Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

'Use Food Well': New campaign seeks to reduce food waste in Washington

March 28, 2024 News release: On April 1, the Washington Department of Ecology will launch the Use Food Well campaign in conjunction with the start of National Food Waste Prevention Week, April 1 to 7.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/mar-28-use-food-well

Mandatory greenhouse gas reports

Our mandatory greenhouse gas program requires some facilities to report their emissions.

https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions/tracking-greenhouse-gases/mandatory-greenhouse-gas-reports

Safer Products for Washington

A new law aims to prevent toxic chemicals from being used in common products.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/washingtons-toxics-in-products-laws/safer-products

2018-2020 session legislation

Laws from 2018-2020 sessions

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-recycling-waste/strategic-policy-and-planning/enacting-legislation/2018-2020-legislation

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

Information for water conservancy board members

We provide training, operations, and process information for water conservancy board members.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/accountability-transparency/partnerships-committees/water-conservancy-boards

VSP Planning and mapping resources

We partner with other state agencies to provide mapping resources for planning under VSP.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/accountability-transparency/partnerships-committees/voluntary-stewardship-program/planning-and-mapping-resources

Battery stewardship

This new law requires battery producers to create a statewide collection system for portable used batteries by Jan. 1, 2027.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-recycling-waste/our-recycling-programs/battery-stewardship

Flame retardants

We are working to prevent flame retardants from impacting human health and the environment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/addressing-priority-toxic-chemicals/pbde

Oil transportation risk assessments and studies

We study spill risks associated with transporting oil by vessel and rail.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/spills/oil-spill-prevention/risk-assessment

Cap-and-Invest Program compliance

Find information on Cap-and-Invest Program compliance deadlines and obligations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/climate-commitment-act/cap-and-invest/auctions-and-market/compliance

Skagit basin water availability

We work with local partners in the Skagit River basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/protecting-stream-flows/instream-flow-implementation/skagit-river-basin/water-supply

PFAS in food packaging

Learn about the ban on certain types of food packaging that contain PFAS.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/washingtons-toxics-in-products-laws/pfas-in-food-packaging

Wetland mitigation monitoring

We require monitoring to ensure a mitigation project achieves its purpose and complies with permits.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/wetlands/mitigation/monitoring-requirements

Ilwaco seafood processor fined for repeated water quality violations

February 1, 2022 News release: Ecology has fined Safe Coast Seafoods $69,348 for ongoing water quality violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/feb-1-safe-coast-seafoods-penalty

Ecology, Safeway, and Washington State University partner to feed cougs well

April 7, 2025 News release: Ecology, Safeway, and WSU partner to fight college hunger during Food Waste Reduction Week

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/april-7-ecology-safeway-and-washington-state-university-partner-to-feed-cougs-well

New agreement provides water for Skagit well owners

May 14, 2019 News release: We've reached an agreement with Seattle City Light to provide water to more than 400 homes in Skagit and Snohomish counties.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/may-15-new-agreement-provides-water-for-skagit-wel

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

State and local agencies to host community event focused on Lower Yakima Valley drinking water

May 20, 2024 News release: On May 29, state and local agencies are hosting an open house-style event to provide information about well water safety in the Lower Yakima Valley. Free door prizes, kids' activities, and food.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/may-20-gwma-open-house-notice

Local groundwater information

Find local sources of information for groundwater resource-management efforts.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/groundwater/groundwater-resources/groundwater-information

Washington Department of Ecology and Coast Guard respond to sunken vessel in Lake Union

April 1, 2024 News release: The Coast Guard and Washington Department of Ecology continue their response Monday to a sunken tugboat in Lake Union in Seattle, Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/apr-1-sunken-vessel-in-lake-union

Get involved at Padilla Bay

You can volunteer with Padilla Bay's education, research, and stewardship programs.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/padilla-bay-reserve/about-padilla-bay/get-involved

Critical aquifer recharge areas resources for VSP planning

Critical aquifer recharge areas resources for planning under the Voluntary Stewardship Program.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/accountability-transparency/partnerships-committees/voluntary-stewardship-program/critical-aquifer-recharge-areas-resources

