Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Environmental penalties issued for the first quarter of 2022

May 11, 2022 News release: Summary of penalties issued from January through March 2022.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/first-quarter-penalties-2022

Preventing litter is “Simple As That,” says new campaign in Washington

September 11, 2022 News release: Washington litter prevention campaign "Simple As That" encourages people to use a litter bag and talk to their family and friends about littering.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/simple-as-that

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

Inslee names Laura Watson director of Washington State Department of Ecology

December 20, 2019 News release: Gov. Jay Inslee named Laura Watson director of the Washington State Department of Ecology today. She replaces Maia Bellon, who Inslee appointed in 2013.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/dec-20-inslee-names-laura-watson-director-of-ecolo

Seattle and King County fined for sewer overflow violations

December 18, 2020 News release: We and EPA are fining King County $14,000 and Seattle $32,500 for violations of their combined sewer overflow consent decrees

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/dec-18-king-county-and-seattle-cso

Washington adopts plan for transition to zero-emission vehicles

December 19, 2022 News release: Washington adopts plan for transition to new zero-emission vehicles by 2035.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/dec-19-clean-vehicles-ii-adoption

Environmental penalties issued for the 3rd quarter of 2021

November 16, 2021 News release: Environmental penalties issued for the 3rd quarter of 2021.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/nov-16-3rd-quarter-environmental-penalties

Ecology begins rulemaking for 2021 plastics law

November 8, 2021 News release: We have begun a rulemaking process that will increase the amount of recycled content used in some plastic containers, including beverage bottles.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/ecology-begins-rulemaking-for-2021-plastics-law

State of Washington, federal agencies announce conceptual agreement in Hanford Site Holistic Negotiations

May 2, 2023 News release: USDOE, Ecology Ecology, and (EPA) announced that negotiating teams have reached conceptual agreement in Holistic Negotiations on revising plans for managing millions of gallons of waste stored in tanks at the Hanford Site.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-2-hanford-site-holistic-negotiations-conceptua

Grants awarded for Washington’s first electric fire engines

April 27, 2023 News release: Washington will receive the state’s first electric fire engines in 2026. Ecology has given $1.18 M to Bellevue and Redmond through our VW and Clean Diesel grant programs.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-27-grants-awarded-for-washington-s-first-ele

Updates proposed to lab accreditation process

April 19, 2023 News release: Seeking public input on proposed changes to the Accreditation of Environmental Laboratories rule. Changes include improved guidelines and updated fees.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-19-updates-to-lab-accreditation-process

Pilchuck River watershed needs cool pools and more shade

October 15, 2020 News release: Comment on a plan to cool the Pilchuck River and its tributaries and protect their dissolved oxygen levels

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-15-pilchuck-watershed

'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

Proposal to apply biosolids at five Lewis County sites now open to public review

October 14, 2020 News release: Fire Mountain Farms biosolids comment period

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-14-fire-mountain-farms-biosolids-comment-peri

Loans for septic repairs and replacement now available to entire state

September 21, 2021 News release: Homeowners in every county can now access loans to repair and replace septic systems

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/sept-21-septic-loans

Environmental penalties for third quarter 2019

October 30, 2019 News release: Third quarter environmental penalties for 2019

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/oct-30-3rdq-penalties

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

New Ecology rule updates dangerous waste regulations

October 1, 2020 News release: Washington has updated regulations preventing dangerous wastes from making their way into the environment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-1-new-ecology-rule-updates-dangerous-waste-reg

No bags in the bin! Plastic bags contaminate recycling system

April 5, 2023 News release: Ecology awareness campaign aims to reduce plastic bags contamination in Washington’s residential recycling.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/recycle-right-no-bags-in-the-bin

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

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

State adopts updated Colville River watershed plan

June 30, 2020 News release: A locally-developed watershed plan will protect rivers and streams in the Colville River watershed while securing water for future rural growth.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/june-30-wria-59-colville-streamflow-plan

Awarding $216 million to communities for clean water projects

June 22, 2020 News release: We are awarding $216 million in grants and loans to fund 81 high-priority clean water projects to help upgrade sewer systems, manage stormwater, and prevent nonpoint pollution.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/june-22-clean-water-grant-awards

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

Ecology helps Okanogan County fight smoke - with steam

July 18, 2019 News release: Ecology awarded Okanogan County’s solid waste department $85,000 to help purchase a new wood chipper and steam treatment equipment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/july-18-ecology-helps-okanogan-county-fight-smoke

Ecology adopts new watershed plan for Duwamish-Green river basin

May 13, 2021 News release: A new plan for the Duwamish-Green watershed lays 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/may-13-duwamish-green-watershed-plan-approved

