Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Outstanding performance awards go to 110 wastewater treatment plants

August 5, 2019 News release: Wastewater treatment plant operators play a critical role in keeping Washington’s waters clean. 110 wastewater treatment plants in Washington garnered top-performing status this year.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/aug-5-outstanding-performance-awards-for-wastewate

Ecology investigating King County sewage discharge

July 19, 2019 News release: Ecology is investigating sewage treatment failures at King County’s two largest sewage treatment plants on July 18 and 19.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/july-19-ecology-investigating-king-county-sewage-d

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

Ecology proposes adopting federal human health criteria for water quality

September 17, 2024 News release: We are proposing to adopt the federal human health criteria for water quality in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/sept-17-proposal-on-federal-human-health-criteria

Weyerhaeuser’s Longview lumber mill fined $145,000 for stormwater violations

July 30, 2024 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued two penalties totaling $145,000 to Weyerhaeuser for stormwater violations at the company’s Longview lumber mill.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/july-30-lumber-mill-fined

Ecology completes environmental review for proposed Goldendale Energy Storage Project

December 21, 2022 News release: Ecology's analysis examines the project's potential adverse environmental impacts. Permitting agencies will use the environmental review in project-related decision making over the next two years.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/ecology-completes-environmental-review-for-propose

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

Drought designation extended for parts of Eastern Washington

May 26, 2022 News release: An amended drought declaration takes affect June 1 and reduces the area under a drought order from 96% of the state to 9%.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/may-26-drought-2022

Governor Inslee declares drought for three Washington regions

March 12, 2015 News release: With snowpack at near record lows, Gov. Inslee declared a drought on the Olympic Peninsula, on the east side of the central Cascade Mountains including Yakima and Wenatchee, and the Walla Walla region.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2015/governor-inslee-declares-drought-for-three-washing

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

Skagit, Snohomish landowners now have legal water source

March 19, 2020 News release: As part of the Washington Department of Ecology’s commitment to find water solutions for Skagit Basin landowners, water is now available for some landowners in Skagit and Snohomish counties affected by a 2013 state Supreme Court ruling.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/mar-19-skagit-snohomish-landowners-have-legal-wat

Ecology objects to EPA’s attempt to roll back clean water rule in Washington

April 10, 2019 News release: Ecology is notifying the public that EPA is proposing to reverse the clean water rules in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/april-10-ecology-objects-to-epa-s-attempt-to-rollb

Incentives for innovation included in proposed updates to permit fees

March 8, 2019 News release: Proposed updates to the water quality permit fees include new incentives, winery permit, and inflation adjustments

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/march-8-incentives-for-innovation-proposed-permit

Ecology issues water quality certification for proposed Goldendale Energy Storage Project

May 22, 2023 News release: Ecology issued the certification with conditions so that the project would meet state water quality requirements. This is just one of many approvals needed before the project can be built.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-22-goldendale-project-water-quality-certificat

Plan to close and clean up three Lewis County waste storage sites now open to public review

July 9, 2020 News release: Review and comment on the plan developed by two SW Washington companies to close three waste storage sites in Lewis County. The draft plan is available now through Aug. 7.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/july-9-plan-to-close-and-clean-up-lewis-co-waste

Celebrating your local outstanding wastewater treatment plant

June 29, 2022 News release: Ecology is honoring wastewater treatment plant operators by recognizing 124 facilities with an Outstanding Performance Award.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-30-wastewater-treatment-plant-awards

Ecology proposes 2-year freeze on water quality permit fees

March 15, 2021 News release: Every two years we update the water quality permit fees.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/march-16-2-year-freeze-on-water-quality-permit-fee

Seattle and King County fined for sewer overflow violations

December 18, 2020 News release: We and EPA are fining King County $14,000 and Seattle $32,500 for violations of their combined sewer overflow consent decrees

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/dec-18-king-county-and-seattle-cso

Electron Hydro fined $501,000 for Puyallup River pollution

June 8, 2021 News release: Ecology has issued a $501,000 penalty and an Administrative Order to Electron Hydro for the discharge of sports turf into the Puyallup River and ongoing water quality violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/june-8-electron-dam-penalty

Public invited to comment on state draft commercial fish net pen guidance

June 1, 2021 News release: State agencies are releasing a draft marine net pen guidance for public review.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/june-1-net-pen-guidance

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

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

$22 million in grants available for streamflow restoration projects

January 30, 2020 News release: Up to $22 million in grants is now available for projects that will protect rivers and streams while providing water for rural homes in Washington. Ecology is accepting applications as part of its streamflow restoration competitive grant program.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/2020-streamflow-restoration-grants

