Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Ecology blazing the trail for more clean energy projects

June 30, 2025 News release: Ecology releases three environmental studies to help make early decisions about solar, onshore wind and green hydrogen clean energy facilities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/june-30-environmental-studies-released-for-clean-energy-projects

Closed pulp mill fined $2.3 million for environmental violations

July 22, 2025 News release: Storage tanks, treatment systems, and environmental equipment at the Cosmo Specialty Fibers pulp mill steadily deteriorate.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/july-22-cosmo-2-3-million-penalty

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

State begins work to implement Climate Commitment Act

August 6, 2021 News release: Ecology begins rulemaking to implement Climate Commitment Act.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/aug-6-state-begins-work-to-implement-climate-commi

Water quality permit holders to see updated fees in 2023

March 22, 2023 News release: The fees paid by the 6,800 water quality permittees in Washington state are undergoing a revision.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/march-22-water-quality-permit-fee-rule

Clean water permit for large livestock operations, manure lagoons available for review

June 21, 2022 News release: Ecology is proposing updates to the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) water quality permit, which is how the agency oversees manure management at certain facilities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-22-clean-water-permit-for-large-livestock-ope

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

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

Washington’s litter prevention campaign aims to curb roadside debris

June 5, 2022 News release: Washington marks National Secure Your Load Day on June 6, which commemorates people whose lives were impacted or taken by unsecured loads.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/2022-litter-prevention-campaign-aims-to-curb-roads

Ecology files water rights adjudication in Whatcom County Superior Court

May 2, 2024 News release: Today Ecology filed a water rights adjudication in Whatcom County Superior Court. This legal process will review and prioritize all water use in the Nooksack basin and nearby areas.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/may-2-nooksack-adjudication-filing

California, Québec and Washington agree to explore linkage

March 20, 2024 News release: California, Québec and Washington officially express interest in the potential formation of a shared carbon market between the three jurisdictions.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/mar-20-shared-carbon-market

Washington sets path to phase out gas vehicles by 2035

September 7, 2022 News release: Ecology is seeking public comment on a proposed rule for the Clean Vehicles Program, including zero-emission vehicles standards, through Oct. 19.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/sept-7-clean-vehicles-public-comment

After restoration success, Ecology proposes site-specific rulemaking for Chelan River

March 24, 2021 News release: Following a decade of restoration work, we are considering site-specific water quality standards that reflect the unique nature of the river.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/march-25-chelan-river-rulemaking

Después de éxitos de restauración, Ecología propone reglamentos específicos del sitio para el río Chelan

March 24, 2021 News release: El distrito de servicios públicos del condado de Chelan peticiona cambios después de que el salmón regresa al río.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/march-25-spanish

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

Industrial sites have new requirements to protect water quality

December 2, 2024 News release: Ecology has issued the updated Industrial Stormwater General permit for nearly 1,200 facilities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/dec-2-industrial-stormwater-permit

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

Drought declared for Yakima region for third year in a row

April 8, 2025 News release: Ecology is extending a drought emergency for a third consecutive year in central Washington. It is also issuing a drought advisory for north-central Washington and parts of the Puget Sound region.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/april-8-drought

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

Environmental penalties issued for the 2nd quarter of 2022

August 4, 2022 News release: Summary of environmental penalties issued in the second quarter of 2022.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/aug-4-second-quarter-penalties-2022

Securing your load leads to safer travels for everyone

June 5, 2023 News release: A photo of a Washington State Patrol Trooper explaining how to properly secure a vehicles load.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/2023-secure-your-load

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

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

Ecology updates clean water permit for large livestock operations and manure lagoons

December 6, 2022 News release: We are updating the CAFO permit to better protect water quality at permitted facilities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/dec-7-cafo-permit

Ecología actualiza el permiso de agua limpia para las operaciones ganaderas y lagunas de estiércol

December 6, 2022 News release: Ecología actualiza el permiso de agua limpia para las operaciones ganaderas y lagunas de estiércol.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/dec-7-operaciones-de-alimentacion-de-animales-conf

