Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Ecology and Auburn wood finisher settle $20,000 penalty

June 20, 2019 News release: Numatic Finishing of Auburn will pay $5,000 to settle its appeal of our $20,000 hazardous waste penalty from 2018, with $15,000 dismissed after two years if there are no more violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/june-20-numatic-finishing-settlement

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

South Bend seafood processor fined $33,000 for water quality violations

July 26, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology is penalizing South Bend Products $33,000 for multiple water quality violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/july-26-south-bend-seafoods-penalty

Whatcom County farm fined for illegal water use

August 1, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has issued a $12,000 fine to RAN General Partnership for illegally irrigating about 40 acres of crops in Whatcom County in June and July of 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/1-august-whatcom-county-farm-fined-for-illegal-water-use

Spokane County farmer fined for unpermitted water use

August 28, 2024 News release: We have issued a $15,000 penalty to a Spokane County farmer for continued unpermitted irrigation of 69 acres of crops.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-28-greiff-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

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

Tukwila business settles dangerous waste penalty

October 31, 2019 News release: A Tukwila aircraft parts manufacturer has paid us $12,000 to settle an appeal of a larger penalty.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/oct-31-fatigue-technology-settlement

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

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

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

More than 35,000 drums of industrial waste removed from the Pasco Landfill

June 28, 2022 News release: More than 35,000 drums of industrial waste has been removed from the Pasco Landfill Superfund site.

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

Water quality permit holders to see updated fees in 2023

March 22, 2023 News release: The fees paid by the 6,800 water quality permittees in Washington state are undergoing a revision.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/march-22-water-quality-permit-fee-rule

Industrial site in Whatcom County penalized $900,000 for dangerous waste violations

December 5, 2023 News release: Ecology is issuing a $900,000 penalty to Treoil for failure to comply with Washington’s dangerous waste laws.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/dec-5-treoil-dangerous-waste-penalty

Ecology files water rights adjudication in Whatcom County Superior Court

May 2, 2024 News release: Today Ecology filed a water rights adjudication in Whatcom County Superior Court. This legal process will review and prioritize all water use in the Nooksack basin and nearby areas.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/may-2-nooksack-adjudication-filing

Asphalt manufacturer and distributor penalized $27,000 for violating dangerous waste regulations

April 4, 2024 News release: Ecology is issuing a $27,000 penalty to an asphalt company for not properly managing their dangerous waste.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/apr-4-asphalt-toxic-waste-penalty

$2.2 million in grants awarded to improve water management and watershed restoration in the Walla Walla River Basin

June 29, 2023 News release: We are awarding $2.2 million in grant funding for watershed restoration and water management projects in the Walla Walla River Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/june-29-water-management-grants-in-walla-walla

$2.2 million in grants awarded to improve water management and watershed restoration in the Walla Walla River Basin

June 29, 2023 News release: We are awarding $2.2 million in grant funding for watershed restoration and water management projects in the Walla Walla River Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/june-29-water-management-grants-in-walla-walla-d6aec9105b52f49b93b3e53ec8138fe7

Awarding $216 million to communities for clean water projects

June 22, 2020 News release: We are awarding $216 million in grants and loans to fund 81 high-priority clean water projects to help upgrade sewer systems, manage stormwater, and prevent nonpoint pollution.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/june-22-clean-water-grant-awards

Statement from Ecology Director Laura Watson on federal rule undermining Washington’s water quality

June 1, 2020 News release: Ecology Director Laura Watson's comments on new federal Clean Water Act Section 401 rule.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/june-1-statement-from-ecology-director-on-federal

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

Capturing the Walla Walla River Basin’s vision for integrated water management

May 10, 2021 News release: WWW2050 plan provides a 30-year framework for managing water in the Walla Walla River Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/may-10-draft-ww-water-2050-plan

State fines City of Everett after discharge of incompletely treated wastewater to Snohomish River

October 27, 2022 News release: After a malfunctioning pump at Everett’s wastewater treatment facility allowed 9.9 million gallons of partially treated wastewater to flow into the Snohomish River, Ecology has fined the city $13,000.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/oct-27-city-of-everett-penalty

New Ecology rule updates dangerous waste regulations

October 1, 2020 News release: Washington has updated regulations preventing dangerous wastes from making their way into the environment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-1-new-ecology-rule-updates-dangerous-waste-reg

CANCELED: New dangerous waste regs topic of April 2 workshop at Ecology's Union Gap office

February 20, 2020 News release: CANCELED: Dangerous waste regulations workshop on April 2 at Ecology's Union Gap office

