Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Franklin County farm fined for illegal water use

October 20, 2021 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has issued a $304,000 penalty to Frank Tiegs LLC for illegally irrigating 250 acres of crops in Franklin County in 2021.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/water-right-penalty

City of Bellingham and Strider Construction fined for Padden Creek sewage spill

July 8, 2016 News release:

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2016/jul-8-city-of-bellingham-and-strider-contruction-f

Electron Hydro settles penalty for water quality violations in Puyallup River

November 8, 2022 News release: Electron Hydro LLC will pay a reduced penalty and contribute to a water quality and fish habitat improvement project under a settlement agreement with Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/nov-8-electron-dam-settlement

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

No food in landfills is goal of Food Waste Prevention Week, April 10-16

April 10, 2023 News release: It’s Food Waste Prevention Week 2023! Preventing food waste increases food security, improves agricultural productivity and efficiency, promotes resource conservation, and reduces harmful greenhouse gases.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-10

New analysis offers clearer picture of greenhouse gas emissions from Kalama methanol facility

September 2, 2020 News release: Ecology is releasing a second Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement on the proposed Kalama methanol facility.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/sept-2-new-analysis-offers-clearer-picture-of-gree

Ace Hardware fined for diesel spill to Snoqualmie River

July 1, 2021 News release: Ace Hardware fined for diesel spill to Snoqualmie River

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/ace-hardware-fined-for-diesel-spill-to-snoqualmie

Fall drawdown at Lake Osoyoos commences

September 16, 2019 News release: Lake Osoyoos is being drawn down for the winter. Which means increased flows to the Okanogan River this week

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/fall-drawdown-at-lake-osoyoos-commences

State works to set zero emission vehicle standards

June 24, 2021 News release: Adopting new standards for zero emission vehicles in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/june-24-state-works-to-set-zero-emission-vehicle-s

Ecology and Clark County contractor settle penalty for water quality violations

July 20, 2022 News release: Rotschy Inc. will pay $101,000 to the Washington Department of Ecology under an agreement to settle an appeal of a larger penalty for nine water quality violations

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/july-20-rotschy-penalty-settlement

Changes proposed to strengthen oil spill requirements for facilities, vessels and pipelines

August 7, 2019 News release: Proposed amendments to bring requirements in line with the increased movement of oil across Washington and the changing nature of spills. Changes include sinking oils, wildlife response service providers and spill management teams.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/contingency-plan-updates-for-vessels-facilities-an

Drought declaration lifted for Eastern Washington

July 19, 2022 News release: Unanticipated cool, wet weather in May and June prompted the Washington Department of Ecology to cancel the drought declaration for Central and Eastern Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/july-19-end-of-drought-2022

Outstanding performance awards go to 110 wastewater treatment plants

August 5, 2019 News release: Wastewater treatment plant operators play a critical role in keeping Washington’s waters clean. 110 wastewater treatment plants in Washington garnered top-performing status this year.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/aug-5-outstanding-performance-awards-for-wastewate

Ecology and Westport seafood processer settle penalty for water quality violations

July 12, 2022 News release: Pacific Seafood – Westport, LLC will pay $92,250 to the Washington Department of Ecology under an agreement to settle an appeal of a larger penalty for 49 water quality violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/july-11-pacific-seafood-settlement

Washington’s new litter prevention campaign asks drivers to secure their vehicle loads

May 24, 2021 News release: The We Keep Washington Litter Free litter campaign launches May 24 and initially focuses on promoting secured vehicle loads to reduce road litter and increase safety.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/we-keep-wa-litter-free

Mukilteo company fined $70,500 for water quality violations

May 20, 2021 News release: We have fined Mukilteo aircraft parts maker Advanced Aero System $70,500 failing to ensure its industrial wastewater discharges met state pollution limits.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/may-20-advanced-aero-systems

Portland contractor fined $135,000 for repeated water quality violations at Ridgefield construction site

June 13, 2022 News release: Ecology has fined 1108 South Hillhurst Subdivision LLC $135,000 for repeated water quality violations, and failing to meet the requirements of the Construction Stormwater General Permit.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-13-vista-ridge-pud-penalty

State reviews record amount of water quality data in effort to prioritize improvements

April 8, 2021 News release: Ecology uses the water quality assessment to categorize state waters as clean or polluted. The new draft assessment is now available for review.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/draft-water-quality-assessment

Changes proposed to strengthen railroads’ oil spill response efforts

June 6, 2019 News release: Public comment for rulemaking to update railroad companies' oil spill contingency plans

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/june-6-railroad-oil-spill-response-efforts

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 Youth Corps suspends summer litter crews for teens

March 23, 2020 News release: Ecology has canceled its 2020 Ecology Youth Corps summer litter crews for teens 14-17. Roadside litter removal will shift to adult crews for 2020 season

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/ecology-youth-corps-suspends-summer-litter-crews-f

Diesel spill from grounded vessel at Silverdale Waterfront Park leads to fine

May 11, 2022 News release: In December 2020, a grounded vessel caused a diesel spill.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/may-11-diesel-spill-from-grounded-vessel-at-silver

Grays Harbor seafood processor fined for multiple water quality violations

April 14, 2022 News release: Pacific Seafood fined for water quality violations

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/pacific-seafood-fined-for-water-quality-violations

Environmental review halted after applicant cancels renewable fuels project in Ferndale

January 21, 2020 News release: We and Whatcom County are halting our joint environmental review of the proposed Green Apple renewable fuel facility near Ferndale. The company has announced it no longer plans to proceed with the project.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/jan-21-21-green-apple-cancellation

