Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Midway Sewer District fined for September sewage spill

April 28, 2021 News release: We have fined the Midway Sewer District $21,000 for allowing raw sewage to flow into McSorley Creek in September 2020.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/april-28-midway-sewer-district-penalty

Statement from Ecology director on federal government rolling back wetland and stream protections

April 21, 2020 News release: Statement from Ecology Director Laura Watson on EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rolling back wetland and stream protections.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/april-21-statement-from-ecology-director-on-federa

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

Olympia Brewery owner billed for State expenses for spill into Capitol Lake

February 11, 2021 News release: Olympia Brewery owner penalized and will pay response costs for spill into Capitol Lake

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/feb-11-olympia-brewery-spill-to-capitol-lake

$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

Yakima area air quality focus of March 24 listening sessions

March 10, 2022 News release: On March 24, the Washington Department of Ecology will host two virtual listening sessions for Yakima area residents to hear about their concerns with air quality issues in their communities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/march-10-yakima-listening-sessions-on-march-24

Comments sought on a program to reduce nitrate levels in Lower Yakima Valley wells

February 25, 2019 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology is opening a comment period, and jointly hosting a public hearing with Yakima County, on a proposed program to address nitrates in drinking water in the Lower Yakima Valley.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/lower-yakima-valley-groundwater-management-area

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

Pullman business penalized for oil spill to the South Fork Palouse River

June 29, 2023 News release: Pullman business Four Star Supply penalized for oil spill to the South Fork Palouse River

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/four-star-penalty-for-oil-spill-to-south-fork-palouse-river

Pullman business penalized for oil spill to the South Fork Palouse River

June 29, 2023 News release: Four Star Supply penalized for spilling oil to the South Fork Palouse River

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/june-29-four-star-penalty-for-oil-spill-to-south-fork-palouse-river

Washington proposes new rule to decrease methane emissions from landfills

October 30, 2023 News release: Ecology is proposing a rule to reduce more emissions of methane from municipal solid waste landfills.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/oct-30-decrease-methane-emissions-from-landfills

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 report shows air pollution hits Washington’s most vulnerable the hardest

December 28, 2023 News release: A new Ecology report shows people in 16 overburdened areas of Washington face a higher death rate from air pollution than the state average.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/dec-28-new-report-shows-air-pollution-hits-washington-s-most-vulnerable-the-hardest

Spokane Galvanizing penalized $32,000 for mismanaging dangerous waste

July 31, 2024 News release: Spokane Galvanizing received a $32,000 penalty for violating state dangerous waste laws.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/july-31-west-plains-sampling-for-pfas

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

Washington adopts rule to decrease methane emissions from landfills

May 13, 2024 News release: Ecology is adopting a new regulation to reduce emissions of methane – a potent greenhouse gas – from municipal solid waste landfills.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/new-rule-to-decrease-landfill-methane-emissions

$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

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

109 wastewater treatment plants across Washington awarded for top performance

May 17, 2023 News release: 2023 winners of the outstanding wastewater treatment plant awards

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-17-outstanding-wastewater-treatment-plant-awar

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

Forecast looks at Columbia Basin water availability

June 2, 2021 News release: Every five years, Ecology’s Office of Columbia River looks forward 20 years to examine water supply & demands for communities, farms and fish.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/june-2-2021-supply-demand-forecast

Ecology issues $1 million fine to U.S. Department of Energy for not providing access to crucial data

January 6, 2020 News release: Ecology issued a $1 million penalty to the U.S. Department of Energy for restricting the state’s access to critical data. The restricted data is vital to Ecology’s regulatory and oversight role at the Hanford Site in Eastern Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/jan-6-ecology-fines-u-s-department-of-energy-1-mi

118 wastewater treatment plants across Washington receive Ecology award

August 1, 2024 News release: Wastewater Treatment Plant Awards 2023

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug1-awards-for-wastewater-treatment-plants

Environmental penalties issued for the third quarter of 2023

January 26, 2024 News release: Ecology issued $138,800 in penalties of $1,000 or more from July 1 – Sept. 30, 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/jan-25-third-quarter-2023-penalties

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

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

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

State of Washington, federal agencies announce conceptual agreement in Hanford Site Holistic Negotiations

May 2, 2023 News release: USDOE, Ecology Ecology, and (EPA) announced that negotiating teams have reached conceptual agreement in Holistic Negotiations on revising plans for managing millions of gallons of waste stored in tanks at the Hanford Site.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-2-hanford-site-holistic-negotiations-conceptua

Comment on proposed rule to boost recycled content in plastic bags, containers

May 2, 2023 News release: Ecology is now accepting comments on a proposed rule to implement the recycled content requirements of the 2021 Plastics Law

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-2-ecology-seeks-comments-on-rule-for-recycled

Grants awarded for Washington’s first electric fire engines

April 27, 2023 News release: Washington will receive the state’s first electric fire engines in 2026. Ecology has given $1.18 M to Bellevue and Redmond through our VW and Clean Diesel grant programs.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-27-grants-awarded-for-washington-s-first-ele

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

Ecology releases draft environmental review of options to rebuild Eightmile Lake Dam

April 19, 2023 News release: How to repair a deteriorating, 90-year-old dam in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Leavenworth is the subject of a draft environmental impact statement released today.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-19-eightmile-lake-dam-deis-release

Bellevue developer fined $280,000 for multiple dangerous waste violations at downtown site

September 21, 2021 News release: The Department of Ecology has fined Bellevue Investors I LLC $280,000 for illegally sending soil contaminated with dry cleaning solvent to solid waste landfills.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/sept-21-bellevue-developer-fined-280-000-for-mult

Environmental penalties for third quarter 2019

October 30, 2019 News release: Third quarter environmental penalties for 2019

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/oct-30-3rdq-penalties

Hanford Advisory Board to meet in Yakima April 19, 2023

April 10, 2023 News release: The Hanford Advisory Board is on the road again for the first time since before the pandemic – holding its next regional meeting in Yakima later this month.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-hanford-advisory-board-meeting-in-yakima

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

Dangerous fire on Tacoma tideflats leads to $1.9 million fine

October 7, 2019 News release: We have issued a $1.9 million penalty to Stericycle for mishandling hazardous waste.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/dangerous-fire-on-tacoma-tideflats-leads-to-1-9-m

Awarding $312 million to communities for clean water projects

July 1, 2021 News release: Ecology is awarding $312 million in grants and loans for 108 high-priority clean water projects.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/july-1-awarding-312-million-to-communities-for-cl

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

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

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

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

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

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

Construction company fined $202,500 and ordered to restore damaged wetlands

July 8, 2019 News release: We've fined Stetson Heights LLC $202,500 and ordered the company to take corrective action for causing significant damage to wetlands.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/july-8-stetson-heights-penalty

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

50 electric buses coming to Washington transit agencies

June 12, 2019 News release: Ecology puts $13.3 million from VW settlement toward zero-emission buses

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/june-12-50-electric-buses-coming-to-washington-tra

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

New agreement broadens cleanup process at Boeing site on Duwamish

May 22, 2019 News release: The Boeing Company will continue cleanup work - begun under Ecology's Voluntary Cleanup Program - and expand studies of contaminated areas at its Developmental Center on the Duwamish Waterway under a proposed cleanup agreement with Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/may-22-boeing-developmental-center