Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

New status, protections proposed for Soap Lake and the Cascade, Green and Napeequa rivers

July 18, 2023 News release: Proposal to name Soap Lake and the Cascade, Green, and Napeequa rivers Outstanding Resource Waters.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/july-18-proposed-protection-for-outstanding-resource-waters

Washington proposes restricting refrigerants linked to global warming

July 13, 2023 News release: Washington proposes a rule to ban the sale of new air conditioners and commercial refrigeration that contain hydrofluorocarbons.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/july-13-hfc-rule-proposal

$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

Settlement reached to ensure access to critical Hanford Site data

September 14, 2023 News release: The Washington state Department of Ecology will regain direct access to critical federal data about the Hanford Site following a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-14-settlement-reached-to-ensure-access-to-critical-hanford-site-data

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

Electric school buses to earn extra credit in 2025

December 11, 2024 News release: By early 2026, more than 200 electric school buses will be at Washington schools.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/dec-11-electric-school-buses-to-earn-extra-credit-in-2025

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

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

Protecting streamflows and fish in the Walla Walla River and Mill Creek

August 9, 2024 News release: Learn more about how we're protecting streamflows and fish in the Walla Walla River and Mill Creek.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-9-walla-walla-streamflows

Diesel spill from sunken fishing boat in 2022 off San Juan Island leads to penalty

June 26, 2024 News release: Ecology is issuing an $18,000 penalty for diesel spilled during the sinking of a fishing vessel, the Aleutian Isle

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-26-aleutian-isle-penalty

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

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

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

$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

Public invited to comment on environmental review for Washington’s draft permit for biosolids management

September 27, 2024 News release: Ecology opens 14-day public comment period on SEPA Determination of Nonsignificance for draft statewide general permit for biosolids management

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/sept-27-public-invited-to-comment-on-environmental-review-for-washington-s-draft-permit-for-bioso

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

Property owner fined $71,800 penalty for damage to wetlands, failure to abide by restoration agreement

January 7, 2025 News release: Ecology issued a $71,800 penalty to Chad Williams for damaging wetlands on property he owns near Camas, and failing to comply with an agreement he signed.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/jan-7-williams-wetland-penalty

State penalizes Kent recycling company $33,000 for dangerous waste violations

January 16, 2025 News release: Ecology is issuing a $33,000 penalty to Total Reclaim, Inc. (TRI) in Kent for violations of the state’s dangerous waste regulations

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/jan-16-state-penalizes-kent-recycling-company-33-000-for-dangerous-waste-violations

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

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

New steps to improve groundwater management in the Pasco Basin

May 9, 2025 News release: Working to meet water needs in the Pasco Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/may-8-pasco-boundary-designation

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 recent climate auction results show continued stability

June 11, 2025 News release: New Cap-and-Invest auction results show market stability and Washington's continued climate leadership.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/june-11-washington-s-recent-climate-auction-results-show-continued-stability

Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller on federal threats to Washington’s clean vehicle transition

June 12, 2025 News release: Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller responds to the Trump administration's attempt to roll back stronger state standards on vehicle pollution.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/june-12-ecology-director-casey-sixkiller-on-federal-threats-to-washington-s-clean-vehicle-transition

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

Auctions trainings & resources

Guides, forms, trainings, and other resources for participants in the Cap-and-Invest market.

https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/climate-commitment-act/cap-and-invest/auctions-and-market/trainings-and-resources

Foam docks and blocks law

New environmental protections will reduce plastic pollution in Washington’s waters.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-recycling-waste/plastics/docks-and-blocks

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

Nitrate in groundwater data & assessment

Nitrogen contamination of groundwater is a problem in several areas. See where and why.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/groundwater/nitrate-data-assessment

Water conservancy boards

Water conservancy boards, where available, may allow you to change or transfer a water right faster.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/water-rights/water-conservancy-boards

Air Quality

We are the state's lead agency for managing air quality.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/air-quality

Statewide wetland mapping inventory project

View the results of our 2022-2024 statewide wetland mapping inventory project.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/wetlands/tools-resources/mapping-resources/map-inventory-project

Lake Roosevelt water rights

Our Lake Roosevelt program makes new water rights available for Columbia River cities and industry.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/columbia-river-basin-projects/lake-roosevelt-water-rights

Saltwater

We work to protect Washington's marine resources.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/saltwater

Responding to water supply needs

Learn how climate change might affect our water supplies.

https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/responding-to-climate-change/water-supply-impacts

Puget Sound riparian grants

Our riparian grant program is designed to increase restoration in and along Puget Sound rivers.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/puget-sound/helping-puget-sound/riparian-restoration/riparian-systems

Contaminated sites with PFAS in drinking water

Some sites on our Contaminated Sites List have groundwater contaminated with PFAS. See these cleanup sites, check your water, and find health resources.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/cleanup-sites/sites-with-pfas-in-drinking-water