Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

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

Puget Sound wastewater treatment plants to tackle nutrient pollution with new permit

November 30, 2021 News release: Wastewater treatment plants to start controlling nutrient pollution with new permit.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/dec-1-puget-sound-nutrient-permit

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

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

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

Washington sets path to phase out gas vehicles by 2035

September 7, 2022 News release: Ecology is seeking public comment on a proposed rule for the Clean Vehicles Program, including zero-emission vehicles standards, through Oct. 19.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/sept-7-clean-vehicles-public-comment

Rising temperatures will shift timing of water availability, amplifying vulnerabilities in Columbia River Basin over next 20 years

August 1, 2022 News release: Anticipated future shifts in water supply and water demands will combine to create potential vulnerabilities related to water availability across many areas of eastern Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/aug-1-2022-columbia-river-basin-outlook

Clean water permit for large livestock operations, manure lagoons available for review

June 21, 2022 News release: Ecology is proposing updates to the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) water quality permit, which is how the agency oversees manure management at certain facilities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-22-clean-water-permit-for-large-livestock-ope

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

Environmental penalties for fourth quarter 2019

February 24, 2020 News release: Environmental penalties for fourth quarter 2019

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/feb-24-4th-quarter-penalites

Sewage treatment violations lead to order and fine for King County

February 3, 2021 News release: Ecology is taking enforcement action at two King County wastewater treatment plants

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/feb-3-king-county-wastewater-treatment-plant-enfor

Seattle and King County penalized for sewer overflow violations

November 30, 2023 News release: Ecology and EPA issue penalties to Seattle and King County for violations related to combined sewer overflows from Seattle’s sewer system

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-30-seattle-and-king-county-penalized-for-sewer-overflow-violations

Washington’s sustainable business accelerator seeks next round of projects

December 6, 2023 News release: NextCycle is seeking entrepreneurs and small businesses for the 2024 Circular Accelerator Program.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/dec-6-nextcycle-seeks-business-accelerator-projects

Ecology announces environmental restoration grant awards

August 7, 2023 News release: Ecology awards environmental restoration grants that will distribute $318,478 for projects around the state.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/august-7-spills-restoration-grants

State and federal agencies respond to public comments, move forward on plans for cleaning up tank waste at Hanford Site

December 19, 2024 News release: State and federal agencies responded today to public comments received on plans for treating and disposing of millions of gallons of tank waste stored in underground tanks at the Hanford Site.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/dec-19-holistic-agreement-responsiveness-summary

Seattle and King County penalized for sewer overflow violations

December 12, 2024 News release: Ecology and EPA are issuing joint penalties to Seattle and King County for sewer overflow violations

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/dec-12-seattle-and-king-county-penalized-for-sewer-overflow-violations

Ecology fines 35 plastic producers $416,000 for not using enough recycled plastic

October 3, 2024 News release: $416,000 in penalties handed to plastic producers that did not comply with recycled content law

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/oct-3-ecology-fines-35-plastic-producers-416-000-for-not-using-enough-recycled-plastic

Washington campaign reminds motorists that securing their load leads to safer travels for everyone

June 3, 2024 News release: A new campaign kicking off today affirms Washington's commitment to reducing litter and making its roads safer for travelers by reminding everyone to secure their vehicles' cargo.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-3-washington-campaign-reminds-motorists-to-secure-their-loads

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

Ecology files water rights adjudication in Whatcom County Superior Court

May 2, 2024 News release: Today Ecology filed a water rights adjudication in Whatcom County Superior Court. This legal process will review and prioritize all water use in the Nooksack basin and nearby areas.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/may-2-nooksack-adjudication-filing

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

Statewide drought declared due to low snowpack and dry forecast

April 16, 2024 News release: The Department of Ecology has declared a drought emergency for most of Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/april-16-drought-declaration

Secure Your Load, Save a Life: Washington campaign returns to prevent crashes and protect communities

June 3, 2025 News release: The Secure Your Load for Safer Roads campaign honors individuals whose lives were lost or forever changed by debris falling from vehicles.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/june-4-secure-your-load-save-a-life-washington-campaign-returns-to-prevent-crashes-and-protect-c

Twenty-three plastic producers fined a combined $277,000 for failing to use enough recycled content

June 5, 2025 News release: The penalties ranged from $194 to $54,868 and were based on the amount of plastic and recycled content each plastic producer sold in Washington in 2024.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/june-5-twenty-three-plastic-producers-fined-a-combined-277-000-for-failing-to-use-enough-recycled

Property owners fined $204,000 for damaging Deschutes River shoreline

July 16, 2025 News release: Thurston County property owners fined $204,000 for unlawful shoreline development

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/july-16-property-owners-fined-204-000-for-damaging-deschutes-river-shoreline

Environmental penalties issued for the 4th quarter of 2022

April 25, 2023 News release: Ecology issued $273,090 in penalties of $1,000 or more from October through December 2022. Penalties are issued for serious violations or those that continue after Ecology assistance or warnings.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/4th-quarter-2022-environmental-penalties

Ecology awards $63 million to reduce flooding, protect communities and farms, restore habitat

