Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Property owner fined $71,800 penalty for damage to wetlands, failure to abide by restoration agreement

January 7, 2025 News release: Ecology issued a $71,800 penalty to Chad Williams for damaging wetlands on property he owns near Camas, and failing to comply with an agreement he signed.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/jan-7-williams-wetland-penalty

Colville Tribes and Ecology announce partnership to improve air quality

March 26, 2025 News release: Ecology and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation sign an agreement to improve air quality.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/march-26-ecology-and-colville-mou

Ecology awards $9.6 million for landfill methane reduction

May 6, 2025 News release: Ecology awards nearly $10 million to landfill operators to comply with new methane emissions law.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/may-6-landfill-methane-emissions-reduction-grants

Port Townsend mill fined $56,250 for air quality violation

December 14, 2022 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has fined Port Townsend Paper Corporation $56,250 for exceeding an air quality limit at their Port Townsend mill.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/dec-14-port-townsend-paper-penalty

Cleanup proposed at Yakima Training Center

August 3, 2020 News release: Cleanup is proposed after years of military activity at the Yakima Training Center

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/yakima-training-center

Irrigators in Little Spokane River watershed will likely see water restrictions this summer

August 5, 2019 News release: Some water users in the Little Spokane River basin will have to curb their consumption if lower water levels persist this season.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/aug-5-little-spokane-river-water-restrictions-poss

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

Statement from Ecology Director Laura Watson on federal rule undermining Washington’s water quality

June 1, 2020 News release: Ecology Director Laura Watson's comments on new federal Clean Water Act Section 401 rule.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/june-1-statement-from-ecology-director-on-federal

Cosmopolis mill fined $18,000 for water quality violations

June 14, 2022 News release: Water quality violations at the Cosmo Specialty Fibers mill in Cosmopolis led to an $18,000 penalty from the Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-14-cosmo-specialty-fiber-penalty

Wood stove turn-in event announced for Kettle Falls

April 11, 2022 News release: To help reduce air pollution in the Colville River Valley, the Department of Ecology is offering $300 for old wood stoves at a turn-in event.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/april-11-kettle-falls-wood-stove-turn-in

Intalco fined for multiple air quality violations

February 1, 2019 News release: Intalco fined for multiple air quality violations of fluoride and particulate matter

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/feb-1-intalco-fined-for-air-quality-violations

Ecology receives $8.95 million settlement to help reduce air quality impacts from South Tacoma warehouse project

November 21, 2024 News release: As part of a settlement agreement, $8.95 million will be invested in South Tacoma to help reduce air quality impacts from a proposed warehouse project.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/nov-21-bridge-agreement

Whatcom County farm fined second time for illegal water use

October 17, 2024 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued a $20,000 fine to RAN General Partnership and its owner Rick Alamwala for illegal irrigation.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/oct-16-water-right-penalty

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

Comment on proposed rule to boost recycled content in plastic bags, containers

May 2, 2023 News release: Ecology is now accepting comments on a proposed rule to implement the recycled content requirements of the 2021 Plastics Law

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-2-ecology-seeks-comments-on-rule-for-recycled

Ecology invests $22 million to help rivers and streams

October 7, 2020 News release: Communities around the state will soon receive grant funds to support projects that protect rivers and improve streamflows. The Washington Department of Ecology is investing up to $22 million in 21 high priority projects located in 16 watersheds.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-7-streamflow-restoration-grants

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

EPA approves Lower White River water cleanup plan

March 2, 2023 News release: Ecology recently received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a water quality cleanup plan for the Lower White River.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/march-2-epa-approves-lower-white-river-tmdl

Damage to wetlands in Grant County results in $267,540 fine

February 10, 2023 News release: Ecology has fined the owners of King Ranch for damaging at least 23 alkali wetlands located in Grant County.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/feb-10-wetlands-in-grant-county

Public invited to comment on rule for Clean Fuel Standard

July 18, 2022 News release: Ecology is seeking public comment on the proposed rule for the Clean Fuel Standard, a new state climate policy effective Jan. 1, 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/july-18-clean-fuel-standard-public-comment

Olympia Brewery owner billed for State expenses for spill into Capitol Lake

February 11, 2021 News release: Olympia Brewery owner penalized and will pay response costs for spill into Capitol Lake

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/feb-11-olympia-brewery-spill-to-capitol-lake

Ecology and Whatcom County launch environmental review of proposed renewable fuels facility

January 16, 2020 News release: We and Whatcom County are preparing to work on an environmental impact statement for a proposed renewable fuels facility in Ferndale. We're taking public comment on the scope of what this study should cover.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/jan-16-green-apple-scoping

Ecology launches environmental review of proposed pumped storage energy project near Goldendale

January 13, 2021 News release: Environmental review of Goldendale Energy Project near John Day Dam

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/goldendale-energy-project

$2.2 million in grants awarded to improve water management and watershed restoration in the Walla Walla River Basin

June 29, 2023 News release: We are awarding $2.2 million in grant funding for watershed restoration and water management projects in the Walla Walla River Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/june-29-water-management-grants-in-walla-walla

$2.2 million in grants awarded to improve water management and watershed restoration in the Walla Walla River Basin