Plan to cut statewide fuel emissions 20% starts Jan. 1

November 28, 2022 News release: New Clean Fuel Standard will tackle Washington’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/nov-28-clean-fuel-standard-adoption

La campaña 'Así de simple', ayuda a tener un Washington libre de basura

April 17, 2023 News release: La iniciativa estatal de prevención de basura alienta a los residentes a tomar medidas para prevenir que la gente bote basura en las carreteras

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-17-la-campana-asi-de-simple

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

New permit for Puget Sound wastewater treatment plants will reduce nutrient pollution

July 14, 2021 News release: Wastewater treatment plant upgrades will improve the health of Puget Sound under new Ecology permit.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/june-16-nutrient-permit

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

Más de 35,000 barriles de desechos industriales removidos del Pasco Landfill

June 28, 2022 News release: Más de 35,000 barriles de desechos industriales removidos del Pasco Landfill

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-28-mas-de-35-000-barriles-de-desechos-industr

More than 35,000 drums of industrial waste removed from the Pasco Landfill

June 28, 2022 News release: More than 35,000 drums of industrial waste has been removed from the Pasco Landfill Superfund site.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/pasco-landfill-completion

Seattle and King County fined for sewer overflow violations

January 11, 2023 News release: Ecology and EPA are jointly issuing fines to Seattle and King County for violations of their federal consent decrees and state permits regulating combined sewer overflows from Seattle sewer systems.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/jan-11-seattle-and-king-co-fine-for-sewer-overflow

Water quality penalties fund environmental restoration

April 3, 2019 News release: Ecology to provide $331,000 for 12 local environmental enhancement projects

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/april-3-water-quality-penalties-fund-restoration

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

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

Seattle metal recycler fined $98,000 for pollution discharges to Duwamish River

February 13, 2019 News release: We fined a Seattle metal recycler on the Duwamish River for discharging excessive pollutant levels into the waterway over the past two years.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/feb-13-seattle-iron-penalty

Seattle and King County penalized for sewer overflow violations

November 30, 2023 News release: Ecology and EPA issue penalties to Seattle and King County for violations related to combined sewer overflows from Seattle’s sewer system

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-30-seattle-and-king-county-penalized-for-sewer-overflow-violations

Washington’s sustainable business accelerator seeks next round of projects

December 6, 2023 News release: NextCycle is seeking entrepreneurs and small businesses for the 2024 Circular Accelerator Program.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/dec-6-nextcycle-seeks-business-accelerator-projects

Ecology announces environmental restoration grant awards

August 7, 2023 News release: Ecology awards environmental restoration grants that will distribute $318,478 for projects around the state.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/august-7-spills-restoration-grants

Seattle and King County penalized for sewer overflow violations

December 12, 2024 News release: Ecology and EPA are issuing joint penalties to Seattle and King County for sewer overflow violations

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/dec-12-seattle-and-king-county-penalized-for-sewer-overflow-violations

State lays out plan to tackle impacts of climate change in Washington

September 30, 2024 News release: The Washington State Climate Resilience Strategy works to prepare for climate change threats and impacts from drought, changing ocean conditions, flooding, extreme heat, and wildfires and smoke.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/sept-30-climate-resilience-strategy

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

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

New approach to determine the natural conditions of Washington’s waters

May 10, 2024 News release: New approach to determine the natural conditions. Proposed standards would help state identify pollution and set discharge limits

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/may-10-new-approach-to-natural-conditions

State of Washington, federal agencies agree on future of tank waste cleanup at Hanford Site

April 29, 2024 News release: The Hanford Site agencies have announced a landmark agreement for cleaning up millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste from large, underground tanks at the Hanford Site.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/holistic-negotiations-agreement

Statewide drought declared due to low snowpack and dry forecast

April 16, 2024 News release: The Department of Ecology has declared a drought emergency for most of Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/april-16-drought-declaration

Ecology proposes new updates to help industry transition to clean semi-trucks

May 15, 2025 News release: Ecology proposed regulatory updates plus over $130 million in state funding will get more zero-emission semi-trucks operating in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/ecology-proposes-new-updates-to-help-industry-transition-to-clean-semi-trucks