Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

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

State adopts new watershed plans for Puyallup River and Chambers-Clover basin

June 17, 2021 News release: New plans for the Puyallup-White and Chambers-Clover watersheds lay out priorities to protect fish habitat, while also ensuring sufficient water for rural residents.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/june-17-puyallup-chambers-clover

Public invited to comment on rule for Clean Fuel Standard

July 18, 2022 News release: Ecology is seeking public comment on the proposed rule for the Clean Fuel Standard, a new state climate policy effective Jan. 1, 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/july-18-clean-fuel-standard-public-comment

Washington state issues enforcement order against US Army over Yakima Training Center contamination

February 1, 2023 News release: With contamination threatening drinking water near the training center, Ecology's order requires the Army to address the environmental threat in line with state and federal standards.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/yakima-training-center-enforcement-order

Ecology seeks input on connecting Washington to other carbon markets

January 31, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology is inviting public feedback about the possibility of connecting the state's new cap-and-invest program to similar carbon reduction programs in California and Québec.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/ecology-seeks-input-on-linkage

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

Ecology settles 2019 penalty with Tacoma hazardous waste facility

June 9, 2020 News release: The Stericycle hazardous waste facility in Tacoma has agreed to settle $2.2 million in penalties issued in 2019 by the Washington Department of Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/june-9-stericycle-settlement

Stronger protections for Puget Sound in final permits for Atlantic salmon farms

July 11, 2019 News release: Final water quality permits for Atlantic salmon farming in Puget Sound

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/july-11-strong-protections-for-puget-sound

Construction company fined $202,500 and ordered to restore damaged wetlands

July 8, 2019 News release: We've fined Stetson Heights LLC $202,500 and ordered the company to take corrective action for causing significant damage to wetlands.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/july-8-stetson-heights-penalty

Changes proposed to strengthen oil-handling standards and oil-transfer requirements for facilities and vessels

January 4, 2023 News release: Amendments to advance notice of transfer, seismic protection, oil-transfer-response plans for mobile facilities, decommissioning requirements and pre-booming.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/jan-4-spill-prevention-rulemaking

Public input sought on environmental reviews for two new watershed plans in Pierce and King counties

April 29, 2021 News release: Ecology completed its environmental review of new watershed plans for the Puyallup-White and Chambers-Clover river drainage basins, and is seeking public comments through May 23.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/seeking-comment-on-environmental-reviews-for-water

40 electric school buses headed to Washington districts

April 29, 2020 News release: Ecology is helping 22 school districts across Washington buy a total of 40 new electric school buses.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/april-29-electric-school-buses-headed-to-wa

50 electric buses coming to Washington transit agencies

June 12, 2019 News release: Ecology puts $13.3 million from VW settlement toward zero-emission buses

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/june-12-50-electric-buses-coming-to-washington-tra

Statement from Ecology director on federal government rolling back wetland and stream protections

April 21, 2020 News release: Statement from Ecology Director Laura Watson on EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rolling back wetland and stream protections.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/april-21-statement-from-ecology-director-on-federa

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

New agreement broadens cleanup process at Boeing site on Duwamish

May 22, 2019 News release: The Boeing Company will continue cleanup work - begun under Ecology's Voluntary Cleanup Program - and expand studies of contaminated areas at its Developmental Center on the Duwamish Waterway under a proposed cleanup agreement with Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/may-22-boeing-developmental-center

Olympia Brewery owner billed for State expenses for spill into Capitol Lake

February 11, 2021 News release: Olympia Brewery owner penalized and will pay response costs for spill into Capitol Lake

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/feb-11-olympia-brewery-spill-to-capitol-lake

Inslee declares drought emergency for Okanogan, Methow and Upper Yakima

April 4, 2019 News release: Water supply shortages are projected in the Methow, Okanogan, Upper Yakima basins, prompting Gov. Jay Inslee to declare a drought emergency in those watersheds.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/drought-emergency-for-okanogan-and-methow

Ecology launches environmental review of proposed pumped storage energy project near Goldendale

January 13, 2021 News release: Environmental review of Goldendale Energy Project near John Day Dam

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/goldendale-energy-project

Environmental penalties issued for the 4th quarter of 2021

February 28, 2022 News release: Environmental penalties issued for the 4th quarter of 2021

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/march-1-4th-quarter-penalty-summary

Comments sought on a program to reduce nitrate levels in Lower Yakima Valley wells

February 25, 2019 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology is opening a comment period, and jointly hosting a public hearing with Yakima County, on a proposed program to address nitrates in drinking water in the Lower Yakima Valley.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/lower-yakima-valley-groundwater-management-area

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

Restoration plan adopted for Icicle watershed

January 3, 2019 News release: Our Office of Columbia River and Chelan County adopt final programmatic EIS for Icicle Creek Watershed.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/jan-3

New status, protections proposed for Soap Lake and the Cascade, Green and Napeequa rivers

July 18, 2023 News release: Proposal to name Soap Lake and the Cascade, Green, and Napeequa rivers Outstanding Resource Waters.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/july-18-proposed-protection-for-outstanding-resource-waters

Statewide drought advisory issued for Washington

July 5, 2023 News release: The warmest May on record and an abnormally dry spring and early summer have prompted the Department of Ecology to issue a statewide drought advisory.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/5-july-statewide-drought-advisory-issued-for-washington

