Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Stage 1 burn ban for Methow Valley, Chelan and Douglas counties; extended in Kittitas and Klickitat

December 6, 2019 News release: Stage 1 burn ban called for Methow Valley, Chelan and Douglas; ban extended in Kittitas and Klickitat

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/dec-6-stage-1-burn-ban-called-for-methow-valley-c

Stage 1 burn ban called for Kittitas and Klickitat counties

December 4, 2019 News release: Stage 1 burn ban called for Kittitas and Klickitat counties

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/dec-4-stage-1-burn-ban-called-for-kittitas-and-kli

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

Stage 1 burn ban called for Okanogan Valley

December 3, 2020 News release: Stage 1 burn ban called beginning Dec. 3 for Okanogan Valley.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/dec-3-stage-1-burn-ban-called-for-okanogan-valley

Burn ban lifted in Ferry, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, and Stevens counties

October 28, 2020 News release: A Stage 1 burn ban was lifted for four Northeast Washington counties.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-28-burn-ban-lifted-in-ferry-pend-oreille-oka

Stage 1 burn ban called for Ferry, Okanogan, Pend Oreille and Stevens counties

October 26, 2020 News release: Stage 1 burn ban begins Monday, Oct. 26, for several counties in north-central and eastern Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-26-stage-1-burn-ban-called-for-ferry-okanogan

Stage 1 burn ban called for Asotin, Columbia, Garfield and Walla Walla counties

November 8, 2019 News release: Stage 1 burn ban called for Asotin, Columbia, Garfield and Walla Walla counties

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/nov-8-stage-1-burn-ban-called-for-asotin-columbia

Stage 1 Burn ban for Ferry, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, and Stevens counties

November 1, 2019 News release: Stage 1 Burn ban for Ferry, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, and Stevens counties

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/nov-1-burn-ban

Leaking hazardous waste container leads to $37,000 fine for Clean Earth Specialty Waste Solutions

October 10, 2022 News release: Clean Earth Specialty Waste Solutions, a hazardous waste transportation company, received a $37,000 penalty from Washington’s Department of Ecology for allowing a storage container to leak corrosive waste.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/oct-10-clean-earth-penalty

Contractor settles penalty for Lacey water quality violations

October 6, 2022 News release: Milestone LLC will pay a reduced penalty, provide additional employee training, and contribute to a water quality improvement project under a settlement agreement with Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/oct-6-milestone-penalty-settlement

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

Water quality violations result in $53,000 fine to San Juan sand and gravel mine

March 23, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology is issuing a $53,000 penalty to Myron Williams, Inc., for failing to protect water quality at its mining operation at Egg Lake Quarry on San Juan Island.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/march-23-water-quality-violations-result-in-fine

Environmental penalties for second quarter of 2020

August 11, 2020 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued $360,700 in penalties of $1,000 or more from April through June 2020.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/aug-13-second-quarter-penalties-2020

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

Ecology and Clark County contractor settle penalty for water quality violations

July 20, 2022 News release: Rotschy Inc. will pay $101,000 to the Washington Department of Ecology under an agreement to settle an appeal of a larger penalty for nine water quality violations

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/july-20-rotschy-penalty-settlement

11 consumer products to be studied for toxic chemicals

July 14, 2020 News release: Following a 2019 state law aimed at keeping toxic chemicals out of consumer products, the Washington Department of Ecology last week submitted its report to the Legislature that outlines 11 products that need further study and potential regulation.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/11-consumer-products-to-be-studied-for-toxic-chemi

Washington begins work to slash HFCs – climate change “super pollutants”

August 1, 2019 News release: We're working to reduce use of hydrofluorocarbons - climate change super pollutants.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/aug-1-washington-begins-work-to-slash-hfcs

Tukwila property owner penalized for oil spill to the Duwamish River

February 2, 2023 News release: Tukwila property owner penalized for oil spill to the Duwamish River

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/feb-2-john-roach-penalty

Ecology and Westport seafood processer settle penalty for water quality violations

July 12, 2022 News release: Pacific Seafood – Westport, LLC will pay $92,250 to the Washington Department of Ecology under an agreement to settle an appeal of a larger penalty for 49 water quality violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/july-11-pacific-seafood-settlement

Battle Ground contractor settles stormwater penalty

January 5, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has settled a $136,000 penalty issued to Hamilton Excavating LLC for multiple construction stormwater violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/jan-5-hamilton-penalty-settlement

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

Port Townsend mill fined $27,000 for water quality violations

May 17, 2022 News release: Repeated water quality violations at the Port Townsend Paper Corporation (PTPC) mill in Port Townsend led to a $27,000 penalty from the Washington Department of Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/may-17-ptpc-fined-for-water-quality-violations

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

Summer jobs now open for Central Washington teens

March 5, 2020 News release: Ecology plans to hire as many as 72 teenagers to help clean Central Washington parks and roadways as part of the Ecology Youth Corps this summer.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/litter-crew-jobs-in-central-washington

Grays Harbor seafood processor fined for multiple water quality violations

April 14, 2022 News release: Pacific Seafood fined for water quality violations

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/pacific-seafood-fined-for-water-quality-violations

Skagit Valley Farm receives $267,000 penalty for irrigating 348 acres without a water right

