Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Ecology proposes adopting federal human health criteria for water quality

September 17, 2024 News release: We are proposing to adopt the federal human health criteria for water quality in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/sept-17-proposal-on-federal-human-health-criteria

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

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

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

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

$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

Ecology begins environmental review of proposal to rebuild Eightmile Lake Dam

December 17, 2020 News release: We are asking the public what we should examine as we study environmental impacts resulting from the construction and rebuild of the Eightmile Dam.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/dec-18-eightmile-dam-scoping

Pilchuck River watershed needs cool pools and more shade

October 15, 2020 News release: Comment on a plan to cool the Pilchuck River and its tributaries and protect their dissolved oxygen levels

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-15-pilchuck-watershed

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

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

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

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

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

State reviews record amount of water quality data in effort to prioritize improvements

April 8, 2021 News release: Ecology uses the water quality assessment to categorize state waters as clean or polluted. The new draft assessment is now available for review.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/draft-water-quality-assessment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 shares plan to clean up Puget Sound nutrient pollution

June 12, 2025 News release: Ecology has drafted the Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction Plan to guide the region as it seeks to address the many human sources of nutrient pollution.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/ecology-shares-plan-to-clean-up-puget-sound-nutrient-pollution

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

Refrigerant Management Program

Refrigerant Management Program (RMP) requires facilities with refrigeration and air conditioning systems to conduct, report, and repair leaks.

https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions/hydrofluorocarbons/refrigerant-management-program

Environmental penalties issued for first half of 2023

September 28, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued $562,540 in penalties of $1,000 or more from Jan. 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-28-environmental-penalties-for-first-half-of-2023

Cleanup sites

Find information on specific contamination cleanup sites.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/cleanup-sites

Model Toxics Control Act

The Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) is Washington's environmental cleanup law.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/rules-directing-our-cleanup-work/model-toxics-control-act

Generating credits in the Clean Fuel Standard

Participants can earn credits under the Clean Fuel Standard.

https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions/clean-fuel-standard/generating-credits

Grants & loans

Get information about grants and loans that benefit the health of our land, air, and water.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/payments-contracts-grants/grants-loans

Clean Fuel Standard

Learn how we are working to reduce carbon pollution from transportation.

https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions/clean-fuel-standard

Protecting whales during oil spills

The transport of oil poses a threat to the recovery of Southern Resident Killer Whales,

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/spills/spill-preparedness-response/preparing-for-spills/protecting-whales-during-oil-spills

Kids page

Find out about our Padilla Bay resources for kids.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/padilla-bay-reserve/education-programs/kids-page

State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)

SEPA is a tool used by WA governments to determine potential environmental impacts from projects.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/environmental-projects/sepa

Mandatory greenhouse gas reports

Our mandatory greenhouse gas program requires some facilities to report their emissions.

https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions/tracking-greenhouse-gases/mandatory-greenhouse-gas-reports

Clean Fuel Standard requirements for participation

Learn what fuel producers and suppliers are required to do under the Clean Fuel Standard.

https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions/clean-fuel-standard/requirements

Climate Commitment Act: Ways to engage

Learn about upcoming Climate Commitment Act (CCA) public and Tribal engagement opportunities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/climate-commitment-act/cca-engage

Email notification lists

Sign up for email updates about environmental issues and activities affecting Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/email-lists

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) collection & disposal program

Learn more about a proposed collection and disposal program for fire departments with AFFF on-site.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/product-replacement-program/afff-disposal

Contracts & bidding opportunities

Learn how to become a state vendor and contract with Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/payments-contracts-grants/contracts-bidding-opportunities

Updates to the surface water quality standards

We update our water quality standards through rulemaking and the triennial review.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/water-quality-standards/updates-to-the-standards

Driver information

Learn how Washington's vehicle emissions standards affect drivers.

https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions/vehicle-emissions-standards/drivers

Shorelands & Environmental Assistance

We provide guidance, plans, and funds for communities where the water meets the land.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/shorelands-environmental-assistance

Cultural resource review

Information about grants that require a cultural resource review for projects to qualify.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/payments-contracts-grants/grants-loans/find-a-grant-or-loan/area-wide-groundwater-investigation-grants/cultural-resources-review

Hydrofluorocarbons use restrictions

Learn about the rule requirements for the manufacturing and sale of products containing restricted refrigerants in Washington state.

https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions/hydrofluorocarbons/use-restrictions

WCC alumni resources

As a WCC alumnus, you are eligible for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award as well as other networking and career resources offered through WCC and AmeriCorps.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/jobs-at-ecology/washington-conservation-corps/alumni-resources

How you can help orcas

Orcas benefit from the many ways individuals and groups help protect water quality.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/puget-sound/protecting-orcas/how-you-can-help-orcas

Solid waste

Information on solid waste waste facilities, management, and permitting.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/solid-waste-litter/solid-waste

Business & industry requirements

Requirements for businesses that emit air pollution from industrial processes and burning.

https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/air-quality/business-industry-requirements

Stormwater Community-Based Public-Private Partnership Program

We are awarding grants to develop and implement Community-based Public-Private Partnerships for Stormwater.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/water-quality-grants-and-loans/community-based-public-private-partnership-program