Kitsap Umbrella Mitigation Bank

Find detailed information about the proposed Kitsap Umbrella Mitigation Bank in Kitsap County.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/wetlands/mitigation/wetland-mitigation-banking/mitigation-bank-projects/kitsap

Impacts and guidance for plants & animals on earthen dams

Plants and animals must be managed on earthen dams.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/dams/info-for-dam-owners/impacts-on-earthen-dams

Our strategic plan

Get to know Ecology, our mission, vision, and goals.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/strategic-plan

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

Report outlines plan to reduce bacteria levels in Yakima-area creeks

October 13, 2020 News release: Strategies to address fecal bacteria in Cowiche Creek, Wide Hollow Creek and the Moxee Drain watersheds are outlined in a draft technical report that’s now available for review and comment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-13-mid-yakima-bacteria-tmdl

Washington holds first auction under new cap-and-invest program

February 28, 2023 News release: Ecology hosted the first auction under the new cap-and-invest program on Feb. 28, 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/feb-28-first-cap-and-invest-auction

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

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

Ecology sees increase in illegal dumping amid COVID-19

April 27, 2020 News release: Ecology sees increase in illegal dumping amid COVID-19

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/ecology-sees-increase-in-illegal-dumping-amid-covi

Groundwater diagram

This is a diagram that shows a landform cross-section with groundwater and its place in the water cycle.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/groundwater/groundwater-resources/groundwater-diagram

Social media

Follow us on social media.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/social-media

Test page

Test page for Sam

https://ecology.wa.gov/special-pages/test-pages/test

Responding to oil and hazardous materials spills

Our response team is available 24/7 to launch a rapid, aggressive, and well-coordinated response.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/spills/spill-preparedness-response/responding-to-spill-incidents

Organics Management Law

This law sets up Washington to achieve goals for organics disposal reduction and edible food rescue.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-recycling-waste/organics-and-food-waste/2022-organics-management-law

Redmond SMP Amendment

The public comment period for Redmond's proposed SMP amendment is closed.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/shoreline-coastal-planning/state-approved-shoreline-master-programs/redmond

Underground storage tank program contacts

Find contacts in your area for underground storage tanks or leaking underground storage tanks.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/underground-storage-tanks/ust-contact-list

Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Management Area

We're partnering in a local effort to reduce nitrate concentrations in Lower Yakima Valley wells.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/lower-yakima-valley-groundwater-management-area

Ecology releases final environmental review of proposal to rebuild Eightmile Lake Dam

June 21, 2024 News release: Ecology has issued the final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the rebuild and restoration of Eightmile Dam, a 95-year-old dam located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area west of Leavenworth.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-21-eightmile-lake-dam-feis

Real estate transactions information

Adjudication information for realtors in WRIA 1/Nooksack basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/water-rights/adjudications/nooksack/realtors

Seafood company reaches settlement over permit issues

June 24, 2024 News release: Seafood company South Bend Products will pay $16,000 to resolve violations of its water quality permit as part of a settlement agreement with the Washington Department of Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-24-seafood-company-settlement

National Wetland Condition Assessment

Our staff collected data for the 2021 National Wetland Condition Assessment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/wetlands/tools-resources/national-wetland-condition-assessment

Ocean research, data, and information

Accurate and up-to-date data and information helps protect marine ecosystems. We highlight research and data collection efforts.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/ocean-management/ocean-data-and-research

Certified water right examiner program

A certified water right examiner verifies water use for certification of a water right.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/water-rights/water-right-examiners

2021 session legislation

Waste and recycling laws from the 2021 session.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-recycling-waste/strategic-policy-and-planning/enacting-legislation/2021-legislation

Underground storage tank (UST) program

Our Underground Storage Tank program protects the environment by regulating more than 8,500 tanks.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/underground-storage-tanks

Business & industry requirements

Requirements for businesses that emit air pollution from industrial processes and burning.

https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/air-quality/business-industry-requirements

Open data plan

We make our data available in open and readily usable formats to ensure access and collaboration.

https://ecology.wa.gov/footer-pages/online-tools-publications/open-data-plan