Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

State lays out plan to tackle impacts of climate change in Washington

September 30, 2024 News release: The Washington State Climate Resilience Strategy works to prepare for climate change threats and impacts from drought, changing ocean conditions, flooding, extreme heat, and wildfires and smoke.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/sept-30-climate-resilience-strategy

Sujete su carga, salve una vida: Vuelve la campaña de Washington para prevenir choques y proteger a las comunidades

June 3, 2025 News release: La campaña Cargas bien sujetadas es en honor a las personas que perdieron la vida o vieron sus vidas transformadas por la caída de escombros de los vehículos.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/june-3-sujete-su-carga-salve-una-vida-vuelve-la-campana-de-washington-para-prevenir-choques-y-pr

Ecology awards $63 million to reduce flooding, protect communities and farms, restore habitat

August 31, 2023 News release: Ecology awards $63 million to 12 entities across the state to transform how floodplains in the state's major river basins are managed.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/ecology-awards-63-million-to-reduce-flooding-protect-communities

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

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

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

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

Changes proposed for crude oil movement reporting requirements

September 2, 2020 News release: Changes proposed for crude oil movement reporting requirements

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/changes-proposed-for-crude-oil-movement-reporting

Changes proposed to strengthen oil spill requirements for facilities, vessels and pipelines

August 7, 2019 News release: Proposed amendments to bring requirements in line with the increased movement of oil across Washington and the changing nature of spills. Changes include sinking oils, wildlife response service providers and spill management teams.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/contingency-plan-updates-for-vessels-facilities-an

11 consumer products to be studied for toxic chemicals

July 14, 2020 News release: Following a 2019 state law aimed at keeping toxic chemicals out of consumer products, the Washington Department of Ecology last week submitted its report to the Legislature that outlines 11 products that need further study and potential regulation.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/11-consumer-products-to-be-studied-for-toxic-chemi

Growing Quincy data center seeks revised air permit

June 3, 2020 News release: As part of a planned expansion, Sabey Data Center Properties has applied to modify an existing air permit at its Intergate.Quincy facility.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/june-3-sabeycomment

Coleman Oil settles fine for oil spill to Columbia River in Wenatchee

June 28, 2019 News release: Coleman Oil settles fine for oil spill to Columbia River in Wenatchee

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/coleman-oil-settles-fine-for-oil-spill-to-columbia

Lake Osoyoos water levels on the rise

May 14, 2020 News release: Water levels in Osoyoos Lake are rising as melting snow brings annual spring runoff. The lake serves as a source of water for irrigation and summer recreation in both British Columbia and Okanogan County.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/spring-runoff-at-lake-osoyoos

Updated regulations for toxic air pollutants proposed

June 7, 2019 News release: Ecology is proposing updates to a list of about 400 toxic air pollutants.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/june-7-updated-regulations-for-toxic-air-pollutant

Ecology Youth Corps suspends summer litter crews for teens

March 23, 2020 News release: Ecology has canceled its 2020 Ecology Youth Corps summer litter crews for teens 14-17. Roadside litter removal will shift to adult crews for 2020 season

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/ecology-youth-corps-suspends-summer-litter-crews-f

Diesel spill from grounded vessel at Silverdale Waterfront Park leads to fine

May 11, 2022 News release: In December 2020, a grounded vessel caused a diesel spill.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/may-11-diesel-spill-from-grounded-vessel-at-silver

First comment period opens on future water use in Nooksack watershed

April 8, 2019 News release: First comment period opens on future water use in WRIA 1 Nooksack watershed

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/first-comment-period-opens-on-future-water-use-in

Pair of sinkings, spill on Steamboat Slough lead to $70,000 fine for vessels’ owner

February 10, 2022 News release: In February 2020, a pair of sinkings led to a spill on Steamboat Slough.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/feb-10-sinkings-and-spill-on-steamboat-slough-lead

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

Ecology names new Office of Chehalis Basin director

October 28, 2023 News release: Ecology Director Laura Watson has tapped Jeff Zenk to lead the Office of Chehalis Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/ecology-selects-jeff-zenk-to-lead-office-of-chehalis-basin

Washington restricts refrigerants linked to global warming

November 30, 2023 News release: Washington ban sales of new air conditioners and commercial refrigeration units that contain hydrofluorocarbons

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-30-washington-restricts-refrigerants-linked-to-global-warming

Ecology seeks public comment on disposal of PFAS firefighting foam

December 20, 2023 News release: Ecology seeks public comment on a draft environmental impact statement outlining five disposal options for municipal firefighting foams with PFAS.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/afff-draft-eis-public-comment

Ecology proposes rulemaking on electricity markets

June 28, 2024 News release: The Department of Ecology has proposed rule changes to ensure that greenhouse gas emissions from centralized electricity market imports are accounted for under the Climate Commitment Act.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-28-electricity-markets-rule-proposal

New incentives for clean aviation, heavy-duty trucking proposed in updates to Clean Fuel Standard

June 16, 2025 News release: New incentives for clean aviation, heavy-duty trucking proposed in updates to Clean Fuel Standard

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/june-16-new-incentives-for-clean-aviation-heavy-duty-trucking-proposed-in-updates-to-clean-fuel-s