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/dangerous-waste-regulations-workshop-in-central-wa

State of Washington, federal agencies agree on future of tank waste cleanup at Hanford Site

April 29, 2024 News release: The Hanford Site agencies have announced a landmark agreement for cleaning up millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste from large, underground tanks at the Hanford Site.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/holistic-negotiations-agreement

Rising temperatures will shift timing of water availability, amplifying vulnerabilities in Columbia River Basin over next 20 years

August 1, 2022 News release: Anticipated future shifts in water supply and water demands will combine to create potential vulnerabilities related to water availability across many areas of eastern Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/aug-1-2022-columbia-river-basin-outlook

State reviews record amount of water quality data in effort to prioritize improvements

April 8, 2021 News release: Ecology uses the water quality assessment to categorize state waters as clean or polluted. The new draft assessment is now available for review.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/draft-water-quality-assessment

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

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

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

New steps to improve groundwater management in the Pasco Basin

May 9, 2025 News release: Working to meet water needs in the Pasco Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/may-8-pasco-boundary-designation

Recurring violations lead to dangerous waste fine for Tukwila business

February 7, 2019 News release: After repeatedly finding improper management of dangerous wastes at an aircraft parts manufacturer in Tukwila, we have fined the company $17,000.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/feb-7-fatigue-technology-fine

Lakehaven Water and Sewer District settles penalty for sewage spills

July 11, 2024 News release: The Lakehaven Water and Sewer District has paid $40,000 to resolve violations of its water quality permit as part of a settlement agreement with Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/july-11-lakehaven-water-and-sewer-district-settlement

Pilchuck River watershed needs cool pools and more shade

October 15, 2020 News release: Comment on a plan to cool the Pilchuck River and its tributaries and protect their dissolved oxygen levels

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-15-pilchuck-watershed

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

Ecology invests first $20 million to help protect rivers and streams

January 28, 2019 News release: A new grant program through the Washington Department of Ecology will invest up to $20 million across the state to support local projects to protect rivers and improve streamflows.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/jan-28-investing-20-million-to-protect-streamflow

Grant County farm fined for unpermitted water use

June 30, 2023 News release: Ecology has issued a $10,000 penalty to Stevens Land Holdings, LLC, for continuing to irrigate 100 acres of alfalfa in Grant County without a permit.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/june-30-grant-county-farm-fined-for-unpermitted-water-use

Grant County farm fined for unpermitted water use

June 30, 2023 News release: Ecology has issued a $10,000 penalty to Stevens Land Holdings, LLC, for continuing to irrigate 100 acres of alfalfa in Grant County without a permit.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/june-30-grant-county-farm-fined-for-unpermitted-water-use-c85df6316fff04157083430df795ec83

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

Paper mill issued $42,000 penalty for hazardous waste violations

September 24, 2024 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued a $42,000 penalty to Cosmo Specialty Fibers for multiple dangerous waste violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/sept-24-cosmo-penalty

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

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

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

Public input sought on environmental review for new Duwamish–Green river watershed plan

March 8, 2021 News release: A new plan for the Duwamish-Green watershed lays out priorities to protect fish habitat and ensuring sufficient water for rural residents. We're seeking public comments through April 8.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/mar-8-duwamish-green-watershed-sepa-comment-period

Ecology begins planning for future water use in Nooksack watershed

February 5, 2019 News release: Ecology begins rulemaking process for future water use in Nooksack watershed

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/planning-future-nooksack-water-use

EPA water standards create uncertainty for rule to reduce PCBs discharged into Spokane River

June 10, 2020 News release: EPA roll back of water quality standards creates uncertainty for rule to reduce PCBs discharged into Spokane River. Instead Ecology seeks early feedback on preliminary plans.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/june-10-spokane-river-preliminary-draft

Groundwater study begins in Walla Walla Basin

March 26, 2021 News release: Well owners needed to participate in groundwater study in the Walla Walla basin

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/mar-26-walla-walla-groundwater-study

Decades-long water dispute settled on Chamokane Creek

May 14, 2019 News release: Ecology, Spokane Tribe & federal government settlement on Chamokane Creek water mitigation

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/may-9-chamokane-creek-settlement

West Plains residents to receive no-cost drinking water sampling for PFAS

February 21, 2024 News release: Drinking water testing for PFAS will soon be available to about 300 private and shared wells in the northeast West Plains area at no cost to residents.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/feb-21-west-plains-sampling-for-pfas