Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

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

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

Rainier Valley site’s redevelopment will include environmental cleanup

April 8, 2021 News release: Under a proposed cleanup plan, redevelopment in Seattle’s Rainier Valley work will include affordable housing and will incorporate environmental cleanup into construction.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/april-8-grand-street-commons-cleanup

Boeing Everett cleanup advancing to final stages

March 1, 2021 News release: We're taking comments on plans and earlier studies to guide the Boeing Everett Plant site's final cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/march-1-boeing-everett-cleanup

Burn ban lifted for Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Kittitas, Okanogan, Pend Oreille and Stevens counties

January 15, 2019 News release: Burn ban lifted for Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Kittitas, Okanogan, Pend Oreille and Stevens counties at noon Jan. 15.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/burn-ban-lifted-for-chelan-douglas-ferry-kittit

Four firms plan cleanup projects in Seattle’s Georgetown

September 26, 2017 News release:

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2017/sep-26-cleanup-projects-in-seattle-s-georgetown

Public invited to comment on regulatory actions addressing chemicals in consumer products

November 18, 2021 News release: Consumers use hundreds of items every day, and many contain hazardous chemicals. Ecology is seeking input to determine which potentially hazardous chemicals it should regulate in consumer products.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/nov-18-public-invited-to-comment-on-regulatory-act

Ecology issues water quality certification for proposed Goldendale Energy Storage Project

May 22, 2023 News release: Ecology issued the certification with conditions so that the project would meet state water quality requirements. This is just one of many approvals needed before the project can be built.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-22-goldendale-project-water-quality-certificat

Bellevue developer fined $280,000 for multiple dangerous waste violations at downtown site

September 21, 2021 News release: The Department of Ecology has fined Bellevue Investors I LLC $280,000 for illegally sending soil contaminated with dry cleaning solvent to solid waste landfills.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/sept-21-bellevue-developer-fined-280-000-for-mult

State fines City of Everett after discharge of incompletely treated wastewater to Snohomish River

October 27, 2022 News release: After a malfunctioning pump at Everett’s wastewater treatment facility allowed 9.9 million gallons of partially treated wastewater to flow into the Snohomish River, Ecology has fined the city $13,000.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/oct-27-city-of-everett-penalty

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

Dangerous fire on Tacoma tideflats leads to $1.9 million fine

October 7, 2019 News release: We have issued a $1.9 million penalty to Stericycle for mishandling hazardous waste.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/dangerous-fire-on-tacoma-tideflats-leads-to-1-9-m

Successful first auction marks turning point in fight against climate change

March 7, 2023 News release: Ecology announces the results of the first cap-and-invest auction, held on Feb. 28, 2023, including the settlement price and number of allowances sold.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/march-7-successful-first-auction-turning-point

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

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

New efforts underway to improve groundwater management in Pasco Basin

July 13, 2022 News release: After a half-century under “interim” rules, we’re beginning the process to design a permanent groundwater management framework for the Pasco Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/july-13-pasco-basin-groundwater-rulemaking

Washington state issues enforcement order against US Army over Yakima Training Center contamination

February 1, 2023 News release: With contamination threatening drinking water near the training center, Ecology's order requires the Army to address the environmental threat in line with state and federal standards.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/yakima-training-center-enforcement-order

Ecology settles 2019 penalty with Tacoma hazardous waste facility

June 9, 2020 News release: The Stericycle hazardous waste facility in Tacoma has agreed to settle $2.2 million in penalties issued in 2019 by the Washington Department of Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/june-9-stericycle-settlement

Construction company fined $202,500 and ordered to restore damaged wetlands

July 8, 2019 News release: We've fined Stetson Heights LLC $202,500 and ordered the company to take corrective action for causing significant damage to wetlands.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/july-8-stetson-heights-penalty

Public input sought on environmental reviews for two new watershed plans in Pierce and King counties

April 29, 2021 News release: Ecology completed its environmental review of new watershed plans for the Puyallup-White and Chambers-Clover river drainage basins, and is seeking public comments through May 23.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/seeking-comment-on-environmental-reviews-for-water

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

Statement from Ecology director on federal government rolling back wetland and stream protections

April 21, 2020 News release: Statement from Ecology Director Laura Watson on EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rolling back wetland and stream protections.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/april-21-statement-from-ecology-director-on-federa

Ecology, Achilles reach settlement on spills that impacted wildlife

March 31, 2021 News release: Ecology and Achilles reach settlement on two 2018 spills that impacted wildlife

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/march-24-achilles-penalty-settlement

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

New agreement broadens cleanup process at Boeing site on Duwamish

May 22, 2019 News release: The Boeing Company will continue cleanup work - begun under Ecology's Voluntary Cleanup Program - and expand studies of contaminated areas at its Developmental Center on the Duwamish Waterway under a proposed cleanup agreement with Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/may-22-boeing-developmental-center

