Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

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

“Charge Where You Are”: Ecology offers grants for EV charging stations

September 26, 2023 News release: Ecology will offer $3.5 million in grants to increase access to EV charging infrastructure across Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-26-charge-where-you-are-grant-announcement

Ecology taking broad environmental planning look at potential solar, onshore wind energy facilities

September 27, 2023 News release: Ecology seeking public input on how to design environmental impact statements for solar and onshore wind energy projects.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-27-ecology-seeking-public-comment

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

Washington aces first Climate Commitment Act compliance test

November 15, 2024 News release: Climate Commitment Act businesses had to turn in emissions allowances for the first time in November. 99.9% were submitted-- a strong start to achieving the policy’s greenhouse gas limits.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/nov-15-washington-aces-first-climate-commitment-act-compliance-event

Lewis County Commissioner Scott Brummer takes seat on Chehalis Basin Board

August 5, 2024 News release: Lewis County Commissioner Scott Brummer takes seat on Chehalis Basin Board

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-5-scott-brummer-named-to-chehalis-basin-board

Ecology offers $1.7 million in drought planning and preparedness grants

June 25, 2024 News release: To help Tribes, farmers and communities better plan and prepare for the impacts of drought, the Washington Department of Ecology is offering $1.7 million through a new grant program.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-25-drought-planning-and-preparedness-grants

Ecology orders Walla Walla station owner to continue work to protect community from gas spill

June 18, 2024 News release: Enforcement order order requires Walla Walla gas station owner to continue work to reduce harmful vapors from gasoline spill and remove contaminated water from nearby buildings.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-18-ecology-issues-enforcement-order-to-walla-walla-gas-station-owner

Ecology names new director for Office of Columbia River

January 8, 2025 News release: Larry Mattson to oversee regional work protecting water supplies in the Columbia Basin

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/jan-8-ecology-names-new-ocr-director

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

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

Ecology seeks feedback on rules to make products safer in Washington

December 8, 2022 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology is looking for input on a proposal that will help protect consumers by regulating some chemicals used in everyday products.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/dec-8-spwa-public-comment-period

Department of Ecology issues drought advisory for most of the state

May 27, 2021 News release: Ecology has issued a drought advisory for most of Washington state, including all areas east of the Cascade Mountains, portions of Southwest Washington and the Washington coast.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/may-27-2021-drought-advisory

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

$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

New climate research shows need for deep cuts in Washington’s greenhouse gas emissions

December 19, 2019 News release: New research predicts that climate change will damage Washington’s environment, so we recommend eliminating nearly all sources of carbon pollution by 2050.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/dec-19-new-climate-research-shows-need-for-deep-cu

Environmental penalties for first quarter 2020

May 12, 2020 News release: We issued $1,035,200 in penalties of $1,000 or more from January through March 2020.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/may-12-1st-quarter-penalties

Environmental penalties issued for the third quarter of 2023

January 26, 2024 News release: Ecology issued $138,800 in penalties of $1,000 or more from July 1 – Sept. 30, 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/jan-25-third-quarter-2023-penalties

Twelve agencies and organizations call on Pres. Biden to increase Hanford funding

August 9, 2022 News release: The states of Washington and Oregon, and a coalition of organizations, joined together to send a letter to President Joe Biden Tuesday calling for increased funding at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/hanford-funding-letter-to-president-biden

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

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

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

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

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

Pasco auto body shop fined $22,000 for air quality violations

November 10, 2022 News release: Barajas Auto Body has been fined $22,000 for operating without a required air quality permit and releasing air pollution from their paint booth and spray-in bed liner booth.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/nov-10-barajas-penalty

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

Electron Hydro settles penalty for water quality violations in Puyallup River

November 8, 2022 News release: Electron Hydro LLC will pay a reduced penalty and contribute to a water quality and fish habitat improvement project under a settlement agreement with Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/nov-8-electron-dam-settlement

Settlement for unauthorized irrigation in Skagit Valley benefits salmon

October 31, 2022 News release: Under a settlement with The Washington Department of Ecology, Skagit Valley Farm will pay $138,500 for the unauthorized irrigation of 348 acres in the Skagit area.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/oct-31-settlement-for-unauthorized-irrigation-in-s

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

Stage 1 Burn ban for Ferry, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, and Stevens counties

November 1, 2019 News release: Stage 1 Burn ban for Ferry, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, and Stevens counties

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/nov-1-burn-ban

Public invited to comment on PFAS Chemical Action Plan

October 8, 2020 News release: Ecology is asking the public to provide input on a draft Chemical Action Plan that addresses PFAS, a class of highly persistent chemicals that do not break down in the environment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-8-public-invited-to-comment-on-pfas-chemical-a

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 applauds EPA effort to add Bradford Island to “Superfund” list

September 8, 2021 News release: The EPA proposed adding Bradford Island at Bonneville Dam to the National Priorities List, better known as the Superfund cleanup list.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/bradford-island

Public comment period extended for the Kalama second Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement

September 29, 2020 News release: Public comment period extended for the Kalama methanol facility until Oct. 9.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/comment-period-extended-for-kalama-methanol-facili

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

Helping fire departments safely dispose of toxic foam

October 14, 2019 News release: We are helping local fire departments safely dispose of toxic firefighting foam.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/oct-14-helping-fire-departments-safely-dispose-of

Ecology finds application incomplete for Kalama methanol project

October 9, 2019 News release: An Ecology statement regarding an application for a shoreline conditional use permit for a proposed methanol project in Kalama.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/oct-9-ecology-statement-on-kalama-methanol

Summer jobs now open for Southwest Washington teens ages 14-17

March 15, 2023 News release: Ecology is hiring up to 18 teenagers in Lewis, Grays Harbor, and Thurston counties this summer as part of the Ecology Youth Corps.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/march-15-summer-litter-crew-jobs-for-teens

Ace Hardware fined for diesel spill to Snoqualmie River

July 1, 2021 News release: Ace Hardware fined for diesel spill to Snoqualmie River

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/ace-hardware-fined-for-diesel-spill-to-snoqualmie