Incentives for innovation included in proposed updates to permit fees

March 8, 2019 News release: Proposed updates to the water quality permit fees include new incentives, winery permit, and inflation adjustments

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/march-8-incentives-for-innovation-proposed-permit

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

Summer jobs open for Central WA teens

February 4, 2022 News release: Our Central Region is recruiting youth to help pick up litter on our roadways this summer.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/feb-4-central-wa-eyc-recruitment

Ecology invests first $20 million to help protect rivers and streams

January 28, 2019 News release: A new grant program through the Washington Department of Ecology will invest up to $20 million across the state to support local projects to protect rivers and improve streamflows.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/jan-28-investing-20-million-to-protect-streamflow

Cleanup of former Reynolds Metals site moving forward

January 24, 2019 News release: A $28 million cleanup of contamination left over from smelting operations at the former Reynolds Metals site will move forward after the Washington Department of Ecology finalized the plan and legal agreements to perform the work.

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

Moses Lake company fined $36,000 for air pollution

January 5, 2022 News release: Granite Construction has been fined $36,000 by the Washington Department of Ecology for air pollution released from their asphalt plant near Moses Lake.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/granite-construction-fined

Pierce County contractor fined $56,000 for multiple water quality violations

June 28, 2023 News release: Ecology has issued a $56,000 fine to Puyallup-based RM Homes LLC for multiple water quality violations at an Edwards Drive construction site in Gig Harbor.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/june-28-rm-homes-penalty

Grant County farm fined for unpermitted water use

June 30, 2023 News release: Ecology has issued a $10,000 penalty to Stevens Land Holdings, LLC, for continuing to irrigate 100 acres of alfalfa in Grant County without a permit.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/june-30-grant-county-farm-fined-for-unpermitted-water-use

Grant County farm fined for unpermitted water use

June 30, 2023 News release: Ecology has issued a $10,000 penalty to Stevens Land Holdings, LLC, for continuing to irrigate 100 acres of alfalfa in Grant County without a permit.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/june-30-grant-county-farm-fined-for-unpermitted-water-use-c85df6316fff04157083430df795ec83

Ecology declares drought emergency in 12 counties

July 24, 2023 News release: An emergency drought declaration has been issued for watersheds in Benton, Clallam, Columbia, Jefferson, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, Skagit, Snohomish, Walla Walla, Whatcom, and Yakima counties.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/july-24-ecology-declares-drought-emergency-in-12-counties

Ecology invites public comment on shoreline management updates for Thurston County

August 8, 2024 News release: Ecology seeks public input on changes to the Thurston County Shoreline Master Program (SMP) to help the county bring the plan up-to-date with state and local laws.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-8-thurston-county-public-comment

Lakehaven Water and Sewer District settles penalty for sewage spills

July 11, 2024 News release: The Lakehaven Water and Sewer District has paid $40,000 to resolve violations of its water quality permit as part of a settlement agreement with Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/july-11-lakehaven-water-and-sewer-district-settlement

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

Settlement reached in penalty for Lake Washington Ship Canal fuel spill

June 17, 2024 News release: The Department of Ecology has settled a $22,000 penalty issued to Coastal Transportation Inc. for a February 2023 spill of diesel into Seattle’s Lake Washington Ship Canal during a fuel transfer.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-17-settlement-reached-for-fuel-spill

New approach to determine the natural conditions of Washington’s waters

May 10, 2024 News release: New approach to determine the natural conditions. Proposed standards would help state identify pollution and set discharge limits

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/may-10-new-approach-to-natural-conditions

Puyallup contractor settles water quality penalty

May 2, 2024 News release: Puyallup-based contractor RM Homes LLC will pay a reduced $40,000 penalty for water quality violations

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/may-2-puyallup-contractor-settles-penalty

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

California, Québec and Washington agree to explore linkage

March 20, 2024 News release: California, Québec and Washington officially express interest in the potential formation of a shared carbon market between the three jurisdictions.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/mar-20-shared-carbon-market

Fish tender fined for fuel spill to Lake Washington Ship Canal

March 1, 2024 News release: Ecology is issuing a $22,000 penalty to Coastal Transportation Inc. for negligence in operations during a fuel transfer that led to diesel spilling into the Lake Washington Ship Canal.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/mar-1-fish-tender-fined-for-fuel-spill-to-lake-washington-ship-canal

Proposal would require oil handlers, transporters to prove ability to pay for spills

January 19, 2024 News release: Ecology proposes rule requiring vessels, pipelines and facilities to show financial responsibility for worst-case spills.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/jan-19-cofr-rule-proposal

Waste disposal company penalized $25,000 for improperly managing dangerous waste

January 9, 2024 News release: Ecology issued a $25,000 penalty to Burlington Environmental-Washougal for failure to comply with Washington's dangerous waste regulations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/jan-9-clark-county-dangerous-waste-penalty

What’s in your backyard? Public invited to test soil samples for toxics

April 16, 2025 News release: Two upcoming soil testing events hosted by the Washington Department of Ecology will allow residents to check whether soils in their yards have traces of historic chemical contamination.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/april-16-soil-testing

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

Environmental penalties issued for first half of 2024

October 14, 2024 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued $1,951,369 in penalties of $1,000 or more from Jan. 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/oct-14-environmental-penalties-issued-for-first-half-of-2024

Ecology completes environmental review for proposed Kalama methanol facility

December 21, 2020 News release: Ecology releases the final Second Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Kalama methanol facility

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/dec-21-kalama-sseis

Securing your load leads to safer travels for everyone

June 5, 2023 News release: A photo of a Washington State Patrol Trooper explaining how to properly secure a vehicles load.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/2023-secure-your-load