Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

We support local governments in administering and enforcing shoreline permits.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/shoreline-permits-enforcement

Better Brakes Law: Guidance for manufacturers

Guidance for manufacturers on Washington's Better Brakes regulations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/better-brakes-guidance

Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit

Permit regulates stormwater discharges in the 2nd-most highly populated areas in Western Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/stormwater-general-permits/municipal-stormwater-general-permits/western-washington-phase-ii-municipal-stormwater

Plan to control nonpoint sources of pollution

The Nonpoint Plan outlines our approach for addressing water quality impacts from nonpoint pollution.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/plans-policies/plan-to-control-nonpoint-sources-of-pollution

Recordkeeping

Learn what records your business must keep if you generate dangerous waste.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/dangerous-waste-guidance/dangerous-waste-basics/recordkeeping

SEPA laws and regulations: current & historical revisions

We manage SEPA and related rules and provide background about rulemaking.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-laws-rules

Winery general permit

The winery general permit helps prevent possible pollution problems from winery wastewater.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/winery-permit

Western Washington Hydrology Model

Western WA Hydrology Model models most hydrologic conditions for stormwater control and design.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/stormwater-permittee-guidance-resources/stormwater-manuals/western-washington-hydrology-model

Certified water right examiner certification

We share information to help you gain or maintain your certified water right examiner certification.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/certified-water-right-examiner

Children's Safe Products Act reporting

Learn more about how to submit reports under Washington's Children's Safe Products Act (CSPA).

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/childrens-safe-products-act-reporting

Aquatic Mosquito Control General Permit

This permit allows the use of insecticides to control mosquitoes.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/aquatic-pesticide-permits/aquatic-mosquito-control

Bridge & Ferry Terminal Washing Permit

This permit protects water from cleaning and painting activities at bridges and ferry terminals.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/bridge-and-ferry-terminal-washing-permit

Approved sampling and analysis procedures

Approved laboratory analysis methods for cleaning up contaminated sites.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/contamination-cleanup-tools/sampling-and-analysis-procedures

FAQ: Evaluate options to clean up homes and small businesses

These FAQs help homeowners and small businesses evaluate cleanup options and complete cleanup work.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/guidance-for-residential-cleanups/evaluation-cleanup-for-homeowners-small-busine

E-Cycle WA guidance and reports

This page includes E-Cycle WA frequently asked questions and annual reports.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/electronics-ecycle-guidance-and-reports

Municipal stormwater permit reissuance

Information about the reissuance of 2024 Western and Eastern Washington Municipal Stormwater permits.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/stormwater-general-permits/municipal-stormwater-general-permits/municipal-stormwater-permit-reissuance

Products required to meet recycled content minimums

This page explains which products are subject to the law and provides compliance information.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/recycled-content-products

Sulfur dioxide air quality designations

We’re deciding if parts of Washington don't meet national air quality standards for sulfur dioxide.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/plans-policies/areas-meeting-and-not-meeting-air-standards/sulfur-dioxide-designations

Safer products for businesses

Learn how your business can find and purchase less toxic chemicals and products.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/safer-alternatives/safer-products-for-businesses

Shellfish aquaculture 401 certification

We modified our certification process for shellfish growers because of new federal requirements.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/401-water-quality-certification/shellfish-aquaculture

SEPA lead agency contacts

Browse tables containing SEPA contacts at state and local agencies in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-lead-agency-contacts

SEPA Frequently Asked Questions

SEPA questions and answers.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/sepa-faq

Rulemaking at Ecology

Find out about our rulemaking activities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking

Meet our team

Businesses can contact our team for non-enforcement pollution prevention (P2) technical assistance.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/pollution-prevention-services/toxics-reduction-assistance/meet-our-team

$30,000 penalty to plastics producer for failing to register products under 2021 law

March 13, 2025 News release: Penalties collected under the 2021 law provide financial support to local governments for solid waste programs.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/march-13-30-000-penalty-to-plastics-producer-for-failing-to-register-products-under-2021-law

Public discussion begins on plans to improve air quality in overburdened communities

