Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Ecology proposes updates to wastewater treatment plant operator certification program

March 13, 2019 News release: Proposed updates to Washington State Department of Ecology’s Wastewater Operator Certification Program reflect new treatment technologies, create opportunities for professional growth, and establish a new fee schedule.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/march-13-updates-to-operator-certification-program

State emissions rise in new greenhouse gas data

January 14, 2021 News release: New greenhouse gas data shows that emissions rose 1.3% from 2017 to 2018.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/jan-14-state-emissions-rise-in-new-greenhouse-gas

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

Yakima area air quality focus of March 24 listening sessions

March 10, 2022 News release: On March 24, the Washington Department of Ecology will host two virtual listening sessions for Yakima area residents to hear about their concerns with air quality issues in their communities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/march-10-yakima-listening-sessions-on-march-24

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

Ecology revises Puget Sound net pen permits for steelhead

January 6, 2021 News release: Water quality permits updated to allow steelhead in four Puget Sound net pens.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/ecology-revises-puget-sound-net-pen-permits-for-st

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

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

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

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

Vancouver fined $60,000 for spilling sewage into Columbia River

January 4, 2019 News release: We have fined the city of Vancouver $60,000 for spilling nearly 600,000 gallons of raw or partially treated sewage into the Columbia River in 2017

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/jan-4-vancouver

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

State proposes plan for $112.7 million VW settlement

November 16, 2017 News release:

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2017/nov-16-vw-settlement-plan

More than $300 million awarded to support clean water projects

June 21, 2023 News release: More than 125 clean water projects across Washington will receive $314 million in grants and loans from Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/june-21-more-than-300-million-awarded

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

$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

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

$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

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

Statewide drought advisory issued for Washington

July 5, 2023 News release: The warmest May on record and an abnormally dry spring and early summer have prompted the Department of Ecology to issue a statewide drought advisory.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/5-july-statewide-drought-advisory-issued-for-washington

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

$11.3 million available for water banking grants

August 2, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology is now accepting applications for $11.3 million in water banking grants to help rural communities preserve water supplies for local use.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/august-2-water-banking-grants

State fines Community Transit and its contractor $10,000 each for water quality permit violations

August 15, 2023 News release: Ecology fines Community Transit and its contractor $10,000 each for water quality permit violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/community-transit-ca-carey-penalty

Applicants sought to serve on Hanford Advisory Board

September 5, 2023 News release: The Hanford Advisory Board (HAB) is seeking new members to advise federal and state agencies on the ongoing cleanup of the Hanford Site in southeast Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-5-applicants-sought-to-serve-on-hanford-advisory-board

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

“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

Ecology taking broad environmental planning look at potential solar, onshore wind energy facilities

September 27, 2023 News release: Ecology seeking public input on how to design environmental impact statements for solar and onshore wind energy projects.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-27-ecology-seeking-public-comment

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

Washington seeks to link carbon market with California, Québec

November 2, 2023 News release: Director Laura Watson made a preliminary decision today to pursue linking Washington’s cap-and-invest program to carbon markets in California and Québec.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-2-ecology-to-pursue-carbon-market-linkage

State and EPA ready grants to restore salmon habitat, improve water quality near Puget Sound

November 14, 2023 News release: EPA has awarded Ecology up to $30 million to boost the health of Puget Sound rivers and streams.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-14-state-and-epa-ready-grants-to-restore-salmon-habitat-improve-water-quality-near-puget-sou

Lewis County landowner penalized $168,000 for stormwater pollution

November 16, 2023 News release: Ecology is penalizing a landowner in Lewis County $168,000 for repeated water quality violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-16-lewis-county-landowner-penalty

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

Spokane Galvanizing penalized $32,000 for mismanaging dangerous waste

July 31, 2024 News release: Spokane Galvanizing received a $32,000 penalty for violating state dangerous waste laws.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/july-31-west-plains-sampling-for-pfas

Seattle shipyard penalized $112,000 for water quality violations

December 17, 2024 News release: Ecology is issuing a $112,000 penalty to Northlake Shipyard in Seattle for failing to protect water quality, including polluting Lake Union and mishandling toxic chemicals.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/dec-17-seattle-shipyard-penalized-112-000-for-water-quality-violations

Electric school buses to earn extra credit in 2025

December 11, 2024 News release: By early 2026, more than 200 electric school buses will be at Washington schools.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/dec-11-electric-school-buses-to-earn-extra-credit-in-2025

New rulemaking will reduce plastic and other contamination in compost

December 10, 2024 News release: New rule is aimed at reducing contamination in organic waste going to organic waste handling facilities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/dec-10

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

Washington aces first Climate Commitment Act compliance test

November 15, 2024 News release: Climate Commitment Act businesses had to turn in emissions allowances for the first time in November. 99.9% were submitted-- a strong start to achieving the policy’s greenhouse gas limits.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/nov-15-washington-aces-first-climate-commitment-act-compliance-event

Community grants available to improve outdoor air for most vulnerable

August 29, 2024 News release: Ecology is providing $10 million from Climate Commitment Act funds for grants to improve air quality in overburdened communities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-29-community-grants-open-to-improve-air-quality

Hanford Advisory Board to meet in Spokane Sept. 10-11, 2024

August 27, 2024 News release: The Hanford Advisory Board is holding its next regional meeting in Spokane, WA, Sept. 10. The Board will hear updates on Hanford cleanup and consider advice to issue to the Tri-Party Agencies.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-27-hanford-advisory-board-to-meet-in-spokane-sept-10-11-2024

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

Lewis County Commissioner Scott Brummer takes seat on Chehalis Basin Board

August 5, 2024 News release: Lewis County Commissioner Scott Brummer takes seat on Chehalis Basin Board

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-5-scott-brummer-named-to-chehalis-basin-board

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

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

Ecology orders Walla Walla station owner to continue work to protect community from gas spill

June 18, 2024 News release: Enforcement order order requires Walla Walla gas station owner to continue work to reduce harmful vapors from gasoline spill and remove contaminated water from nearby buildings.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-18-ecology-issues-enforcement-order-to-walla-walla-gas-station-owner