Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Plan to close and clean up three Lewis County waste storage sites now open to public review

July 9, 2020 News release: Review and comment on the plan developed by two SW Washington companies to close three waste storage sites in Lewis County. The draft plan is available now through Aug. 7.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/july-9-plan-to-close-and-clean-up-lewis-co-waste

Ecology invites comment on updates to toxic cleanup regulations

February 16, 2023 News release: We invite the public to comment on proposed updates to toxic cleanup regulations. Proposed changes would improve the process for prioritizing, investigating, and cleaning up contaminated sites.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/mtca-rule-comment

Public invited to comment on rule for Clean Fuel Standard

July 18, 2022 News release: Ecology is seeking public comment on the proposed rule for the Clean Fuel Standard, a new state climate policy effective Jan. 1, 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/july-18-clean-fuel-standard-public-comment

Ecology uses cash to convert dry cleaners to less toxic options

June 1, 2021 News release: Fifty dry cleaning businesses across the state have switched from toxic PERC to a less toxic alternative. However, about 60 are still using PERC, prompting Ecology to redouble its efforts.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/perc-milestone

Public invited to comment on state draft commercial fish net pen guidance

June 1, 2021 News release: State agencies are releasing a draft marine net pen guidance for public review.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/june-1-net-pen-guidance

Department of Ecology issues drought advisory for most of the state

May 27, 2021 News release: Ecology has issued a drought advisory for most of Washington state, including all areas east of the Cascade Mountains, portions of Southwest Washington and the Washington coast.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/may-27-2021-drought-advisory

Celebrating your local outstanding wastewater treatment plant

June 29, 2022 News release: Ecology is honoring wastewater treatment plant operators by recognizing 124 facilities with an Outstanding Performance Award.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-30-wastewater-treatment-plant-awards

Ecology seeks input on connecting Washington to other carbon markets

January 31, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology is inviting public feedback about the possibility of connecting the state's new cap-and-invest program to similar carbon reduction programs in California and Québec.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/ecology-seeks-input-on-linkage

EPA water standards create uncertainty for rule to reduce PCBs discharged into Spokane River

June 10, 2020 News release: EPA roll back of water quality standards creates uncertainty for rule to reduce PCBs discharged into Spokane River. Instead Ecology seeks early feedback on preliminary plans.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/june-10-spokane-river-preliminary-draft

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

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

Stronger protections for Puget Sound in final permits for Atlantic salmon farms

July 11, 2019 News release: Final water quality permits for Atlantic salmon farming in Puget Sound

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/july-11-strong-protections-for-puget-sound

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

Drought designation extended for parts of Eastern Washington

May 26, 2022 News release: An amended drought declaration takes affect June 1 and reduces the area under a drought order from 96% of the state to 9%.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/may-26-drought-2022

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

Inslee declares drought emergency for Okanogan, Methow and Upper Yakima

April 4, 2019 News release: Water supply shortages are projected in the Methow, Okanogan, Upper Yakima basins, prompting Gov. Jay Inslee to declare a drought emergency in those watersheds.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/drought-emergency-for-okanogan-and-methow

Ecology and Whatcom County launch environmental review of proposed renewable fuels facility

January 16, 2020 News release: We and Whatcom County are preparing to work on an environmental impact statement for a proposed renewable fuels facility in Ferndale. We're taking public comment on the scope of what this study should cover.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/jan-16-green-apple-scoping

Ecology director pushes for Hanford funding in D.C. visit

March 21, 2022 News release: Ecology Director Laura Watson visited Washington, D.C., in March to push for Hanford cleanup funding.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/march-21-ecology-director-pushes-for-hanford-fundi

State emissions rise in new greenhouse gas data

January 14, 2021 News release: New greenhouse gas data shows that emissions rose 1.3% from 2017 to 2018.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/jan-14-state-emissions-rise-in-new-greenhouse-gas

Ecology launches environmental review of proposed pumped storage energy project near Goldendale

January 13, 2021 News release: Environmental review of Goldendale Energy Project near John Day Dam

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/goldendale-energy-project

State proposes plan for $112.7 million VW settlement

November 16, 2017 News release:

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2017/nov-16-vw-settlement-plan

Statewide drought advisory issued for Washington

July 5, 2023 News release: The warmest May on record and an abnormally dry spring and early summer have prompted the Department of Ecology to issue a statewide drought advisory.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/5-july-statewide-drought-advisory-issued-for-washington

$11.3 million available for water banking grants

August 2, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology is now accepting applications for $11.3 million in water banking grants to help rural communities preserve water supplies for local use.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/august-2-water-banking-grants

Applicants sought to serve on Hanford Advisory Board

September 5, 2023 News release: The Hanford Advisory Board (HAB) is seeking new members to advise federal and state agencies on the ongoing cleanup of the Hanford Site in southeast Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-5-applicants-sought-to-serve-on-hanford-advisory-board

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

Washington seeks to link carbon market with California, Québec

November 2, 2023 News release: Director Laura Watson made a preliminary decision today to pursue linking Washington’s cap-and-invest program to carbon markets in California and Québec.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-2-ecology-to-pursue-carbon-market-linkage

State and EPA ready grants to restore salmon habitat, improve water quality near Puget Sound

November 14, 2023 News release: EPA has awarded Ecology up to $30 million to boost the health of Puget Sound rivers and streams.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-14-state-and-epa-ready-grants-to-restore-salmon-habitat-improve-water-quality-near-puget-sou

