Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Office of Equity & Environmental Justice

The Office of Equity & Environmental Justice helps eliminate disparities for at-risk communities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/equity-environmental-justice

Our programs

Our environmental programs work for and offer assistance to protect Washington's land, air & water.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs

State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)

SEPA is a tool used by WA governments to determine potential environmental impacts from projects.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/environmental-projects/sepa

Spokane River – Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer rule

This rule impacts the Spokane River and Spokane Valley Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/protecting-stream-flows/instream-flow-implementation/spokane-river-basin-rule

Instream flow & water management rules

Instream flow rules guide local and state decision-making in many areas of the state.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/protecting-stream-flows/instream-flow-implementation

Dungeness water management

The Dungeness water management rule protects rivers and streams and manages new groundwater uses.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/protecting-stream-flows/instream-flow-implementation/dungeness-water-management

Streamflow, fish, and habitat projects

Our Office of Columbia River is working to improve conditions for endangered fish species.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/water-supply-projects-ew/streamflow-fish-passage-habitat-projects

Skagit River basin studies

Science and analysis are the basis of our decision-making in the Skagit River basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/protecting-stream-flows/instream-flow-implementation/skagit-river-basin/studies

Ecology names new Office of Chehalis Basin director

October 28, 2023 News release: Ecology Director Laura Watson has tapped Jeff Zenk to lead the Office of Chehalis Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/ecology-selects-jeff-zenk-to-lead-office-of-chehalis-basin

Environmental Assessment

Our Environmental Assessment Program is the science arm of our agency.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/environmental-assessment

Skagit basin water availability

We work with local partners in the Skagit River basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/protecting-stream-flows/instream-flow-implementation/skagit-river-basin/water-supply

Office of Columbia River legislative reports

Our Office of Columbia River reports to the Legislature on water supply development work.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/office-of-columbia-river/office-of-columbia-river-legislative-reports

Toxics Cleanup

Learn about polluted lands in Washington: the cleanup process, who pays, and the public's role.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/toxics-cleanup

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

Eastern Washington water projects

Our water supply and enhancement projects are providing water security in Eastern Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/water-supply-projects-ew

Columbia River Policy Advisory Group

The Columbia River Policy Advisory Group advises the Office of Columbia River on policy issues.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/accountability-transparency/partnerships-committees/columbia-river-policy-advisory-group

Hazardous Waste & Toxics Reduction

The Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction program works to safely manage and reduce hazardous waste.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/hazardous-waste-toxics-reduction

Solid Waste Management

We coordinate solid waste management and recycling programs in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/solid-waste-management

Walla Walla Basin Advisory Committee (WWBAC)

The WWBAC meets to implement the Walla Walla Basin 2050 Strategic Plan (Plan).

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/accountability-transparency/partnerships-committees/walla-walla-basin-advisory-committee

Chehalis Basin Mitigation Bank

Find details about Chehalis Basin Mitigation Bank in Lewis County and Thurston County.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/wetlands/mitigation/wetland-mitigation-banking/mitigation-bank-projects/chehalis-basin

Water Transfer Working Group

The Water Transfer Working Group reviews water-right-transfer proposals in the Yakima River basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/accountability-transparency/partnerships-committees/water-transfer-working-group

Snohomish Basin Wetland Mitigation Bank

Find details about Snohomish Basin Wetland Mitigation Bank in Snohomish County.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/wetlands/mitigation/wetland-mitigation-banking/mitigation-bank-projects/snohomish-basin

Solid Waste Advisory Committee

The Solid Waste Advisory Committee helps us develop and implement Washington's solid waste laws.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/accountability-transparency/partnerships-committees/solid-waste-advisory-committee

New efforts underway to improve groundwater management in Pasco Basin

July 13, 2022 News release: After a half-century under “interim” rules, we’re beginning the process to design a permanent groundwater management framework for the Pasco Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/july-13-pasco-basin-groundwater-rulemaking

Shorelands & Environmental Assistance

We provide guidance, plans, and funds for communities where the water meets the land.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/shorelands-environmental-assistance

Chehalis Basin projects receive $4.7 million to create jobs, restore habitat

June 10, 2020 News release: We provided funds to a team of experts who have awarded $4.7 million in grants for 20 aquatic habitat restoration projects in the Chehalis Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/chehalis-basin-aquatic-habitat-grants

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

$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

$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

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

Walla Walla Water 2050 water management plan

Walla Walla Water 2050 is renewing efforts to improve water supplies in the Walla Walla River Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/water-supply-projects-ew/walla-walla-2050

Office of Columbia River

Our office oversees a program pursuing balanced water solutions across the Columbia River Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/office-of-columbia-river

Odessa groundwater replacement

We're delivering surface water to irrigators who now pump from the declining Odessa Subarea aquifer.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/water-supply-projects-ew/columbia-river-basin-projects/odessa-groundwater-replacement

Partnerships and committees

Governmental and regional agencies join forces, providing ideas and oversight to many programs.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/accountability-transparency/partnerships-committees

Skagit landowners have new mitigation option for water

March 31, 2021 News release: Qualifying Skagit River Basin landowners can now apply for water access for new domestic water uses.

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

Community flood assistance & resilience

This program funds projects in the Chehalis River basin to prevent future flood or erosion damage.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/chehalis-basin/community-flood-assistance

Columbia River Basin Long-term Water Supply and Demand Forecast

Forecasting water supply and demand in Eastern Washington into the 2040s

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/office-of-columbia-river/office-of-columbia-river-legislative-reports/water-supply-demand-forecast

Water Resources

The Water Resources program works to meet the water supply needs of people and the environment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/water-resources

Central Region

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/regional-work/central-region

Skagit, Snohomish landowners now have legal water source

March 19, 2020 News release: As part of the Washington Department of Ecology’s commitment to find water solutions for Skagit Basin landowners, water is now available for some landowners in Skagit and Snohomish counties affected by a 2013 state Supreme Court ruling.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/mar-19-skagit-snohomish-landowners-have-legal-wat

Groundwater study begins in Walla Walla Basin

March 26, 2021 News release: Well owners needed to participate in groundwater study in the Walla Walla basin

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/mar-26-walla-walla-groundwater-study

Columbia River water supply projects

We are implementing projects to help meet water needs in the Columbia River Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/water-supply-projects-ew/columbia-river-basin-projects

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

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

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

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

Irrigators in Little Spokane River watershed will likely see water restrictions this summer

August 5, 2019 News release: Some water users in the Little Spokane River basin will have to curb their consumption if lower water levels persist this season.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/aug-5-little-spokane-river-water-restrictions-poss

Nooksack River basin rule amendment

In 2020 we amended the existing instream flow rule for the Nooksack basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/protecting-stream-flows/instream-flow-implementation/nooksack-basin-rule

Whatcom County farm fined for illegal water use

August 1, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has issued a $12,000 fine to RAN General Partnership for illegally irrigating about 40 acres of crops in Whatcom County in June and July of 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/1-august-whatcom-county-farm-fined-for-illegal-water-use

Icicle Creek water supply development

The Icicle Strategy addresses water supply issues in the Icicle Basin

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/water-supply-projects-ew/icicle-creek-strategy