August 31, 2023 News release: Ecology awards $63 million to 12 entities across the state to transform how floodplains in the state's major river basins are managed.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/ecology-awards-63-million-to-reduce-flooding-protect-communities

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

January 10, 2025 News release: The Tri-Party Agreement Agencies have finalized a landmark agreement that outlines a realistic and achievable course for cleaning up millions of gallons of underground tank waste at the Hanford Site.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/hanford-site-holistic-agreement-finalized

Ecology to fund 101 clean water projects in Washington

July 1, 2025 News release: Ecology is investing $188 million in 101 clean water projects across the state

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/july-1-101-clean-water-projects

Washington’s emission check program ends Dec. 31

December 30, 2019 News release: At 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, Washington’s vehicle emissions check program will end, marking the close of 38 years of emissions testing on cars and trucks in major metropolitan areas.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/dec-30-washington-s-emission-check-program-ends-de

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

Washington inks deal with carbon emissions auction platform

December 20, 2021 News release: Ecology signs deal for greenhouse gas emissions auction services with WCI, Inc.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/dec-20-washington-inks-deal-with-emissions-auction

Ecology begins environmental review of proposal to rebuild Eightmile Lake Dam

December 17, 2020 News release: We are asking the public what we should examine as we study environmental impacts resulting from the construction and rebuild of the Eightmile Dam.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/dec-18-eightmile-dam-scoping

Ecology adopts regulations on toxic chemicals in consumer products

May 31, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued new regulations to reduce pollution from toxic chemicals in consumer products.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-31-new-safer-products-for-wa-regulation

New law will reduce the use of single-use utensils, condiments, straws beginning Jan. 1

December 6, 2021 News release: On Jan. 1, a new law will require restaurants to stop automatically adding single-use food service items like utensils and condiments to food orders and let customers decide which items they want.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/dec-6-new-law-will-reduce-the-use-of-single-use-ut

Summary of environmental penalties issued for the 3rd quarter of 2020

November 15, 2020 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued $7,000 in penalties of $1,000 or more from July through September of 2020.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/nov-16-3rd-quarter-penalty-summary

Ecology seeks feedback on rules to make products safer in Washington

December 8, 2022 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology is looking for input on a proposal that will help protect consumers by regulating some chemicals used in everyday products.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/dec-8-spwa-public-comment-period

Settlement reached in appeal of Hanford Site leaking tanks Agreed Order

May 10, 2023 News release: Work to respond to actively leaking tanks and future tank leaks at the Hanford Site will continue to proceed as planned following a settlement agreement filed with Washington’s Pollution Control Hearings Board today.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-10-hanford-leaking-tanks-agreed-order-appeal-s

New data shows Washington’s carbon emissions cooling

November 19, 2019 News release: New greenhouse gas emissions data from 2016 and 2017 shows the growth of emissions in Washington is slowing.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/new-greenhouse-gas-emissions-data

Draft plan released to restore Chehalis River basin habitat

November 17, 2019 News release: Public invited to weigh in on proposed Chehalis basin aquatic species restoration plan

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/nov-15-draft-chehalis-basin-asrp

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

Statewide plastic bag ban begins Friday, Oct. 1

September 27, 2021 News release: Washington's statewide plastic bag ban begins Friday, Oct. 1. All Washington businesses providing single-use plastic bags to customers at checkout must comply with the new law.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/sept-27-statewide-bag-ban-begins-friday

Ecology releases draft environmental review of options to rebuild Eightmile Lake Dam

April 19, 2023 News release: How to repair a deteriorating, 90-year-old dam in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Leavenworth is the subject of a draft environmental impact statement released today.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-19-eightmile-lake-dam-deis-release

Hanford Advisory Board to meet in Yakima April 19, 2023

April 10, 2023 News release: The Hanford Advisory Board is on the road again for the first time since before the pandemic – holding its next regional meeting in Yakima later this month.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-hanford-advisory-board-meeting-in-yakima

Ecology invests nearly $35 million to help rivers and streams

October 5, 2022 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology is slated to distribute about $35 million for 26 streamflow restoration projects in 22 watersheds.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/oct-5-streamflow-grants

126 wastewater treatment plants recognized for their performance in 2020

August 4, 2021 News release: 126 wastewater treatment plants achieve outstanding performance in 2020

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/aug-4-2021-wttp-awards

Washington finalizes historic cap-and-invest plan to slash carbon pollution

September 29, 2022 News release: Washington finalizes historic plan to slash carbon pollution by adopting cap-and-invest regulations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/sept-29-cap-and-invest-adoption

Ecology invites comment on Skagit County comprehensive update and review of Shoreline Master Program

March 27, 2023 News release: We're seeking public input on a combined Shoreline Master Program update for Skagit County and the towns of Hamilton and Lyman.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/march-27-skagit-smp-comment-period

Single-use plastic bag ban begins Oct. 1 in Washington

July 21, 2021 News release: Washington's statewide ban on single-use plastic bags begins Oct. 1, 2021

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/statewide-bag-ban-begins-oct-1

Shoreline penalty resolved on Palmer Lake

August 12, 2019 News release: Shoreline penalty settlement on Palmer Lake in Okanogan County

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/aug-12-newmarch-settlement