Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

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

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

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

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

Office of Equity & Environmental Justice

The Office of Equity & Environmental Justice helps eliminate disparities for at-risk communities.

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

2023-25 Strategic Plan

Get to know Ecology, our mission, vision, and goals for 2023-2025.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/strategic-plan/2023-25-strategic-plan

Environmental evaluation for proposed Chehalis River flood reduction project ready for review

February 27, 2020 News release: Ecology released the state EIS for a proposed flood retention dam on the Chehalis River, and seeking public comments through April 27.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/feb-27-chehalis-flood-reduction-project-eis

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

What is Risk MAP?

We run FEMA’s Risk MAP program to help communities better protect themselves from natural disasters.

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

Shoreline stabilization

Protect shorelines and reduce erosion risks by using shore-friendly practices.

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

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

Cooke Aquaculture applies to modify water quality permits for steelhead farming in Puget Sound

April 13, 2020 News release: Cooke Aquaculture has submitted applications to modify its existing permits to raise steelhead.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/cooke-aquaculture-applies-to-modify-permits

Temperature pollution

We are working to protect and restore riparian habitat and other practices to help keep Washington's waters cool.

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

Ecology encourages Washingtonians to ‘Use Food Well’ this holiday season

November 18, 2024 News release: The Use Food Well campaign focuses on preventing food waste through simple steps like smart shopping, meal planning, and proper food storage.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/use-food-well-this-holiday-season

Chamokane Creek settlement agreement - Frequently asked questions

FAQs about the settlement agreement on impacts of permit-exempt wells on flows in Chamokane Creek.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/water-availability/chamokane-creek/frequently-asked-questions

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

Achilles penalized for two spills that impacted wildlife

June 18, 2020 News release: Achilles penalized for two spills Negligence a factor in 2018 spills at Everett facility

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/achilles-penalized-for-two-spills-that-impacted-wi

Ecology tracking Hanford waste tank leak

April 29, 2021 News release: The U.S. Department of Energy announced Thursday an underground radioactive and dangerous chemical waste storage tank at the Hanford Site in Southeast Washington is leaking.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/ecology-tracking-hanford-waste-tank-leak

Commercial vessels

A no discharge zone is now in effect for all commercial vessels.

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

Recycling Development Center

The new Recycling Development Center is tasked with bolstering Washington's recycling markets.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-recycling-waste/strategic-policy-and-planning/recycling-development-center

State environmental review of proposed Chehalis River Basin Flood Damage Reduction Project

Public comment period is open for environmental review of Chehalis flood damage reduction project.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/chehalis-basin/chehalis-flood-reduction-eis

Pollution prevention (P2) grants

Learn how businesses and local governments can apply for funding for pollution prevention projects.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/pollution-prevention-services/p2-grants

Water quality grants and loans

Information on funding, tools for managing water quality projects we fund.

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

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

How we help Puget Sound

We protect and restore Puget Sound through a wide variety of programs and activities.

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

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

Shoreline planners toolbox

Our toolbox offers guidance and resources for developing and maintaining Shoreline Master Programs.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/shoreline-coastal-planning/shoreline-planners-toolbox

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

Salmon net pen water quality permits

We issue wastewater permits for marine salmon net pens.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/aquaculture/net-pens

Ecology awards $63 million to reduce flooding, protect communities and farms, restore habitat

August 31, 2023 News release: Ecology awards $63 million to 12 entities across the state to transform how floodplains in the state's major river basins are managed.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/ecology-awards-63-million-to-reduce-flooding-protect-communities

Funded Oversight Remedial Action Grants

See Oversight Remedial Action Grants funded in the current and recent budgets.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/payments-contracts-grants/grants-loans/find-a-grant-or-loan/oversight-remedial-action-grants-loans/funded-remedial-action-grants

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

Litter in Washington

We oversee many of Washington's litter pickup, prevention, and grant programs.

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

Puget Sound sediments

Our scientists study marine sediments and the animals that live there.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/puget-sound/sound-science/marine-sediments

Environmental penalties issued for third quarter of 2024

January 14, 2025 News release: Ecology issued $439,340 in penalties of $1,000 or more from July 1 – Sept. 30, 2024.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/jan-14-environmental-penalties-issued-for-third-quarter-of-2024

Ecology's budget

We operate with a biennial budget and strategic plan that we submit to the Governor every two years.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/budget-legislative-priorities/our-budget

Cap-and-Invest offsets

Offset credits can be used by businesses to cover some of their emissions.

https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/climate-commitment-act/cap-and-invest/offsets

Dam safety technical notes

Dam safety technical notes for assessing and reducing risks.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/dams/info-for-engineers/technical-notes

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

Green chemistry

We work with schools, researchers, and businesses to integrate green chemistry into their work.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/green-chemistry

Ecology's Index of interpretive and policy statements and Declaratory and Final Orders.

Our interpretive and policy statements.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/index

Health effects from smoke

Smoke can hurt your health.

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

Orders, penalties, and settlements

Ecology may issue an order or penalty, or enter into a settlement for the Hanford site cleanup.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/nuclear-waste/hanford-cleanup/hanford-cleanup-process/settlements-and-orders

Nooksack River basin rule amendment

In 2020 we amended the existing instream flow rule for the Nooksack basin.

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

Local wetland regulations: Growth Management Act technical assistance

We assist local governments in their efforts to adopt GMA regulations that protect wetlands.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/wetlands/regulations/local-regulations

Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Management Area

We're partnering in a local effort to reduce nitrate concentrations in Lower Yakima Valley wells.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/lower-yakima-valley-groundwater-management-area

Become a bank sponsor

Find guidance on how to become the sponsor of a wetland mitigation bank.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/wetlands/mitigation/wetland-mitigation-banking/become-a-bank-sponsor

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about no discharge zones.

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

2021-2023 Shoreline Master Program funded competitive projects

2021-2023 Shoreline Master program competitive grant pilot program funded projects.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/payments-contracts-grants/grants-loans/find-a-grant-or-loan/shoreline-planning-competitive-grants/funded-projects

Legislative work

2018 and 2019 legislative work on spill preparedness, oil handling, and Puget Sound vessel traffic.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/spills-prevention-preparedness-response/legislative-work