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

Settlement reached to ensure access to critical Hanford Site data

September 14, 2023 News release: The Washington state Department of Ecology will regain direct access to critical federal data about the Hanford Site following a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-14-settlement-reached-to-ensure-access-to-critical-hanford-site-data

State penalizes Lakehaven Water and Sewer District $85,200 for polluting Cold Creek

October 3, 2023 News release: We’ve penalized the Lakehaven Water and Sewer District $85,200 and issued an administrative order related to 2022 discharges of incompletely treated wastewater.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/oct-3-lakehaven-water-sewer-district-penalty

Washington proposes new rule to decrease methane emissions from landfills

October 30, 2023 News release: Ecology is proposing a rule to reduce more emissions of methane from municipal solid waste landfills.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/oct-30-decrease-methane-emissions-from-landfills

Washington seeks to link carbon market with California, Québec

November 2, 2023 News release: Director Laura Watson made a preliminary decision today to pursue linking Washington’s cap-and-invest program to carbon markets in California and Québec.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-2-ecology-to-pursue-carbon-market-linkage

State and EPA ready grants to restore salmon habitat, improve water quality near Puget Sound

November 14, 2023 News release: EPA has awarded Ecology up to $30 million to boost the health of Puget Sound rivers and streams.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-14-state-and-epa-ready-grants-to-restore-salmon-habitat-improve-water-quality-near-puget-sou

$30,000 penalty to plastics producer for failing to register products under 2021 law

March 13, 2025 News release: Penalties collected under the 2021 law provide financial support to local governments for solid waste programs.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/march-13-30-000-penalty-to-plastics-producer-for-failing-to-register-products-under-2021-law

Colville Tribes and Ecology announce partnership to improve air quality

March 26, 2025 News release: Ecology and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation sign an agreement to improve air quality.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/march-26-ecology-and-colville-mou

Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller responds to federal attempts to roll back vehicle pollution standards

June 6, 2025 News release: Washington Department of Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller issued a statement regarding the decision to pause implementation for portions of the state’s clean vehicle standards.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/ecology-director-casey-sixkiller-responds-to-federal-attempts-to-roll-back-vehicle-pollution-standar

Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller on federal threats to Washington’s clean vehicle transition

June 12, 2025 News release: Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller responds to the Trump administration's attempt to roll back stronger state standards on vehicle pollution.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/june-12-ecology-director-casey-sixkiller-on-federal-threats-to-washington-s-clean-vehicle-transition

State issues million-dollar penalties to two refineries for dangerous waste violations

August 5, 2025 News release: We issued million-dollar penalties for dangerous waste violations at two Anacortes refineries, Tesoro and HF Sinclair.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/aug-5-state-issues-million-dollar-penalties-to-two-refineries-for-dangerous-waste-violations

State issues $33,000 penalty to U.S. Postal Service for dangerous waste violations

August 19, 2025 News release: USPS has been improperly managing and storing dangerous waste at its Seattle Bulk Mail Center in Federal Way. Ecology issued a $33,000 penalty for violations found during a 2024 inspection.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/aug-19-state-issues-33-000-penalty-to-u-s-postal-service-for-dangerous-waste-violations

Washington's sustainable business accelerator chooses new projects for support

April 22, 2024 News release: NextCycle Washington, state's sustainable business accelerator, chooses 13 new projects to back.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/april-22-washington-s-sustainable-business-accelerator-chooses-new-projects-for-support

Environmental penalties issued for first half of 2023

September 28, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued $562,540 in penalties of $1,000 or more from Jan. 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-28-environmental-penalties-for-first-half-of-2023

Environmental penalties issued for the first quarter of 2022

May 11, 2022 News release: Summary of penalties issued from January through March 2022.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/first-quarter-penalties-2022

Environmental penalties issued for first half of 2024

October 14, 2024 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued $1,951,369 in penalties of $1,000 or more from Jan. 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/oct-14-environmental-penalties-issued-for-first-half-of-2024

Washington communities to receive $309 million in clean water funding

June 28, 2024 News release: Ecology is awarding $309 million in clean water grants and loans.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-28-clean-water-funding

Plan to cut statewide fuel emissions 20% starts Jan. 1

November 28, 2022 News release: New Clean Fuel Standard will tackle Washington’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/nov-28-clean-fuel-standard-adoption

State begins work to implement Climate Commitment Act

August 6, 2021 News release: Ecology begins rulemaking to implement Climate Commitment Act.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/aug-6-state-begins-work-to-implement-climate-commi

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

Seattle and King County fined for sewer overflow violations

January 11, 2023 News release: Ecology and EPA are jointly issuing fines to Seattle and King County for violations of their federal consent decrees and state permits regulating combined sewer overflows from Seattle sewer systems.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/jan-11-seattle-and-king-co-fine-for-sewer-overflow

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

Summary of environmental penalties issued for 4th quarter of 2020

February 4, 2021 News release: Ecology penalties over $1000 for the 4th quarter of 2020.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/feb-4-4th-quarter-penalties

Water quality penalties fund environmental restoration

April 3, 2019 News release: Ecology to provide $331,000 for 12 local environmental enhancement projects

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/april-3-water-quality-penalties-fund-restoration

Seattle and King County penalized for sewer overflow violations

November 30, 2023 News release: Ecology and EPA issue penalties to Seattle and King County for violations related to combined sewer overflows from Seattle’s sewer system

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-30-seattle-and-king-county-penalized-for-sewer-overflow-violations