State fines Community Transit and its contractor $10,000 each for water quality permit violations

August 15, 2023 News release: Ecology fines Community Transit and its contractor $10,000 each for water quality permit violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/community-transit-ca-carey-penalty

State sets new limits for toxic chemicals in water

August 14, 2024 News release: New protections for set for toxics in water.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-14-aquatic-life-toxics-criteria

Ecology proposes new and updated limits for toxics in water

February 22, 2024 News release: We are proposing a major update to the state’s aquatic life toxics criteria

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/feb-14-aquatic-toxics-criteria

Drought declared for Yakima region for third year in a row

April 8, 2025 News release: Ecology is extending a drought emergency for a third consecutive year in central Washington. It is also issuing a drought advisory for north-central Washington and parts of the Puget Sound region.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/april-8-drought

Vessel owner fined for spill at Brownsville Marina

December 13, 2021 News release: On Sunday, December 22, 2019, the Port of Brownsville reported a spill involving a sinking vessel pulling down their docks. The marina identified Arnold Haskin as the vessel’s owner.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/dec-14-vessel-owner-fined-for-spill-at-brownsville

Tacoma mill fined $52,500 for air quality violation

December 15, 2022 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has fined WestRock CP, LLC $52,500 for failing to adequately treat hazardous air pollutants at their Tacoma mill.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/dec-15-westrock-tacoma-penalty

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

New rules cut the use of climate change “super pollutants”

December 14, 2020 News release: Ecology adopts final rules to guide phase-out of hydrofluorcarbons, or HFCs, which are potent climate change chemicals.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/dec-14-new-rules-cut-the-use-of-climate-change-sup

Port Townsend mill fined $56,250 for air quality violation

December 14, 2022 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has fined Port Townsend Paper Corporation $56,250 for exceeding an air quality limit at their Port Townsend mill.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/dec-14-port-townsend-paper-penalty

Ecology begins rulemaking on climate funds reporting

May 25, 2023 News release: Ecology is starting new rulemaking focused on reporting requirements for state agencies that receive and use CCA auction revenues.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-25-cca-funds-reporting

Statement from Ecology director on Supreme Court decision narrowing Clean Water Act protections

May 25, 2023 News release: A statement from Laura Watson on the May 25, 2023 Supreme Court Clean Water Act decision.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-25-director-watson-statement-on-supreme-court

Ecology penalizing barge owner $38,500 for fuel spill into Salish Sea

December 14, 2022 News release: Olympia Tug & Barge, Centerline Logistics is being penalized $38,500 for a spill to the Salish Sea.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/olympia-tug-barge-penalty

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

Statement from Ecology Director Maia Bellon

December 2, 2019 News release: Maia Bellon announces she is stepping down as director of Washington's Dept. of Ecology

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/dec-2-statement-from-ecology-director-maia-bellon

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

Washington state targets methane gas from landfills to help slow climate change

December 8, 2022 News release: Washington continues to focus on decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and is now working on a rule requiring some municipal solid waste landfills to reduce the amount of methane they emit.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/landfill-methane-rule

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

Additional environmental review required for Kalama methanol project

November 22, 2019 News release: We have determined that information submitted by Cowlitz County and the project applicants is insufficient and that additional environmental review is required.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/kalama-methanol-project-announcement

Federal court strikes down attempt to limit state, Tribal rights to protect water quality

October 22, 2021 News release: Ecology Director Laura Watson's comments on Oct. 21 court decision regarding federal Clean Water Act Section 401 rule.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/oct-21-statement-from-ecology-director-on-court-de

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

Franklin County farm fined for illegal water use

October 20, 2021 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has issued a $304,000 penalty to Frank Tiegs LLC for illegally irrigating 250 acres of crops in Franklin County in 2021.

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

Marine Servicecenter fined $30,000 for water pollution

November 13, 2019 News release: Marine Servicecenter finded $30,000 for water pollution.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/nov-13-marine-servicecenter-fined

Deer Lake resident fined $10,000 for illegal burning

October 22, 2020 News release: Ecology's Air Quality program fined a Deer Lake resident $10,000 for illegal burning.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-22-deer-lake-resident-fined-10-000-for-illega

Greenhouse gas reporting rules updated for new climate law

October 13, 2021 News release: New greenhouse gas reporting rules proposed for Climate Commitment Act

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/oct-13-greenhouse-gas-reporting-rules-updated-for

City of Bellingham and Strider Construction fined for Padden Creek sewage spill

July 8, 2016 News release:

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2016/jul-8-city-of-bellingham-and-strider-contruction-f

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