Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

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

Preventing litter is “Simple As That,” says new campaign in Washington

September 11, 2022 News release: Washington litter prevention campaign "Simple As That" encourages people to use a litter bag and talk to their family and friends about littering.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/simple-as-that

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

Summary of environmental penalties issued for 1st quarter of 2021

April 26, 2021 News release: We issued $82,300 in penalties of $1,000 or more from January through March of 2021.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/april-29-1st-quarter-penalties

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

Environmental penalties issued for the third quarter of 2023

January 26, 2024 News release: Ecology issued $138,800 in penalties of $1,000 or more from July 1 – Sept. 30, 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/jan-25-third-quarter-2023-penalties

Secure Your Load, Save a Life: Washington campaign returns to prevent crashes and protect communities

June 3, 2025 News release: The Secure Your Load for Safer Roads campaign honors individuals whose lives were lost or forever changed by debris falling from vehicles.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/june-4-secure-your-load-save-a-life-washington-campaign-returns-to-prevent-crashes-and-protect-c

Ecology and Portland-based contractor settle penalty for water quality violations

December 12, 2022 News release: Ecology has reached a settlement agreement with Portland-based 1108 South Hillhurst Subdivision LLC for a $135,000 penalty issued for multiple water quality violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/dec-12-vista-ridge-pud-penalty-settlement

Ecology applauds EPA effort to add Bradford Island to “Superfund” list

September 8, 2021 News release: The EPA proposed adding Bradford Island at Bonneville Dam to the National Priorities List, better known as the Superfund cleanup list.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/bradford-island

Ecology adds additional phone-in only hearing for Kalama methanol testimony

September 17, 2020 News release: New phone-in only hearing scheduled for Kalama second Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/phone-in-only-hearing-scheduled-for-kalama-second

Statement from Ecology director about EPA’s proposed Clean Water Act rule

October 21, 2019 News release: Director Bellon's formal objections to EPA's proposed changes to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/director-bellon-statement-on-epa-401-proposed-chan

Initial site survey work on Port Angeles dock, shoreline to begin late August

August 12, 2019 News release: Field survey work is taking place at the dock and shoreline area leased by Rayonier Advanced Materials in Port Angeles.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/port-angeles-work

Statement from Ecology Director Laura Watson on federal rule undermining Washington’s water quality

June 1, 2020 News release: Ecology Director Laura Watson's comments on new federal Clean Water Act Section 401 rule.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/june-1-statement-from-ecology-director-on-federal

Portland contractor fined $135,000 for repeated water quality violations at Ridgefield construction site

June 13, 2022 News release: Ecology has fined 1108 South Hillhurst Subdivision LLC $135,000 for repeated water quality violations, and failing to meet the requirements of the Construction Stormwater General Permit.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-13-vista-ridge-pud-penalty

Skagit landowners have new mitigation option for water

March 31, 2021 News release: Qualifying Skagit River Basin landowners can now apply for water access for new domestic water uses.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/skagit-water-option

Statement from Ecology director on EPA rolling back water quality standards

April 17, 2020 News release: A statement from Ecology Director Laura Watson on the EPA rolling back water quality standards in Washington

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/statement-on-epa-rolling-back-water-quality-standa

Statement from Ecology director on federal vehicle emissions rollback

March 31, 2020 News release: A statement from Ecology director Laura Watson on the federal Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Rule.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/march-31-director-watson-statement-on-federal-vehi

New agreement provides water for Skagit well owners

May 14, 2019 News release: We've reached an agreement with Seattle City Light to provide water to more than 400 homes in Skagit and Snohomish counties.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/may-15-new-agreement-provides-water-for-skagit-wel

Ecology seeks community input on local air quality issues

November 2, 2023 News release: Ecology is holding open houses in Spokane, George and Mattawa as part of our work in overburdened communities under the Climate Commitment Act.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/ecology-seeks-community-input-on-local-air-quality

New protections to reduce plastic and foam pollution from dock floats

December 13, 2023 News release: Starting in January 2024, floating plastic foam used to support floating docks and walkways must be fully encased in a durable shell.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/dec-13-new-protections-reduce-pollution-docks

Whatcom County farm fined second time for illegal water use

October 17, 2024 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued a $20,000 fine to RAN General Partnership and its owner Rick Alamwala for illegal irrigation.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/oct-16-water-right-penalty

State and local agencies to host community event focused on Lower Yakima Valley drinking water

May 20, 2024 News release: On May 29, state and local agencies are hosting an open house-style event to provide information about well water safety in the Lower Yakima Valley. Free door prizes, kids' activities, and food.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/may-20-gwma-open-house-notice

Preparing Whatcom water users for adjudication

April 19, 2024 News release: Ecology has mailed 30,000 post cards to Nooksack area water users to let them know about adjudication.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/apr-19-adjudications-postcard