Seattle shipyard penalized $112,000 for water quality violations

December 17, 2024 News release: Ecology is issuing a $112,000 penalty to Northlake Shipyard in Seattle for failing to protect water quality, including polluting Lake Union and mishandling toxic chemicals.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/dec-17-seattle-shipyard-penalized-112-000-for-water-quality-violations

Washington aces first Climate Commitment Act compliance test

November 15, 2024 News release: Climate Commitment Act businesses had to turn in emissions allowances for the first time in November. 99.9% were submitted-- a strong start to achieving the policy’s greenhouse gas limits.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/nov-15-washington-aces-first-climate-commitment-act-compliance-event

Community grants available to improve outdoor air for most vulnerable

August 29, 2024 News release: Ecology is providing $10 million from Climate Commitment Act funds for grants to improve air quality in overburdened communities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-29-community-grants-open-to-improve-air-quality

Hanford Advisory Board to meet in Spokane Sept. 10-11, 2024

August 27, 2024 News release: The Hanford Advisory Board is holding its next regional meeting in Spokane, WA, Sept. 10. The Board will hear updates on Hanford cleanup and consider advice to issue to the Tri-Party Agencies.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-27-hanford-advisory-board-to-meet-in-spokane-sept-10-11-2024

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 offers $1.7 million in drought planning and preparedness grants

June 25, 2024 News release: To help Tribes, farmers and communities better plan and prepare for the impacts of drought, the Washington Department of Ecology is offering $1.7 million through a new grant program.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-25-drought-planning-and-preparedness-grants

Ecology orders Walla Walla station owner to continue work to protect community from gas spill

June 18, 2024 News release: Enforcement order order requires Walla Walla gas station owner to continue work to reduce harmful vapors from gasoline spill and remove contaminated water from nearby buildings.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-18-ecology-issues-enforcement-order-to-walla-walla-gas-station-owner

More than $3 billion approved for Hanford Site cleanup – a new record

March 11, 2024 News release: On Saturday, March 9, President Joe Biden signed a historic budget for Hanford Site cleanup work.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/mar-11-more-than-3-billion-approved-for-hanford-site-cleanup-a-new-record

$40 million available for streamflow restoration projects

January 2, 2024 News release: Up to $40 million in grants is available for projects that protect and enhance streamflows while providing water for rural homes. We’re accepting applications through Feb. 29.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/jan-2-streamflow-restoration-grants

California, Québec and Washington to begin linkage agreement discussions

September 23, 2024 News release: This is the second joint statement released by California, Québec and Washington about their path toward linkage.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/california-quebec-and-washington-to-begin-linkage-agreement-discussions

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

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

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

Updated clean water permit for Simplot Feeders, a large livestock operation, available for review

April 10, 2025 News release: We are seeking feedback on updates to the water quality permit for Simplot Feeders, the largest cattle feedlot in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/april-10-simplot-feeders-permit-updates

Listo para revisión: Permiso de agua limpia actualizado para el corral de engorde a gran escala Simplot Feeders

April 10, 2025 News release: El Departamento de Ecología desea escuchar los comentarios del público acerca de un permiso de agua limpia actualizado para Simplot Feeders.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/abril-10-listo-para-revision-simplot-feeders

Ecology awards $9.6 million for landfill methane reduction

May 6, 2025 News release: Ecology awards nearly $10 million to landfill operators to comply with new methane emissions law.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/may-6-landfill-methane-emissions-reduction-grants

New rule would expand tug escort requirements, reduce risk of oil spills in Puget Sound

June 11, 2025 News release: The new rule expands tug escort requirements for small to medium-sized oil-carrying tank vessels to reduce the risk of oil spills in Puget Sound.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/june-11-tug-escort-rulemaking-cr-102

Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller responds to federal attempts to roll back vehicle pollution standards

June 6, 2025 News release: Washington Department of Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller issued a statement regarding the decision to pause implementation for portions of the state’s clean vehicle standards.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/ecology-director-casey-sixkiller-responds-to-federal-attempts-to-roll-back-vehicle-pollution-standar

Washington's sustainable business accelerator chooses new projects for support

April 22, 2024 News release: NextCycle Washington, state's sustainable business accelerator, chooses 13 new projects to back.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/april-22-washington-s-sustainable-business-accelerator-chooses-new-projects-for-support

Environmental penalties for 2nd quarter of 2021

July 28, 2021 News release: Environmental penalties issued for the 2nd quarter of 2021 totaling $1,000 or more

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/july-28-2021-2nd-quarter-penalty-summary

Una nueva campaña recuerda a los ciudadanos de Washington que es "Así De Simple" evitar tirar basura en las carreteras.

September 12, 2024 News release: La campaña "Así De Simple" se lanza el 13 de septiembre con publicidad en todo el estado y asociaciones con tiendas y grupos comunitarios.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/sept-12-una-nueva-campana-recuerda-a-los-ciudadanos-de-washington-que-es-asi-de-simple

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

New climate research shows need for deep cuts in Washington’s greenhouse gas emissions

December 19, 2019 News release: New research predicts that climate change will damage Washington’s environment, so we recommend eliminating nearly all sources of carbon pollution by 2050.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/dec-19-new-climate-research-shows-need-for-deep-cu