September 19, 2022 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology opens public comment today on a new initiative to improve air quality in overburdened communities that are highly impacted by air pollution.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/sept-19-section-3-public-discussion

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

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

Public invited to comment on rule for landmark climate change program

May 17, 2022 News release: Ecology is seeking public comment on a new “cap-and-invest” rule needed to implement the Climate Commitment Act and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the state’s largest sources.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/may-17-cap-and-invest-public-comment

Updates proposed to lab accreditation process

April 19, 2023 News release: Seeking public input on proposed changes to the Accreditation of Environmental Laboratories rule. Changes include improved guidelines and updated fees.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-19-updates-to-lab-accreditation-process

Ecology proposes new and updated limits for toxics in water

February 22, 2024 News release: We are proposing a major update to the state’s aquatic life toxics criteria

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/feb-14-aquatic-toxics-criteria

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

Proposed changes to state’s water quality permit fees provide options for businesses, update costs

March 27, 2025 News release: We're proposing updates to the fees for our water quality permits. These permits help protect rivers, lakes, and marine water from pollution.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/march-27-water-quality-permit-fees

State moves to ban known carcinogen in cosmetics

February 6, 2025 News release: Proposed rule to restrict 28 formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetics made, sold or distributed in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/feb-6-tfca-formaldehyde-releasers-rulemaking-proposal

Ecology applauds EPA effort to add Bradford Island to “Superfund” list

September 8, 2021 News release: The EPA proposed adding Bradford Island at Bonneville Dam to the National Priorities List, better known as the Superfund cleanup list.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/bradford-island

Public invited to comment on regulatory actions addressing chemicals in consumer products

November 18, 2021 News release: Consumers use hundreds of items every day, and many contain hazardous chemicals. Ecology is seeking input to determine which potentially hazardous chemicals it should regulate in consumer products.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/nov-18-public-invited-to-comment-on-regulatory-act

Planning for better water quality in Budd Inlet

June 8, 2022 News release: A new report from Ecology details the steps needed to protect Budd Inlet and provide relief to fish and wildlife, while also helping the inlet to meet state water quality standards.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-8-budd-inlet-water-quality-plan

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

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

Proposed plan would guide Washington’s efforts to better prepare for and deal with climate impacts

June 11, 2024 News release: Working with other state agencies to update Washington’s Climate Resilience Strategy, Ecology has released a draft of that strategy and is seeking public comment on the plan.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/draft-climate-resilience-strategy

State proposes restrictions on toxic “forever chemicals” in common consumer products

June 4, 2025 News release: Department of Ecology seeks public comment on restrictions and reporting requirements for PFAS in 12 product categories.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/june-4-cycle-1-5-cr-102-rulemaking

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

Public invited to comment on PFAS Chemical Action Plan

October 8, 2020 News release: Ecology is asking the public to provide input on a draft Chemical Action Plan that addresses PFAS, a class of highly persistent chemicals that do not break down in the environment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-8-public-invited-to-comment-on-pfas-chemical-a

Washington holds first auction under new cap-and-invest program

February 28, 2023 News release: Ecology hosted the first auction under the new cap-and-invest program on Feb. 28, 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/feb-28-first-cap-and-invest-auction

New rules add clarity for cap-and-invest program

September 7, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has proposed new rules to clarify aspects of the Allowance Price Containment Reserve (APCR).

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-7-apcr-rulemaking

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

Greenhouse gas reporting rules updated for new climate law

October 13, 2021 News release: New greenhouse gas reporting rules proposed for Climate Commitment Act

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/oct-13-greenhouse-gas-reporting-rules-updated-for

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

Ecology to host webinar, answer questions about Nooksack adjudication

January 26, 2023 News release: Ecology is hosting a webinar Jan. 30 to discuss the upcoming Nooksack water rights adjudication and answer questions.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/jan-26-nooksack-adjudication-webinar

Updated regulations for toxic air pollutants proposed

June 7, 2019 News release: Ecology is proposing updates to a list of about 400 toxic air pollutants.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/june-7-updated-regulations-for-toxic-air-pollutant