Inslee expands drought emergency for nearly half of the state

May 20, 2019 News release: A total of 24 watersheds have been added to the emergency drought declaration.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/may-20-inslee-expands-drought-emergency

$22 million in grants available for streamflow restoration projects

January 30, 2020 News release: Up to $22 million in grants is now available for projects that will protect rivers and streams while providing water for rural homes in Washington. Ecology is accepting applications as part of its streamflow restoration competitive grant program.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/2020-streamflow-restoration-grants

EPA adds Bradford Island cleanup to “Superfund” list

March 17, 2022 News release: EPA adds Bradford Island to Superfund list.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/march-17-bradford-island

Plastic bottle and trash bag makers must register with state by April 1

February 3, 2022 News release: New law requires some plastics include a minimum amount of recycled content beginning in 2023

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/feb-3-plastic-producer-registration

New status, protections proposed for Soap Lake and the Cascade, Green and Napeequa rivers

July 18, 2023 News release: Proposal to name Soap Lake and the Cascade, Green, and Napeequa rivers Outstanding Resource Waters.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/july-18-proposed-protection-for-outstanding-resource-waters

Settlement reached to ensure access to critical Hanford Site data

September 14, 2023 News release: The Washington state Department of Ecology will regain direct access to critical federal data about the Hanford Site following a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-14-settlement-reached-to-ensure-access-to-critical-hanford-site-data

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

Diesel spill from sunken fishing boat in 2022 off San Juan Island leads to penalty

June 26, 2024 News release: Ecology is issuing an $18,000 penalty for diesel spilled during the sinking of a fishing vessel, the Aleutian Isle

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-26-aleutian-isle-penalty

Public invited to comment on environmental review for Washington’s draft permit for biosolids management

September 27, 2024 News release: Ecology opens 14-day public comment period on SEPA Determination of Nonsignificance for draft statewide general permit for biosolids management

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/sept-27-public-invited-to-comment-on-environmental-review-for-washington-s-draft-permit-for-bioso

State moves to ban known carcinogen in cosmetics

February 6, 2025 News release: Proposed rule to restrict 28 formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetics made, sold or distributed in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/feb-6-tfca-formaldehyde-releasers-rulemaking-proposal

Vessel owner fined for spill at Brownsville Marina

December 13, 2021 News release: On Sunday, December 22, 2019, the Port of Brownsville reported a spill involving a sinking vessel pulling down their docks. The marina identified Arnold Haskin as the vessel’s owner.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/dec-14-vessel-owner-fined-for-spill-at-brownsville

Tacoma mill fined $52,500 for air quality violation

December 15, 2022 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has fined WestRock CP, LLC $52,500 for failing to adequately treat hazardous air pollutants at their Tacoma mill.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/dec-15-westrock-tacoma-penalty

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

Statement from Ecology director on Supreme Court decision narrowing Clean Water Act protections

May 25, 2023 News release: A statement from Laura Watson on the May 25, 2023 Supreme Court Clean Water Act decision.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-25-director-watson-statement-on-supreme-court

Ecology penalizing barge owner $38,500 for fuel spill into Salish Sea

December 14, 2022 News release: Olympia Tug & Barge, Centerline Logistics is being penalized $38,500 for a spill to the Salish Sea.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/olympia-tug-barge-penalty

Ecology and Portland-based contractor settle penalty for water quality violations

December 12, 2022 News release: Ecology has reached a settlement agreement with Portland-based 1108 South Hillhurst Subdivision LLC for a $135,000 penalty issued for multiple water quality violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/dec-12-vista-ridge-pud-penalty-settlement

Stage 1 burn ban called for Ferry, Okanogan, Pend Oreille and Stevens counties

October 26, 2020 News release: Stage 1 burn ban begins Monday, Oct. 26, for several counties in north-central and eastern Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-26-stage-1-burn-ban-called-for-ferry-okanogan

Pasco auto body shop fined $22,000 for air quality violations

November 10, 2022 News release: Barajas Auto Body has been fined $22,000 for operating without a required air quality permit and releasing air pollution from their paint booth and spray-in bed liner booth.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/nov-10-barajas-penalty

Stage 1 burn ban called for Asotin, Columbia, Garfield and Walla Walla counties

November 8, 2019 News release: Stage 1 burn ban called for Asotin, Columbia, Garfield and Walla Walla counties

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/nov-8-stage-1-burn-ban-called-for-asotin-columbia

King County fined for sewer overflow violations

November 6, 2019 News release: King County will pay $105,500 to Ecology and EPA for violating conditions of its state water quality permit that regulate combined sewer overflows from parts of the county’s sewer collection system.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/nov-6-king-county-sewer-overflow-violations