Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Wildfire risks caused by climate change

Wildfire risk from climate change and impacts on health, economy, and environment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/responding-to-climate-change/wildfire-risks

Stormwater funding requirements

Resources and requirements for stormwater projects that receive Water Quality Combined Funding.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/water-quality-grants-and-loans/stormwater-funding-resources

Washington Coastal Zone Management Program & policies

The Coastal Zone Management Act gives states the primary role in managing their coastal zone.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/coastal-zone-management/programs-policies

Shoreline natural hazards management

We work to minimize the impacts of natural hazards to communities and natural resources.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/hazards

Puget Sound is now a no-discharge zone for vessel sewage

A no discharge zone will protect Puget Sound from vessel sewage releases.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/puget-sound/no-discharge-zone

Skagit basin water availability

We work with local partners in the Skagit River basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/protecting-stream-flows/instream-flow-implementation/skagit-river-basin/water-supply

Shoreline Master Program guidelines

We and local governments must meet state Shoreline Master Program guidelines.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/shoreline-coastal-planning/shoreline-laws-rules-and-cases/shoreline-master-program-guidelines

Riparian education

Educational resources for understanding riparian systems, climate resiliency, and where to learn more.

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

Forestry pollution

Ecology helps ensure that Forest Practices Rules protect water quality and fish habitat.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/nonpoint-pollution/forestry-runoff

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

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

Emergency incidents: what owners should do

It is important for dam owners to be prepared for earthquakes, floods, and wildfires.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/dams/info-for-dam-owners/earthquakes-floods-wildfires

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

Wildfire smoke information

Wildfire smoke is harmful to your health. Learn how to protect your health and get relief.

https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/air-quality/smoke-fire/wildfire-smoke

Office of Chehalis Basin

A joint effort to reduce flood damage and restore aquatic habitat in Chehalis River basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/office-of-chehalis-basin

Hiring a qualified wetland professional

Do you need to hire a wetland professional? We provide guidance on now to find and select one.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/wetlands/tools-resources/hiring-a-qualified-wetland-professional

Credits & debits for wetland mitigation

Learn about calculating credits and debits for compensatory mitigation.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/wetlands/tools-resources/credit-debit-method

Water banking grants

Water bank grant awards will fund water right purchases for ready-to-go water banking projects.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/water-rights/water-banks/water-banking-grants

Water rights

A water right is the legal authorization to use a quantity of water for beneficial uses.

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

Floodplain management

We provide planning and regulation resources to local governments to reduce their flood risks.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/hazards/floods-floodplain-planning/planning-regulation

Wetland mapping resources

We are committed to providing public access to wetland maps and geospatial data.

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

Cleaning up contaminated sediment in Washington

Cleaning up contaminated sediment protects human health and Washington's valuable natural resources.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/sediment-cleanups

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

Wetland mitigation resources

We provide resources to landowners and developers to help with wetland mitigation planning.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/wetlands/mitigation

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

Why it matters

A no discharge zone will help keep Puget Sound clean for shellfishing, swimming, and recreating.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/puget-sound/no-discharge-zone/why-it-matters

Wetland rating system

Rating helps agencies make decisions about standards for protecting wetlands, including buffers.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/wetlands/tools-resources/rating-systems

Floods & floodplain planning

We lead Washington floodplain management by offering planning and project resources to communities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/hazards/floods-floodplain-planning

Instream flow rule amendment adopted for Nooksack watershed

May 28, 2020 News release: Ecology has amended the instream flow rule that affects parts of Whatcom County and small areas in Skagit County. The amendment provides water for new rural homeowners and benefits streamflows in the Nooksack River watershed.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/may-28-nooksack-instream-flow-rule-amendment

Ecology revises Puget Sound net pen permits for steelhead

January 6, 2021 News release: Water quality permits updated to allow steelhead in four Puget Sound net pens.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/ecology-revises-puget-sound-net-pen-permits-for-st

Protecting stream flows

An instream flow is a water right for the stream and the resources that depend on it.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/protecting-stream-flows

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

Stewardship at Padilla Bay

Taking care of Padilla Bay: Tracking change, restoring habitat, and modeling responsible practices.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/padilla-bay-reserve/stewardship

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 is accepting comments on draft permits for Cooke Aquaculture

September 8, 2020 News release: We are announcing draft permits for Cooke Aquaculture net pen facilities are out for public comment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/sept-9-draft-permits-cooke-aquaculture

No food in landfills is goal of Food Waste Prevention Week, April 10-16

April 10, 2023 News release: It’s Food Waste Prevention Week 2023! Preventing food waste increases food security, improves agricultural productivity and efficiency, promotes resource conservation, and reduces harmful greenhouse gases.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-10

State agency greenhouse gas reporting

State agencies are joining the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow climate change.

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

Ecology declares drought emergency in 12 counties

July 24, 2023 News release: An emergency drought declaration has been issued for watersheds in Benton, Clallam, Columbia, Jefferson, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, Skagit, Snohomish, Walla Walla, Whatcom, and Yakima counties.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/july-24-ecology-declares-drought-emergency-in-12-counties

Washington's marine spatial plan

We plan for human uses on Washington’s coast to manage impacts and ensure a healthy ocean ecosystem.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/ocean-management/marine-spatial-planning

Inslee expands drought emergency for nearly half of the state

May 20, 2019 News release: A total of 24 watersheds have been added to the emergency drought declaration.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/may-20-inslee-expands-drought-emergency

Nisqually watershed plan earns state’s first approval under new water law

February 1, 2019 News release: A locally-developed plan to protect natural resources in the Nisqually River watershed is the first to gain approval under Washington’s streamflow restoration law, adopted last year in response to the State Supreme Court’s “Hirst” decision.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/feb-1-nisqually-watershed-plan

Irrigators in Little Spokane River watershed will likely see water restrictions this summer

August 5, 2019 News release: Some water users in the Little Spokane River basin will have to curb their consumption if lower water levels persist this season.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/aug-5-little-spokane-river-water-restrictions-poss

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

Environmental justice at Ecology

Prioritizing environmental justice in our work and our decisions.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/environmental-justice/prioritizing-ej

Tools to interpret and implement

Get help understanding how the surface water quality standards apply to your work.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/water-quality-standards/assistance

Statewide conditions

We work with agencies and organizations to closely monitor Washington’s water supply.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/water-availability/statewide-conditions

Ecology begins planning for future water use in Nooksack watershed

February 5, 2019 News release: Ecology begins rulemaking process for future water use in Nooksack watershed

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/planning-future-nooksack-water-use

Ecology invites public comment on shoreline management updates for Thurston County

August 8, 2024 News release: Ecology seeks public input on changes to the Thurston County Shoreline Master Program (SMP) to help the county bring the plan up-to-date with state and local laws.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-8-thurston-county-public-comment

Ecology declares drought emergency

July 14, 2021 News release: Extreme heat and prolonged dryness result in emergency drought declaration for most of Washington state.

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

Ecology names new central Washington region director

January 23, 2024 News release: David Bowen to oversee regional environmental work spanning water, air quality, cleanup, environmental justice and more.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/jan-23-ecology-names-new-central-washington-region-director