June 29, 2023 News release: We are awarding $2.2 million in grant funding for watershed restoration and water management projects in the Walla Walla River Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/june-29-water-management-grants-in-walla-walla-d6aec9105b52f49b93b3e53ec8138fe7

State sets new limits for toxic chemicals in water

August 14, 2024 News release: New protections for set for toxics in water.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-14-aquatic-life-toxics-criteria

Ecology offers $1.7 million in drought planning and preparedness grants

June 25, 2024 News release: To help Tribes, farmers and communities better plan and prepare for the impacts of drought, the Washington Department of Ecology is offering $1.7 million through a new grant program.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-25-drought-planning-and-preparedness-grants

Ecología actualiza el permiso de agua limpia para las operaciones ganaderas y lagunas de estiércol

December 6, 2022 News release: Ecología actualiza el permiso de agua limpia para las operaciones ganaderas y lagunas de estiércol.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/dec-7-operaciones-de-alimentacion-de-animales-conf

125 wastewater treatment plants earn outstanding performance honors

August 25, 2020 News release: 125 wastewater treatment plants earn outstanding performance awards for 2019.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/125-wastewater-treatment-plants-awards

Ecology investigating King County sewage discharge

July 19, 2019 News release: Ecology is investigating sewage treatment failures at King County’s two largest sewage treatment plants on July 18 and 19.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/july-19-ecology-investigating-king-county-sewage-d

Lake Osoyoos water levels on the rise

June 10, 2019 News release: Water levels in Osoyoos Lake are rising as the Washington State Department of Ecology works to respond to declared drought across the region.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/june-10-lake-osoyoos

Public invited to June 3rd meeting about East Fork Lewis River water quality

May 27, 2019 News release: Ecology is inviting the public to participate in a town hall meeting about East Fork Lewis River water quality. The event will take place June 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the La Center Grange.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/may-28-east-fork-lewis-river-public-meeting

Clark County contractor penalized for discharging sediment into creek, wetlands

March 22, 2022 News release: Rotschy Inc. penalized for discharging sediment into creek, wetlands

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/march-22-rotschy-penalty

Stage 1 burn ban called for Omak area

January 19, 2021 News release: Stage 1 burn ban for Omak begins Jan. 19

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/jan-21-outdoor-and-indoor-burning-limited-to-impro

Longview paper mill fined $68,000 for water quality violations

February 16, 2022 News release: Repeated water quality violations at the North Pacific Paper Company LLC (NORPAC) mill in Longview led to a $68,000 penalty from the Washington Department of Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/feb-16-norpac-penalty

New rules add clarity for cap-and-invest program

September 7, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has proposed new rules to clarify aspects of the Allowance Price Containment Reserve (APCR).

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-7-apcr-rulemaking

Ecology names new Office of Chehalis Basin director

October 28, 2023 News release: Ecology Director Laura Watson has tapped Jeff Zenk to lead the Office of Chehalis Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/ecology-selects-jeff-zenk-to-lead-office-of-chehalis-basin

Ecology seeks community input on local air quality issues

November 2, 2023 News release: Ecology is holding open houses in Spokane, George and Mattawa as part of our work in overburdened communities under the Climate Commitment Act.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/ecology-seeks-community-input-on-local-air-quality

Ecology, Olympia Brewery owner reach settlement over 2019 spill

November 8, 2023 News release: Ecology and Olympia Brewery reach settlement over 2019 spill

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-8-ecology-olympia-brewery-owner-reach-settlement-over-2019-spill

Ecology names new central Washington region director

January 23, 2024 News release: David Bowen to oversee regional environmental work spanning water, air quality, cleanup, environmental justice and more.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/jan-23-ecology-names-new-central-washington-region-director

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

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

Ecology completes environmental review for proposed Goldendale Energy Storage Project

December 21, 2022 News release: Ecology's analysis examines the project's potential adverse environmental impacts. Permitting agencies will use the environmental review in project-related decision making over the next two years.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/ecology-completes-environmental-review-for-propose

Awarding $312 million to communities for clean water projects

July 1, 2021 News release: Ecology is awarding $312 million in grants and loans for 108 high-priority clean water projects.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/july-1-awarding-312-million-to-communities-for-cl

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

Ecology uses cash to convert dry cleaners to less toxic options

June 1, 2021 News release: Fifty dry cleaning businesses across the state have switched from toxic PERC to a less toxic alternative. However, about 60 are still using PERC, prompting Ecology to redouble its efforts.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/perc-milestone

In support of salmon recovery, Ecology seeks feedback on proposed rule changes

July 31, 2019 News release: Proposed changes would allow more spill over dams on the Snake and Columbia rivers, allowing more juvenile salmon to migrate.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/july-31-feedback-on-proposed-rule-to-support-salmo

Comment period extended for Goldendale Energy Storage Project draft EIS

June 6, 2022 News release: We're extending the comment period on a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed Goldendale Energy Storage Project adjacent to the Columbia River in Klickitat County.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-6-goldendale-energy-storage-draft-eis

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

Planning for better water quality in Budd Inlet

June 8, 2022 News release: A new report from Ecology details the steps needed to protect Budd Inlet and provide relief to fish and wildlife, while also helping the inlet to meet state water quality standards.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-8-budd-inlet-water-quality-plan