Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Battle Ground contractor fined $136,000 for repeated water quality violations

January 26, 2022 News release: Ecology has fined Hamilton Excavating LLC $136,000 for repeated water quality violations during construction activities at the Highland Terrace Subdivision in La Center.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/jan-26-highland-terrace-penalty

Cleanup of former Reynolds Metals site moving forward

January 24, 2019 News release: A $28 million cleanup of contamination left over from smelting operations at the former Reynolds Metals site will move forward after the Washington Department of Ecology finalized the plan and legal agreements to perform the work.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/reynolds-cleanup-moving-forward

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

Lacey contractor fined $72,000 for multiple water quality violations

January 25, 2022 News release: Ecology is penalizing Milestone Companies $72,000 for multiple water quality violations during yearlong construction activities at the Woodbrook Townhomes project in Lacey.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/jan-25-woodbrook-townhomes-penalty

Public invited to comment on Ecology plan to clean up contaminated Georgetown site

January 13, 2022 News release: The property east of 4th Ave. is contaminated with chemicals suspected of causing cancer.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/jan-13-georgetown-cleanup-public-comment-period

Stage 1 burn ban for Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Kittitas, Okanogan, Pend Oreille and Stevens counties

January 11, 2019 News release: A ban on outdoor burning and the use of uncertified stoves and fireplaces begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, in Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Okanogan, Ferry, Pend Oreille and Stevens counties due to poor air quality predicted for the region.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/jan-11-stage-1-burn-ban-begins-sunday-for-north-ce

Moses Lake company fined $36,000 for air pollution

January 5, 2022 News release: Granite Construction has been fined $36,000 by the Washington Department of Ecology for air pollution released from their asphalt plant near Moses Lake.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/granite-construction-fined

Pierce County contractor fined $56,000 for multiple water quality violations

June 28, 2023 News release: Ecology has issued a $56,000 fine to Puyallup-based RM Homes LLC for multiple water quality violations at an Edwards Drive construction site in Gig Harbor.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/june-28-rm-homes-penalty

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

Tacoma mill settles air permit violation

July 12, 2023 News release: WestRock Tacoma reached a settlement agreement with Ecology for a penalty and compliance order issued in December 2022 for a violation of the company’s air quality permit.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/july-12-westrock-tacoma-penalty-settlement

Puyallup construction material company fined for waste violations

July 13, 2023 News release: Carlisle Construction Materials was fined $40,000 by Ecology for failing to properly designate its hazardous waste for several years

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/july-13-ccm-penalty

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

Toledo sand and gravel operation fined $29,000 for failing to submit water quality data

July 27, 2023 News release: Ecology has issued a $29,000 fine to Toledo-based L Rock Industries for repeatedly refusing to submit required quarterly reports that monitor stormwater discharge.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/july-27-l-rock-industries-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

New rules add clarity for cap-and-invest program

September 7, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has proposed new rules to clarify aspects of the Allowance Price Containment Reserve (APCR).

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-7-apcr-rulemaking

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

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center penalized $21,000 for dangerous waste violations

October 31, 2023 News release: Ecology is penalizing PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center $21,000 for repeated violations of the state’s dangerous waste laws.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/oct-31-peacehealth-st-joseph-dangerous-waste-penalty

Ecology seeks community input on local air quality issues

November 2, 2023 News release: Ecology is holding open houses in Spokane, George and Mattawa as part of our work in overburdened communities under the Climate Commitment Act.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/ecology-seeks-community-input-on-local-air-quality

Ecology, Olympia Brewery owner reach settlement over 2019 spill

November 8, 2023 News release: Ecology and Olympia Brewery reach settlement over 2019 spill

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-8-ecology-olympia-brewery-owner-reach-settlement-over-2019-spill

Hanford Site agencies to hold cleanup dialogue meeting in Kennewick on Dec. 5

November 20, 2023 News release: The public is invited to ask questions and learn about Hanford Site cleanup during an in-person Hanford Dialogue meeting in Kennewick on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-20-hanford-dialogue-2023

Ecology offering $1.8 million to Washington communities for drought planning, preparedness

November 30, 2023 News release: The Department of Ecology will offer $1.8 million in grants to increase local drought preparedness throughout the state.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-30-drought-planning-and-preparedness-grants

