Environmental Assessment

Our role in Washington

We measure and analyze environmental conditions and consumer products. Quality data is our highest priority. We use this data to evaluate and communicate environmental threats and to guide the state’s policy decisions.

We strive to engage in new partnership opportunities on scientific projects to inform environmental policy. We collaborate with state, federal, Tribal, and local partners — such as EPA, the state Salmon Recovery Funding Board, local conservation districts, and the state departments of Natural Resources, Health, and Agriculture.

Our scientific services

We offer scientific services to publicly funded groups and environmental laboratories across the state. 

• Manchester Environmental Laboratory provides governmental laboratory services from experienced chemists and environmental scientists.
• Our Laboratory Accreditation unit makes sure Washington's environmental laboratories conduct analyses according to prescribed methods. They can help you find a lab.
• Our Quality Assurance program provides a structured and documented framework for our environmental data operations.

Our scientific studies

We monitor air, water and soil. The data we collect gives us real-time information. We use it to develop computer models to better understand current conditions and emerging trends. Our science guides Ecology's policy decisions. We also contract our scientific services to other governmental entities.

Freshwater research

Our freshwater monitoring studies measure water quliaty and streamflow conditions, groundwater conditions, trends in stream health and freshwater habitats across the state. We also study the effectiveness of water quality improvement projects that measure how watershed management practices work to restore water quality and habitat.

Marine research

We study the health of marine environnments in Washington. We study marine water conditions, track surface conditions and changes in Puget Sound and study sediments and bottom-dwelling invertebrates in Puget Sound. We also use a modeling tool called the Salish Sea Model to understand how nutrients impact water quality in Puget Sound. 

Toxics research

We study toxic chemicals in lakes, in fish tissue and in consumer products. Our focus is on persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic contaminants in water, sediment and fish. In consumer products, we study a variety of toxic chemicals that can be found in household items, packaging and personal care products.