Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

$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

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

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 announces new southwest region director

March 7, 2024 News release: Bobbak Talebi named Ecology's new Southwest Region director.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/march-7-ecology-announces-new-southwest-region-director

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

California, Québec and Washington to begin linkage agreement discussions

September 23, 2024 News release: This is the second joint statement released by California, Québec and Washington about their path toward linkage.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/california-quebec-and-washington-to-begin-linkage-agreement-discussions

Ecology names new director for Office of Columbia River

January 8, 2025 News release: Larry Mattson to oversee regional work protecting water supplies in the Columbia Basin

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/jan-8-ecology-names-new-ocr-director

New steps to improve groundwater management in the Pasco Basin

May 9, 2025 News release: Working to meet water needs in the Pasco Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/may-8-pasco-boundary-designation

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

2019 data shows greenhouse gas emissions increased

December 28, 2022 News release: The latest data available in Washington’s inventory of greenhouse gas emissions shows statewide emissions rose in 2019, reaching their highest mark since 2007.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/dec-28-2019-state-ghg-inventory

Ecology declares drought emergency

July 14, 2021 News release: Extreme heat and prolonged dryness result in emergency drought declaration for most of Washington state.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/2021-drought-declaration

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

After restoration success, Ecology proposes site-specific rulemaking for Chelan River

March 24, 2021 News release: Following a decade of restoration work, we are considering site-specific water quality standards that reflect the unique nature of the river.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/march-25-chelan-river-rulemaking

Water quality penalties fund environmental restoration

April 3, 2019 News release: Ecology to provide $331,000 for 12 local environmental enhancement projects

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/april-3-water-quality-penalties-fund-restoration

Ecology issues $1 million fine to U.S. Department of Energy for not providing access to crucial data

January 6, 2020 News release: Ecology issued a $1 million penalty to the U.S. Department of Energy for restricting the state’s access to critical data. The restricted data is vital to Ecology’s regulatory and oversight role at the Hanford Site in Eastern Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/jan-6-ecology-fines-u-s-department-of-energy-1-mi

Nisqually watershed plan earns state’s first approval under new water law

February 1, 2019 News release: A locally-developed plan to protect natural resources in the Nisqually River watershed is the first to gain approval under Washington’s streamflow restoration law, adopted last year in response to the State Supreme Court’s “Hirst” decision.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/feb-1-nisqually-watershed-plan

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

Industrial sites have new requirements to protect water quality

December 2, 2024 News release: Ecology has issued the updated Industrial Stormwater General permit for nearly 1,200 facilities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/dec-2-industrial-stormwater-permit

Preventing litter? New campaign reminds Washingtonians it’s as ‘Simple As That’

September 12, 2024 News release: The “Simple As That” litter prevention campaign launches September 13 with advertising around the state and partnerships with retailers and community groups.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/sept-12-preventing-litter-new-campaign-reminds-washingtonians-it-s-as-simple-as-that

State of Washington, federal agencies agree on future of tank waste cleanup at Hanford Site

April 29, 2024 News release: The Hanford Site agencies have announced a landmark agreement for cleaning up millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste from large, underground tanks at the Hanford Site.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/holistic-negotiations-agreement

Ecology proposes new updates to help industry transition to clean semi-trucks

May 15, 2025 News release: Ecology proposed regulatory updates plus over $130 million in state funding will get more zero-emission semi-trucks operating in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/ecology-proposes-new-updates-to-help-industry-transition-to-clean-semi-trucks

Ecology begins rulemaking on climate funds reporting

May 25, 2023 News release: Ecology is starting new rulemaking focused on reporting requirements for state agencies that receive and use CCA auction revenues.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-25-cca-funds-reporting

Burn ban lifted in Ferry, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, and Stevens counties

October 28, 2020 News release: A Stage 1 burn ban was lifted for four Northeast Washington counties.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-28-burn-ban-lifted-in-ferry-pend-oreille-oka

First cap-and-invest auction raised $299 million for climate response

March 28, 2023 News release: Washington's first cap-and-invest auction raises over $299 million for critical climate projects.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/march-28-revenue-raised-by-cap-and-invest-auction