Liberty Marine Corporation fined for waste oil spill into Puget Sound

August 7, 2025 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has fined Liberty Marine Corporation $32,000 for a waste oil spill into Puget Sound.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/july-24-liberty-marine-corporation-fined-for-waste-oil-spill-into-puget-sound

Port Townsend Paper fined $20,000 for water quality violations

September 18, 2025 News release: Ecology has fined the mill a total of $20,000 for the two water quality violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/sept-18-port-townsend-paper-penalty

La campaña 'Así de simple', ayuda a tener un Washington libre de basura

April 17, 2023 News release: La iniciativa estatal de prevención de basura alienta a los residentes a tomar medidas para prevenir que la gente bote basura en las carreteras

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-17-la-campana-asi-de-simple

New approach to determine the natural conditions of Washington’s waters

May 10, 2024 News release: New approach to determine the natural conditions. Proposed standards would help state identify pollution and set discharge limits

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/may-10-new-approach-to-natural-conditions

Property owners fined $204,000 for damaging Deschutes River shoreline

July 16, 2025 News release: Thurston County property owners fined $204,000 for unlawful shoreline development

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/july-16-property-owners-fined-204-000-for-damaging-deschutes-river-shoreline

Tackling flood and habitat challenges in the Chehalis Basin

April 30, 2025 News release: Join free May 7 public webinar to help shape long-term Chehalis Basin Strategy.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/april-30-tackling-flood-and-habitat-challenges-in-the-chehalis-basin

Ecology shares plan to clean up Puget Sound nutrient pollution

June 12, 2025 News release: Ecology has drafted the Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction Plan to guide the region as it seeks to address the many human sources of nutrient pollution.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/ecology-shares-plan-to-clean-up-puget-sound-nutrient-pollution

Wastewater treatment plants awarded for top performance

August 20, 2025 News release: Ecology is recognizing 121 wastewater facilities and their operators with the agency’s annual Outstanding Performance Awards.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/aug-20-wastewater-treatment-plants-awarded-for-top-performance

Statewide plastic bag ban begins Friday, Oct. 1

September 27, 2021 News release: Washington's statewide plastic bag ban begins Friday, Oct. 1. All Washington businesses providing single-use plastic bags to customers at checkout must comply with the new law.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/sept-27-statewide-bag-ban-begins-friday

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

Awarding $312 million to communities for clean water projects

July 1, 2021 News release: Ecology is awarding $312 million in grants and loans for 108 high-priority clean water projects.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/july-1-awarding-312-million-to-communities-for-cl

Ecology uses cash to convert dry cleaners to less toxic options

June 1, 2021 News release: Fifty dry cleaning businesses across the state have switched from toxic PERC to a less toxic alternative. However, about 60 are still using PERC, prompting Ecology to redouble its efforts.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/perc-milestone

In support of salmon recovery, Ecology seeks feedback on proposed rule changes

July 31, 2019 News release: Proposed changes would allow more spill over dams on the Snake and Columbia rivers, allowing more juvenile salmon to migrate.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/july-31-feedback-on-proposed-rule-to-support-salmo

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

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

Ecology proposes updates to wastewater treatment plant operator certification program

March 13, 2019 News release: Proposed updates to Washington State Department of Ecology’s Wastewater Operator Certification Program reflect new treatment technologies, create opportunities for professional growth, and establish a new fee schedule.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/march-13-updates-to-operator-certification-program

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

Ecology funds more zero-emission public vehicles in communities across Washington

July 26, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology is offering $16.3 million in Volkswagen Settlement grants for switching out public vehicles and diesel equipment with zero-emissions models.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/july-26-new-vw-settlement-grants-for-diesel-vehicles-and-equipment

Community grants available to improve outdoor air for most vulnerable

August 29, 2024 News release: Ecology is providing $10 million from Climate Commitment Act funds for grants to improve air quality in overburdened communities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-29-community-grants-open-to-improve-air-quality

Rainier Valley site’s redevelopment will include environmental cleanup

April 8, 2021 News release: Under a proposed cleanup plan, redevelopment in Seattle’s Rainier Valley work will include affordable housing and will incorporate environmental cleanup into construction.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/april-8-grand-street-commons-cleanup

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

Climate Care Innovations penalized $425,000 for violating Cap-and-Invest rules that preserve market integrity 

July 16, 2025 News release: Ecology penalized Climate Care Innovations $425,000 for violating rules designed to ensure the state’s emissions market is both fair and secure.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/climate-care-innovations-penalized-425-000-for-violating-cap-and-invest-rules-that-preserve-market

Washington continues moving forward on clean trucks

October 16, 2025 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has adopted changes to vehicle emission standards known as Advanced Clean Trucks and Heavy-Duty Low NOx Omnibus.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/oct-16-washington-continues-moving-forward-on-clean-trucks

Now open: Ecology's $25 million "Rails, Keels, and Wheels" grant to fund zero-emission vehicles

October 28, 2025 News release: The latest Ecology grant funded by the VW federal settlement is now open for applications. "Rails, Keels, and Wheels" is open to both businesses and non-profits.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/oct-28-rails-keels-and-wheels-to-improve-air-quality

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