Capturing the Walla Walla River Basin’s vision for integrated water management

May 10, 2021 News release: WWW2050 plan provides a 30-year framework for managing water in the Walla Walla River Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/may-10-draft-ww-water-2050-plan

40 electric school buses headed to Washington districts

April 29, 2020 News release: Ecology is helping 22 school districts across Washington buy a total of 40 new electric school buses.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/april-29-electric-school-buses-headed-to-wa

50 electric buses coming to Washington transit agencies

June 12, 2019 News release: Ecology puts $13.3 million from VW settlement toward zero-emission buses

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/june-12-50-electric-buses-coming-to-washington-tra

Proposal to apply biosolids at five Lewis County sites approved

April 19, 2021 News release: Ecology finalized an agreed order with Fire Mountain Farms, Inc., to apply biosolids at five sites in Lewis County.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/fire-mountain-farms-agreed-order

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

Cooke Aquaculture applies to modify water quality permits for steelhead farming in Puget Sound

April 13, 2020 News release: Cooke Aquaculture has submitted applications to modify its existing permits to raise steelhead.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/cooke-aquaculture-applies-to-modify-permits

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

Environmental evaluation for proposed Chehalis River flood reduction project ready for review

February 27, 2020 News release: Ecology released the state EIS for a proposed flood retention dam on the Chehalis River, and seeking public comments through April 27.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/feb-27-chehalis-flood-reduction-project-eis

Cooke Aquaculture will pay full $332,000 penalty for fish pen collapse in Puget Sound

April 29, 2019 News release: Cooke Aquaculture will pay full $332,00 penalty for 2017 net pen collapse

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/april-29-cooke-aquaculture-will-pay-full-penalty

Environmental penalties issued for the 4th quarter of 2021

February 28, 2022 News release: Environmental penalties issued for the 4th quarter of 2021

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/march-1-4th-quarter-penalty-summary

Recurring violations lead to dangerous waste fine for Tukwila business

February 7, 2019 News release: After repeatedly finding improper management of dangerous wastes at an aircraft parts manufacturer in Tukwila, we have fined the company $17,000.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/feb-7-fatigue-technology-fine

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

Pullman business penalized for oil spill to the South Fork Palouse River

June 29, 2023 News release: Pullman business Four Star Supply penalized for oil spill to the South Fork Palouse River

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/four-star-penalty-for-oil-spill-to-south-fork-palouse-river

Pullman business penalized for oil spill to the South Fork Palouse River

June 29, 2023 News release: Four Star Supply penalized for spilling oil to the South Fork Palouse River

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/june-29-four-star-penalty-for-oil-spill-to-south-fork-palouse-river

Washington proposes restricting refrigerants linked to global warming

July 13, 2023 News release: Washington proposes a rule to ban the sale of new air conditioners and commercial refrigeration that contain hydrofluorocarbons.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/july-13-hfc-rule-proposal

Ecology funds more zero-emission public vehicles in communities across Washington

July 26, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology is offering $16.3 million in Volkswagen Settlement grants for switching out public vehicles and diesel equipment with zero-emissions models.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/july-26-new-vw-settlement-grants-for-diesel-vehicles-and-equipment

“Charge Where You Are”: Ecology offers grants for EV charging stations

September 26, 2023 News release: Ecology will offer $3.5 million in grants to increase access to EV charging infrastructure across Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-26-charge-where-you-are-grant-announcement

State penalizes Lakehaven Water and Sewer District $85,200 for polluting Cold Creek

October 3, 2023 News release: We’ve penalized the Lakehaven Water and Sewer District $85,200 and issued an administrative order related to 2022 discharges of incompletely treated wastewater.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/oct-3-lakehaven-water-sewer-district-penalty

Plastic bottles and bags to be made with more recycled content

October 31, 2023 News release: New regulations from the Washington Department of Ecology will increase the value of plastic that gets recycled and reused to make new plastic packaging.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/oct-31-law-increases-recycling-decreases-waste

Washington proposes new rule to decrease methane emissions from landfills

October 30, 2023 News release: Ecology is proposing a rule to reduce more emissions of methane from municipal solid waste landfills.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/oct-30-decrease-methane-emissions-from-landfills

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

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

Protecting streamflows and fish in the Walla Walla River and Mill Creek

August 9, 2024 News release: Learn more about how we're protecting streamflows and fish in the Walla Walla River and Mill Creek.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-9-walla-walla-streamflows

Most EPS foam containers banned from sale and distribution in WA starting June 1

May 29, 2024 News release: Beginning June 1, it will be illegal to sell or distribute expanded polystyrene foam coolers, plates, bowls, cups, trays and clamshell containers in Washington

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/may-29-eps-foam-clamshell-containers-plates-bowls-cups-trays-and-coolers-are-banned-for-sale