April 5, 2022 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has issued a $267,000 penalty to Skagit Valley Farm for irrigating 348 acres of vegetable crops in the lower Skagit and Samish watersheds without water rights.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/april-5-skagit-valley-farm-receives-267-000-penalt

Longview paper mill fined $68,000 for water quality violations

February 16, 2022 News release: Repeated water quality violations at the North Pacific Paper Company LLC (NORPAC) mill in Longview led to a $68,000 penalty from the Washington Department of Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/feb-16-norpac-penalty

Pair of sinkings, spill on Steamboat Slough lead to $70,000 fine for vessels’ owner

February 10, 2022 News release: In February 2020, a pair of sinkings led to a spill on Steamboat Slough.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/feb-10-sinkings-and-spill-on-steamboat-slough-lead

Summer jobs open for Central WA teens

February 4, 2022 News release: Our Central Region is recruiting youth to help pick up litter on our roadways this summer.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/feb-4-central-wa-eyc-recruitment

Pipeline company fined for spill near Woodinville

January 27, 2022 News release: In Feb. 2020, BP was performing construction that caused to two spills at the Olympic Pipeline near Woodinville.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/jan-27-pipeline-company-fined-for-spill-near-woodi

Battle Ground contractor fined $136,000 for repeated water quality violations

January 26, 2022 News release: Ecology has fined Hamilton Excavating LLC $136,000 for repeated water quality violations during construction activities at the Highland Terrace Subdivision in La Center.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/jan-26-highland-terrace-penalty

New testing methods better protect against waterborne disease

January 24, 2019 News release: New methods to test for waterborne disease in state waters will better protect people during recreational activities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/updates-to-recreational-use-water-quality-testing

Lacey contractor fined $72,000 for multiple water quality violations

January 25, 2022 News release: Ecology is penalizing Milestone Companies $72,000 for multiple water quality violations during yearlong construction activities at the Woodbrook Townhomes project in Lacey.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/jan-25-woodbrook-townhomes-penalty

Stage 1 burn ban for Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Kittitas, Okanogan, Pend Oreille and Stevens counties

January 11, 2019 News release: A ban on outdoor burning and the use of uncertified stoves and fireplaces begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, in Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Okanogan, Ferry, Pend Oreille and Stevens counties due to poor air quality predicted for the region.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/jan-11-stage-1-burn-ban-begins-sunday-for-north-ce

Moses Lake company fined $36,000 for air pollution

January 5, 2022 News release: Granite Construction has been fined $36,000 by the Washington Department of Ecology for air pollution released from their asphalt plant near Moses Lake.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/granite-construction-fined

Hazardous waste transportation company settles penalty with Ecology

June 22, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has settled a $37,000 penalty issued to Clean Earth Specialty Waste Solutions (CESWS).

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/june-22-clean-earth-specialty-waste-solutions-settlement

Washington restricts refrigerants linked to global warming

November 30, 2023 News release: Washington ban sales of new air conditioners and commercial refrigeration units that contain hydrofluorocarbons

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-30-washington-restricts-refrigerants-linked-to-global-warming

Ecology proposes rulemaking on electricity markets

June 28, 2024 News release: The Department of Ecology has proposed rule changes to ensure that greenhouse gas emissions from centralized electricity market imports are accounted for under the Climate Commitment Act.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-28-electricity-markets-rule-proposal

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

Environmental penalties issued for the fourth quarter of 2024

May 1, 2025 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued $535,125 in penalties of $1,000 or more from Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2024.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/may-1-fourth-quarter-penalties

Settlement reached in appeal of Hanford Site leaking tanks Agreed Order

May 10, 2023 News release: Work to respond to actively leaking tanks and future tank leaks at the Hanford Site will continue to proceed as planned following a settlement agreement filed with Washington’s Pollution Control Hearings Board today.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-10-hanford-leaking-tanks-agreed-order-appeal-s

Washington finalizes historic cap-and-invest plan to slash carbon pollution

September 29, 2022 News release: Washington finalizes historic plan to slash carbon pollution by adopting cap-and-invest regulations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/sept-29-cap-and-invest-adoption

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

Successful first auction marks turning point in fight against climate change

March 7, 2023 News release: Ecology announces the results of the first cap-and-invest auction, held on Feb. 28, 2023, including the settlement price and number of allowances sold.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/march-7-successful-first-auction-turning-point

Ecology to expand air monitoring in overburdened communities

March 1, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has identified numerous areas across the state to include in a new environmental justice initiative focused on reducing air pollution.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/march-1-overburdened-communities-announced

Shoreline penalty resolved on Palmer Lake

August 12, 2019 News release: Shoreline penalty settlement on Palmer Lake in Okanogan County

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/aug-12-newmarch-settlement

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

New efforts underway to improve groundwater management in Pasco Basin

July 13, 2022 News release: After a half-century under “interim” rules, we’re beginning the process to design a permanent groundwater management framework for the Pasco Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/july-13-pasco-basin-groundwater-rulemaking

Ecology seeks input on connecting Washington to other carbon markets

January 31, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology is inviting public feedback about the possibility of connecting the state's new cap-and-invest program to similar carbon reduction programs in California and Québec.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/ecology-seeks-input-on-linkage

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