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

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

Washington’s emission check program ends Dec. 31

December 30, 2019 News release: At 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, Washington’s vehicle emissions check program will end, marking the close of 38 years of emissions testing on cars and trucks in major metropolitan areas.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/dec-30-washington-s-emission-check-program-ends-de

New law will reduce the use of single-use utensils, condiments, straws beginning Jan. 1

December 6, 2021 News release: On Jan. 1, a new law will require restaurants to stop automatically adding single-use food service items like utensils and condiments to food orders and let customers decide which items they want.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/dec-6-new-law-will-reduce-the-use-of-single-use-ut

Ecology announces action plan for addressing PFAS

November 3, 2021 News release: Ecology is rolling out its new PFAS Chemical Action Plan, a thoroughly researched set of recommendations intended to reduce uses and releases of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/nov-2-ecology-announces-action-plan-for-addressing

Better protections proposed for salmon spawning and habitat

October 19, 2021 News release: Proposed updates will help ensure salmon have enough oxygen and a healthy habitat for spawning.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/oct-19-salmon-spawning-rule

Ecology releases draft environmental review of options to rebuild Eightmile Lake Dam

April 19, 2023 News release: How to repair a deteriorating, 90-year-old dam in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Leavenworth is the subject of a draft environmental impact statement released today.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-19-eightmile-lake-dam-deis-release

No bags in the bin! Plastic bags contaminate recycling system

April 5, 2023 News release: Ecology awareness campaign aims to reduce plastic bags contamination in Washington’s residential recycling.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/recycle-right-no-bags-in-the-bin

Public discussion begins on plans to improve air quality in overburdened communities

September 19, 2022 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology opens public comment today on a new initiative to improve air quality in overburdened communities that are highly impacted by air pollution.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/sept-19-section-3-public-discussion

Single-use plastic bag ban begins Oct. 1 in Washington

July 21, 2021 News release: Washington's statewide ban on single-use plastic bags begins Oct. 1, 2021

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/statewide-bag-ban-begins-oct-1

State adopts new watershed plans for Puyallup River and Chambers-Clover basin

June 17, 2021 News release: New plans for the Puyallup-White and Chambers-Clover watersheds lay out priorities to protect fish habitat, while also ensuring sufficient water for rural residents.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/june-17-puyallup-chambers-clover

State adopts updated Colville River watershed plan

June 30, 2020 News release: A locally-developed watershed plan will protect rivers and streams in the Colville River watershed while securing water for future rural growth.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/june-30-wria-59-colville-streamflow-plan

Comment period extended for Goldendale Energy Storage Project draft EIS

June 6, 2022 News release: We're extending the comment period on a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed Goldendale Energy Storage Project adjacent to the Columbia River in Klickitat County.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-6-goldendale-energy-storage-draft-eis

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

Inslee declares drought emergency for Okanogan, Methow and Upper Yakima

April 4, 2019 News release: Water supply shortages are projected in the Methow, Okanogan, Upper Yakima basins, prompting Gov. Jay Inslee to declare a drought emergency in those watersheds.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/drought-emergency-for-okanogan-and-methow

EPA adds Bradford Island cleanup to “Superfund” list

March 17, 2022 News release: EPA adds Bradford Island to Superfund list.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/march-17-bradford-island

Ecology launches environmental review of proposed pumped storage energy project near Goldendale

January 13, 2021 News release: Environmental review of Goldendale Energy Project near John Day Dam

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/goldendale-energy-project

$2.2 million in grants awarded to improve water management and watershed restoration in the Walla Walla River Basin

June 29, 2023 News release: We are awarding $2.2 million in grant funding for watershed restoration and water management projects in the Walla Walla River Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/june-29-water-management-grants-in-walla-walla

$2.2 million in grants awarded to improve water management and watershed restoration in the Walla Walla River Basin

June 29, 2023 News release: We are awarding $2.2 million in grant funding for watershed restoration and water management projects in the Walla Walla River Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/june-29-water-management-grants-in-walla-walla-d6aec9105b52f49b93b3e53ec8138fe7

Lewis County landowner penalized $168,000 for stormwater pollution

November 16, 2023 News release: Ecology is penalizing a landowner in Lewis County $168,000 for repeated water quality violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-16-lewis-county-landowner-penalty

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

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

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

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

Ecology names new director for Office of Columbia River

January 8, 2025 News release: Larry Mattson to oversee regional work protecting water supplies in the Columbia Basin

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/jan-8-ecology-names-new-ocr-director

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

Ecology awards $9.6 million for landfill methane reduction

May 6, 2025 News release: Ecology awards nearly $10 million to landfill operators to comply with new methane emissions law.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/may-6-landfill-methane-emissions-reduction-grants