Ecology adds additional phone-in only hearing for Kalama methanol testimony

September 17, 2020 News release: New phone-in only hearing scheduled for Kalama second Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/phone-in-only-hearing-scheduled-for-kalama-second

Ecology finds application incomplete for Kalama methanol project

October 9, 2019 News release: An Ecology statement regarding an application for a shoreline conditional use permit for a proposed methanol project in Kalama.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/oct-9-ecology-statement-on-kalama-methanol

Ecology invites public comment on changes to some air quality permit fees

September 7, 2022 News release: Ecology is seeking public comment on a proposed rule for some air quality permit fees.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/sept-7-aq-permit-fees-public-comment

Public invited to comment on firefighting foam collection and disposal plan

September 1, 2020 News release: Ecology is seeking public comment on its determination of non-significance and SEPA review of its AFFF collection proposal.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/sep-1-afff-public-comment

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

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

Instream flow rule amendment adopted for Nooksack watershed

May 28, 2020 News release: Ecology has amended the instream flow rule that affects parts of Whatcom County and small areas in Skagit County. The amendment provides water for new rural homeowners and benefits streamflows in the Nooksack River watershed.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/may-28-nooksack-instream-flow-rule-amendment

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

Public comment needed on cleanup plans for contaminated BSB Diversified site in Kent

May 12, 2022 News release: Washington’s Department of Ecology needs feedback regarding plans to continue cleanup of the BSB Diversified property in Kent.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/may-12-public-comment-needed-on-cleanup-plans-for

Ecology to exercise regulatory flexibility during COVID-19 crisis

March 27, 2020 News release: All applicable state requirements remain in effect, but Ecology will exercise reasonable discretion within our authority when deciding whether to pursue potential violations that may be linked to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/march-27-ecology-to-exercise-regulatory-flexibilit

Public input sought on environmental review for new Duwamish–Green river watershed plan

March 8, 2021 News release: A new plan for the Duwamish-Green watershed lays out priorities to protect fish habitat and ensuring sufficient water for rural residents. We're seeking public comments through April 8.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/mar-8-duwamish-green-watershed-sepa-comment-period

Public invited to meeting about Olympia brewery oil spill

April 15, 2019 News release: We're holding a public meeting on April 18 about how we are responding to the Olympia Brewery oil spill in the Deschutes River and Capitol Lake.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/april-15-olympia-brewery-spill-public-meeting

Osoyoos water levels to rise earlier than normal

March 21, 2019 News release: Osoyoos Lake levels will rise earlier than normal this year at Zosel Dam near Oroville, Wash.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/march-21-zosel-2019

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

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

New protections to reduce plastic and foam pollution from dock floats

December 13, 2023 News release: Starting in January 2024, floating plastic foam used to support floating docks and walkways must be fully encased in a durable shell.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/dec-13-new-protections-reduce-pollution-docks

Coleman Oil Company fined for spill near Colfax

December 12, 2024 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has fined Coleman Oil $12,000 for the spill and for failing to notify authorities promptly.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/dec-12-coleman-oil-company-fined-for-spill-near-colfax

New grants will help Washington landfills reduce methane emissions

August 6, 2024 News release: Ecology is award $15 million in grants from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act to help cut climate-warming methane escaping from municipal solid waste landfills.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/ecology-opens-landfill-methane-grants

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

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

Wetlands remain protected in Washington state despite recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling

June 5, 2023 News release: Wetlands retain state protections in Washington following a Supreme Court decision on federal protections.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/june-5-wetlands-permitting

109 wastewater treatment plants across Washington awarded for top performance

May 17, 2023 News release: 2023 winners of the outstanding wastewater treatment plant awards

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-17-outstanding-wastewater-treatment-plant-awar

Ecology to improve hazardous waste planning fee rule

September 15, 2022 News release: Washington state’s Department of Ecology wants to make its hazardous waste planning fee more equitable by clarifying how it will be calculated.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/sept-15-ecology-to-improve-hazardous-waste-plannin

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

Water quality permit holders to see updated fees in 2023

March 22, 2023 News release: The fees paid by the 6,800 water quality permittees in Washington state are undergoing a revision.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/march-22-water-quality-permit-fee-rule