Notice a leak from an underground storage tank? Report it to Ecology within 24 hours. Find another type of hazardous spill? Report it to Ecology within 90 days. We’ll conduct an initial investigation and follow up with tank or property owners. Simple sites may get cleaned up at this stage. Complex sites take longer. We’ll send early notice letters to owners and collaborate to solve the problem.
Rules & policies
When we can't rule out contamination or ensure it gets cleaned up during the initial investigation, we (or local health department partners) will conduct a Site Hazard Assessment (SHA). This evaluates the potential risk to human health and the environment. We'll assign a hazard ranking score using the Washington Ranking Method and add the site to our Hazardous Sites List.
Rules & policies
We may issue an:
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Agreed Order to formalize an agreement between Washington state and potentially liable persons (PLPs) for actions needed at the site.
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Enforcement Order, requiring cleanup. Failure to comply may result in penalties and substantial liability for costs.
Rules & policies
Courts of law may approve and issue a:
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Consent Decree to formalize an agreement between Washington state and PLPs about actions needed at the site.
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De Minimis Consent Decree stating that the amount of contamination contributed by one or more PLPs is insignificant in amount or toxicity.
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Prospective Purchaser Consent Decree indicating that a person wants to purchase, redevelop, or reuse the site, is not currently liable for cleanup at a site.
Rules & policies
We collect and analyze environmental data to learn how far contamination has traveled and potential impacts to human health and the environment. Next, we identify and select options in Remedial Investigation & Feasibility Study (RI/FS) reports. A State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review may also be required. Watch for opportunities to comment on drafts in the Site Register and Public Input & Events Listing.
Rules & policies
Using public comments and Remedial Investigation & Feasibility Study (RI/FS) data, we work with many people and agencies to develop the plan. This specifies cleanup methods, standards, and schedules. It also describes any monitoring needed during and after the cleanup. Find opportunities in our Site Register and Public Input & Events Listing to comment and attend public meetings.
Rules & policies
Cleanups are construction projects that remove or isolate hazardous waste from the environment. Engineering Design Reports define these activities, such as how we’ll remove a leaking underground storage tank.
Cleanups can be dirty, costly, and take years to complete but they’re transforming the environment, like Port Gamble Bay. There, we're using barge-mounted cranes to dredge contaminated sediment and remove tons of creosote-soaked debris. Shellfish and wildlife are returning to the shoreline where a lumber mill once stood.
Rules & policies
We’ll remove a site from the Hazardous Sites List after it meets all cleanup standards and requirements. Watch for opportunities to comment in the Site Register and Public Input & Events Listing.
Rules & policies