Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

TransAlta Power Plant

The TransAlta agreement lowers harmful air pollutants from Washington's only coal-fired power plant.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/compliance-enforcement/transalta

Mineral prospecting and placer mining

Information from Ecology and WDFW about mineral prospecting and placer mining, and ESHB 1261.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/mineral-prospecting-and-placer-mining

Safer alternatives to toxic chemicals

We provide tools, training, and other resources to help you find alternatives to toxic chemicals.

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

Clean energy coordination

We provide information on how clean energy projects are sited, reviewed, and permitted.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/clean-energy

Characterization of Stormwater Transport of Contaminants of Emerging Concern

We work with City of Tacoma to look for several contaminants of emerging concern in stormwater.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/stormwater-monitoring/stormwater-action-monitoring/sam-effectiveness-studies/stormwater-characterization

State-approved contingency plan holders

We review and approve oil spill contingency plans for facilities, pipelines, vessels, and railroads.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/plans-policies/contingency-planning-for-oil-industry/approved-contingency-plan-holders

Forest practices effectiveness monitoring

We evaluate whether forest practices rules protect fish, wildlife, and water quality.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/river-stream-monitoring/habitat-monitoring/forest-practices-effectiveness-monitoring

Water quality monitoring methods for rivers & streams

Learn how we measure water quality in rivers and streams, including methods and parameters.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/river-stream-monitoring/water-quality-monitoring/river-stream-monitoring-methods

Watershed Health Monitoring by region

We studied stream habitat across the state since 2009 and report on findings.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/river-stream-monitoring/habitat-monitoring/watershed-health/regional-reports

Puget Sound nearshore

SAM monitors and assesses impacts of stormwater runoff in Puget Sound nearshore environments.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/stormwater-monitoring/stormwater-action-monitoring/sam-status-and-trends/puget-sound-nearshore

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

Solvents

Most solvents become dangerous waste and must be managed properly.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/dangerous-waste-guidance/common-dangerous-waste/solvents

Small quantity generators (SQGs)

Learn about the benefits and rules for dangerous waste small quantity generators (SQGs).

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/dangerous-waste-guidance/dangerous-waste-basics/generator-category/small-quantity-generators

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

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

Manuals & procedures for accredited labs

Download the procedure manual, and find tips and tools for accredited environmental labs.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/laboratory-accreditation/manual-and-procedures-for-accredited-laboratories

Stormwater Action Monitoring - Effectiveness studies

Learning what works best to reduce urban runoff volumes and pollution in Western Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/stormwater-monitoring/stormwater-action-monitoring/sam-effectiveness-studies

SEPA checklist guidance, Section B: Historic & cultural preservation

Guidance for historic & cultural preservation section in SEPA environmental checklist.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/sepa-checklist-guidance/sepa-checklist-section-b-environmental-elements/environmental-elements-13-historic-cultural-p

SEPA Supplemental Orca Checklist Guidance

This guidance helps applicants complete the SEPA Supplemental Orca Checklist.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/sepa-checklist-guidance/sepa-checklist-supplemental-orca-checklist-guidanc

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

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

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

Combined sewer overflows

We're working to control combined sewer overflows to keep water clean.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/combined-sewer-overflows

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

GIS Data

Ecology's authoritative GIS data layers are available for download.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/data-resources/geographic-information-systems-gis/data

Municipal stormwater permit guidance

We provide guidance for developing and implementing municipal stormwater management programs.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/stormwater-permittee-guidance-resources/municipal-stormwater-permit-guidance

Comments sought on shoreline master program for Stevens County, Kettle Falls, Marcus and Northport

August 1, 2019 News release: Ecology is seeking public comment on a regional shoreline master program designed to protect and manage development along 330 miles of stream and lake shoreline in Stevens County and within Kettle Falls, Marcus and Newport.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/comments-sought-on-regional-shoreline-master-progr

Ecology, Safeway, and Washington State University partner to feed cougs well

April 7, 2025 News release: Ecology, Safeway, and WSU partner to fight college hunger during Food Waste Reduction Week

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/april-7-ecology-safeway-and-washington-state-university-partner-to-feed-cougs-well

Tukwila property owner penalized for oil spill to the Duwamish River

February 2, 2023 News release: Tukwila property owner penalized for oil spill to the Duwamish River

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/feb-2-john-roach-penalty

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

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

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

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

Colville Tribes and Ecology announce partnership to improve air quality

March 26, 2025 News release: Ecology and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation sign an agreement to improve air quality.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/march-26-ecology-and-colville-mou

Environmental penalties for fourth quarter 2018

March 4, 2019 News release: List of penalties for Ecology issued during the fourth quarter 2018

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/march-4-environmental-penalties-for-fourth-quarter

'Use Food Well': New campaign seeks to reduce food waste in Washington

March 28, 2024 News release: On April 1, the Washington Department of Ecology will launch the Use Food Well campaign in conjunction with the start of National Food Waste Prevention Week, April 1 to 7.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/mar-28-use-food-well

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

Fishing vessel owner fined for 2018 spill

April 30, 2020 News release: Phoenix Processors fined for 2018 spill Fishing Vessel Excellence

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/april-30-fishing-vessel-owner-fined-for-2018-spill

Clark County contractor penalized for discharging sediment into creek, wetlands

March 22, 2022 News release: Rotschy Inc. penalized for discharging sediment into creek, wetlands

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/march-22-rotschy-penalty

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

Ecology invites public comment on shoreline management updates for Thurston County

August 8, 2024 News release: Ecology seeks public input on changes to the Thurston County Shoreline Master Program (SMP) to help the county bring the plan up-to-date with state and local laws.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-8-thurston-county-public-comment

Asphalt manufacturer and distributor penalized $27,000 for violating dangerous waste regulations

April 4, 2024 News release: Ecology is issuing a $27,000 penalty to an asphalt company for not properly managing their dangerous waste.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/apr-4-asphalt-toxic-waste-penalty

Environmental penalties issued for the fourth quarter of 2023

August 19, 2024 News release: Ecology issued $1,109,200 in penalties of $1,000 or more from Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-19-penalty-summary-for-quarter-4-2023

On the path to cleaner water in the Spokane River watershed

May 13, 2025 News release: A new Ecology report shows that years of local efforts to reduce pollution in the Spokane River are producing a healthier river.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/may-13-spokane-watershed-nutrient-update

Environmental penalties issued for the fourth quarter of 2024

May 1, 2025 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued $535,125 in penalties of $1,000 or more from Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2024.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/may-1-fourth-quarter-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

Environmental penalties issued for first half of 2024

October 14, 2024 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued $1,951,369 in penalties of $1,000 or more from Jan. 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/oct-14-environmental-penalties-issued-for-first-half-of-2024

Environmental penalties issued for third quarter of 2024

January 14, 2025 News release: Ecology issued $439,340 in penalties of $1,000 or more from July 1 – Sept. 30, 2024.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/jan-14-environmental-penalties-issued-for-third-quarter-of-2024

Environmental penalties issued for the 3rd quarter of 2022

December 5, 2022 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued $36,400 in penalties of $1,000 or more from July through September 2022.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/dec-5-3rd-quarter-penalties

Changes proposed to strengthen oil-handling standards and oil-transfer requirements for facilities and vessels

January 4, 2023 News release: Amendments to advance notice of transfer, seismic protection, oil-transfer-response plans for mobile facilities, decommissioning requirements and pre-booming.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/jan-4-spill-prevention-rulemaking