Ecology launches new blog

This week, we launched a completely redesigned and streamlined blog — ecology.wa.gov/blog.

As the state’s environmental protection agency, we're recognized for our work to protect and restore Washington’s environment. Over the past 10 years, our blog has become a well-known source of environmental stories that are engaging, educational, and enlightening.

“The new format really showcases powerful visuals that engage visitors,” said our Web Manager Jonathan Szczur. “It’s a compelling way to help Washingtonians learn about the issues affecting the environment today.”

Whether you’re a long-time subscriber or a first-time reader, we encourage you to visit the new site, bookmark it, and subscribe to have news delivered to your inbox.

The newly-designed blog follows in the footsteps of Ecology’s recently redesigned website. Both now provide the highest level of accessibility for all users. The blog adjusts to different screen sizes, making it easy to view from desktop, tablet, or mobile phone. The clean design meets accessibility standards for people of all abilities.

“This new design was built to provide our audience with a seamless experience, regardless of device. We wanted to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible for our visitors to find content relevant to them,” Szczur said.

On the blog, you’ll find stories rich in visuals, videos, and audio pieces.

Crews safely remove, detonate dangerous chemical device

Screen shot of video. Female Ecology employee is candidly looking at the camera. A truck, gravel and hills are in the background.

Our Spill Response program is usually thought of as the team that responds to oil spills across Washington. What people may not know is that they also respond to many other dangerous situations that could harm the environment or threaten human health. Read more

Protecting Puget Sound’s No Discharge Zone

Sunnsy beach scene at Owen's beach in Tacoma, Wash. Mt. Rainier is in the background. People are walking along the gravel beach.

Since May 10, 2018, a federal “No Discharge Zone” (NDZ) has made it illegal to discharge both treated and untreated sewage from boats and vessels into Puget Sound. Read more.

Floodplain redesign delivers downstream benefits for all

Two white men standing in front of an excavater. One is pointing at a creek in front of them. They are in forstland.

Cobblestones crunch under a dusty yellow excavator dragging a 20-foot length of tree by its roots. The grappling arm weaves the log between two cottonwoods and into the river, where upset water raises its voice in response. Read more.

$215 million proposed for clean water projects across the state

Water running swiftly along a bend. The river is in Eastern Washington nestled between hillsides that are covered with brown grass and sage.

Ecology is proposing to award $215 million in grants and loans for 89 high-priority clean water projects across the state. Our Water Quality Combined Funding Program supports local communities by helping them upgrade wastewater treatment systems and sewer systems, manage polluted stormwater, and complete a variety of other projects to prevent and cleanup more diffuse sources of pollution also known as nonpoint pollution. Read more.