

Toledo sand and gravel operation fined $29,000 for failing to submit water quality data

July 27, 2023 News release: Ecology has issued a $29,000 fine to Toledo-based L Rock Industries for repeatedly refusing to submit required quarterly reports that monitor stormwater discharge.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/july-27-l-rock-industries-penalty

State adopts new watershed plans for Puyallup River and Chambers-Clover basin

June 17, 2021 News release: New plans for the Puyallup-White and Chambers-Clover watersheds lay out priorities to protect fish habitat, while also ensuring sufficient water for rural residents.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/june-17-puyallup-chambers-clover

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

Funding now available to public agencies for drought relief

June 4, 2019 News release: Public agencies experiencing hardships related to drought conditions may now be eligible for funds to ease drought-related effects.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/june-4-funding-for-drought-relief

New rules proposed to balance growth and preserve water for fish in five western Washington watersheds

June 16, 2025 News release: Ecology is opening rulemaking for five watersheds affected by the 2018 Streamflow Restoration Act.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/june-16-streamflow-restoration-rulemaking

Burn ban expires for Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat and Okanogan counties

December 9, 2019 News release: A Stage 1 burn ban in Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat counties and the Methow Valley in Okanogan County will expire at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, according to the Washington Department of Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/dec-9-burn-ban-expires-8-a-m-dec-10-for-chelan-do

Burn ban expires 5 p.m. Tuesday for Okanogan Valley

December 8, 2020 News release: Burn ban expires Dec. 8 in Okanogan Valley.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/dec-8-burn-ban-expires-5-p-m-tuesday-for-okanogan

Cleanup process moving forward at North Seattle site

December 3, 2020 News release: We're seeking public comment on a legal agreement to study pollution and cleanup options at a Seattle former gas station that's now part of an apartment building.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/dec-4-stone-way-apartments

Cleanup process moving forward at South Park site near Duwamish River

November 4, 2020 News release: We’re seeking public comment on a legal agreement with current and former owners of an industrial property in Seattle’s South Park to address contaminated soil and groundwater.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/nov-5-precision-engineering-site

Burn ban expires 10 a.m. Tuesday in Asotin, Columbia, Garfield and Walla Walla counties

November 12, 2019 News release: A Stage 1 burn ban in Asotin, Columbia, Garfield and Walla Walla counties will expire at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/nov-12-burn-ban-ends

Burn ban expires 10 a.m. Sunday in Ferry, Okanogan, Pend Oreille and Stevens counties

November 8, 2019 News release: Burn ban expires 10 a.m. Sunday in Ferry, Okanogan, Pend Oreille and Stevens counties

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/nov-8-burn-ban-expires-10-a-m-sunday-in-ferry-oka

Cleanup proposed for site on Duwamish Waterway

October 25, 2019 News release: A developer will do cleanup work and prepare for the final cleanup of 63 acres just south of Boeing Field in Seattle and Tukwila, under an agreement with us.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/oct-25-emerald-gateway

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

Plan proposed to finish Pasco Landfill cleanup

September 3, 2019 News release: A proposed plan would clean up the Pasco Landfill, one of Washington’s most challenging contaminated sites.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/pasco-cleanup

Cleanup proposed for site on Duwamish Waterway

August 26, 2019 News release: We're taking comment on an environmental cleanup plan for an industrial site along the Duwamish River in Tukwila.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/aug-26-8801-east-marginal

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

Soil cleanup planned for Duwamish shoreline site

June 14, 2019 News release: The owner of an industrial site along Seattle's Duwamish Waterway has agreed to clean a portion the site and prepare for a future final cleanup of the rest.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/june-14-snopack-site-cleanup