Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Seattle and King County fined for sewer overflow violations

December 18, 2020 News release: We and EPA are fining King County $14,000 and Seattle $32,500 for violations of their combined sewer overflow consent decrees

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/dec-18-king-county-and-seattle-cso

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

State fines City of Everett after discharge of incompletely treated wastewater to Snohomish River

October 27, 2022 News release: After a malfunctioning pump at Everett’s wastewater treatment facility allowed 9.9 million gallons of partially treated wastewater to flow into the Snohomish River, Ecology has fined the city $13,000.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/oct-27-city-of-everett-penalty

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

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

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

Comment period extended for Goldendale Energy Storage Project draft EIS

June 6, 2022 News release: We're extending the comment period on a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed Goldendale Energy Storage Project adjacent to the Columbia River in Klickitat County.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-6-goldendale-energy-storage-draft-eis

New biosolids permit boosts environmental protections and operational efficiencies

June 15, 2022 News release: New statewide biosolids permit boosts environmental protections and operational efficiencies; reduces time to approve or deny proposals

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-15-new-biosolids-permit-boosts-environmental

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

CANCELED: New dangerous waste regs topic of April 2 workshop at Ecology's Union Gap office

February 20, 2020 News release: CANCELED: Dangerous waste regulations workshop on April 2 at Ecology's Union Gap office

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/dangerous-waste-regulations-workshop-in-central-wa

$22 million in grants available for streamflow restoration projects

January 30, 2020 News release: Up to $22 million in grants is now available for projects that will protect rivers and streams while providing water for rural homes in Washington. Ecology is accepting applications as part of its streamflow restoration competitive grant program.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/2020-streamflow-restoration-grants

Recurring violations lead to dangerous waste fine for Tukwila business

February 7, 2019 News release: After repeatedly finding improper management of dangerous wastes at an aircraft parts manufacturer in Tukwila, we have fined the company $17,000.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/feb-7-fatigue-technology-fine

Lewis County landowner penalized $168,000 for stormwater pollution

November 16, 2023 News release: Ecology is penalizing a landowner in Lewis County $168,000 for repeated water quality violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-16-lewis-county-landowner-penalty

New rulemaking will reduce plastic and other contamination in compost

December 10, 2024 News release: New rule is aimed at reducing contamination in organic waste going to organic waste handling facilities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/dec-10

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

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

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

Preventing litter is “Simple As That,” says new campaign in Washington

September 11, 2022 News release: Washington litter prevention campaign "Simple As That" encourages people to use a litter bag and talk to their family and friends about littering.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/simple-as-that

Préstamos para reparar o reemplazar su sistema séptico ahora están disponibles en todo el estado

September 21, 2021 News release: Dueños de hogar en más de 17 condados ahora tienen acceso a un programa que ha ayudado a 1,200 dueños.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/sept-21-septico-prestamos

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

Summary of environmental penalties issued in the second quarter of 2019

August 26, 2019 News release: Summary of environmental penalties issued in the second quarter of 2019

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/environmental-penalties-2nd-quarter-2019

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

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

Ecology denies permit for Kalama methanol facility

January 19, 2021 News release: Ecology denies permit for Kalama methanol

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/jan-19-ecology-denies-permit-for-kalama-methanol

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

Pacific Northwest federal, state agencies to collaborate on prescribed fire, smoke management to confront wildfire crisis

April 5, 2024 News release: State and federal agencies and departments in Oregon and Washington have agreed to collaborate on addressing the escalating wildfire crisis by increasing use of larger prescribed fires.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/apr-5-pnw-agencies-collaborate-on-wildfire-crisis

Permiso de agua limpia para grandes operaciones ganaderas lagunas de estiércol disponible para revisión

June 21, 2022 News release: El Departamento de Ecología propone actualizaciones al permiso de calidad del agua de la Operación de Alimentación de Animales Confinados (CAFO, por sus siglas en ingles), que es la forma en que la agencia supervisa el manejo del estiércol en ciertas instalaciones.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-22-permiso-de-agua-limpia-para-grandes-operac

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

Comments sought on proposed amendments to instream flow rule in Nooksack watershed

November 19, 2019 News release: We are seeking public input on a proposed rule amendment that would establish a water use conservation standard for some new homes in parts of Whatcom County and small areas in Skagit County.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/nov-19-comments-sought-on-proposed-amendments-to-i

Damage to wetlands in Grant County results in $267,540 fine

February 10, 2023 News release: Ecology has fined the owners of King Ranch for damaging at least 23 alkali wetlands located in Grant County.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/feb-10-wetlands-in-grant-county

State adopts updated Colville River watershed plan

June 30, 2020 News release: A locally-developed watershed plan will protect rivers and streams in the Colville River watershed while securing water for future rural growth.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/june-30-wria-59-colville-streamflow-plan

Ecology helps Okanogan County fight smoke - with steam

July 18, 2019 News release: Ecology awarded Okanogan County’s solid waste department $85,000 to help purchase a new wood chipper and steam treatment equipment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/july-18-ecology-helps-okanogan-county-fight-smoke

Public review for draft statewide biosolids general permit

May 18, 2021 News release: We have issued a draft statewide general permit for biosolids management and want the public to review it and provide comment by July 1st.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/draft-statewide-biosolids-permit

Ecology adopts new watershed plan for Duwamish-Green river basin

May 13, 2021 News release: A new plan for the Duwamish-Green watershed lays out priorities to protect fish habitat, while also ensuring sufficient water for rural residents.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/may-13-duwamish-green-watershed-plan-approved

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

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

Asegurar su carga conduce a viajes más seguros para todos

June 5, 2023 News release: El 6 de junio, para conmemorar el Día Nacional Asegure su Carga.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/june-5-asegure-su-carga

Plan sets steps for protecting Padilla Bay’s tributaries from bacterial pollution

October 22, 2020 News release: We're inviting public comment on a plan to reduce high bacteria levels in streams that flow into Padilla Bay.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-22-padilla-bay-tributaries

Summary of environmental penalties issued for 1st quarter of 2021

April 26, 2021 News release: We issued $82,300 in penalties of $1,000 or more from January through March of 2021.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/april-29-1st-quarter-penalties

Summary of environmental penalties issued for 4th quarter of 2020

February 4, 2021 News release: Ecology penalties over $1000 for the 4th quarter of 2020.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/feb-4-4th-quarter-penalties

New rulemaking effort aims to keep toxics out of cosmetics

May 22, 2024 News release: Announcement of rulemaking to identify and restrict the use of formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetics made, sold, or distributed in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/may-22-tfca-rulemaking-announcement

Summary of environmental penalties issued the first quarter of 2019

June 14, 2019 News release: We issued $210,100 in 17 penalties of $1,000 or more in the first quarter of 2019.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/environmental-penalties-1st-quarter-2019

Nuevo estudio calcula la cantidad de basura que se acumula en las carreteras y áreas públicas de Washington

September 18, 2023 News release: Acabar con la basura en su punto de origen es el objetivo de una nueva campaña estatal

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-18-new-litter-campaign

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 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

Environmental penalties issued for the first quarter of 2022

May 11, 2022 News release: Summary of penalties issued from January through March 2022.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/first-quarter-penalties-2022

Tackling flood and habitat challenges in the Chehalis Basin

April 30, 2025 News release: Join free May 7 public webinar to help shape long-term Chehalis Basin Strategy.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/april-30-tackling-flood-and-habitat-challenges-in-the-chehalis-basin

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

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

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