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

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

Illegal draining of wetlands on Whidbey Island leads to $120,000 penalty

September 12, 2024 News release: We have issued a $120,000 penalty to Island County landowners for illegally draining wetland on Whidbey Island.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/sept-12-whiteman-coury-penalty

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

Coleman Oil Company fined for spill near Colfax

December 12, 2024 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has fined Coleman Oil $12,000 for the spill and for failing to notify authorities promptly.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/dec-12-coleman-oil-company-fined-for-spill-near-colfax

New report and dashboard show Climate Commitment Act investments

November 27, 2024 News release: See exactly how Climate Commitment Act funds have been spent on transit, wildfire preparedness, clean energy and more.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/nov-27-cca-investments

Ecology receives $8.95 million settlement to help reduce air quality impacts from South Tacoma warehouse project

November 21, 2024 News release: As part of a settlement agreement, $8.95 million will be invested in South Tacoma to help reduce air quality impacts from a proposed warehouse project.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/nov-21-bridge-agreement

Whatcom County farm fined second time for illegal water use

October 17, 2024 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued a $20,000 fine to RAN General Partnership and its owner Rick Alamwala for illegal irrigation.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/oct-16-water-right-penalty

Federal and state agencies seeking new board members to advise on Hanford nuclear cleanup

October 10, 2024 News release: The Hanford Advisory Board (HAB) is seeking new members to advise federal and state agencies on the ongoing nuclear cleanup of the Hanford Site in southeast Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/oct-10-2024-hab-member-recruitment

Ecology invests $53.5 million to help rivers and streams

October 8, 2024 News release: Ecology is investing up to $53.5 million in streamflow restoration grants for 25 high-priority projects in watersheds across the state.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/oct-8-streamflow-restoration-grants

Industrial painting company fined $49,000 for hazardous waste violations at Kelso, Longview facilities

August 21, 2024 News release: Industrial painting company fined $49,000 for hazardous waste violations at Kelso, Longview facilities

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-21-steel-painter-penalty

Ecology invites public comment on shoreline management updates for Thurston County

August 8, 2024 News release: Ecology seeks public input on changes to the Thurston County Shoreline Master Program (SMP) to help the county bring the plan up-to-date with state and local laws.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-8-thurston-county-public-comment

New grants will help Washington landfills reduce methane emissions

August 6, 2024 News release: Ecology is award $15 million in grants from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act to help cut climate-warming methane escaping from municipal solid waste landfills.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/ecology-opens-landfill-methane-grants

Ecology upgrades Washington air quality map in time for wildfire smoke season

July 25, 2024 News release: Updated air quality map features real-time information about wildfire smoke and other air pollution and includes information about impacts in overburdened communities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/july-25-ecology-releases-updated-air-quality-map

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

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

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

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

Settlement reached in penalty for Lake Washington Ship Canal fuel spill

June 17, 2024 News release: The Department of Ecology has settled a $22,000 penalty issued to Coastal Transportation Inc. for a February 2023 spill of diesel into Seattle’s Lake Washington Ship Canal during a fuel transfer.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-17-settlement-reached-for-fuel-spill

Westport seafood plant penalized $222,000 for water quality violations

June 13, 2024 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued a $222,000 penalty to the Pacific Seafood-Westport facility for repeatedly sending polluted wastewater into Half Moon Bay in Westport.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/june-13-seafood-plant-penalized

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

Puyallup contractor settles water quality penalty

May 2, 2024 News release: Puyallup-based contractor RM Homes LLC will pay a reduced $40,000 penalty for water quality violations

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/may-2-puyallup-contractor-settles-penalty

Preparing Whatcom water users for adjudication

April 19, 2024 News release: Ecology has mailed 30,000 post cards to Nooksack area water users to let them know about adjudication.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/apr-19-adjudications-postcard

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

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

Fish tender fined for fuel spill to Lake Washington Ship Canal

March 1, 2024 News release: Ecology is issuing a $22,000 penalty to Coastal Transportation Inc. for negligence in operations during a fuel transfer that led to diesel spilling into the Lake Washington Ship Canal.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/mar-1-fish-tender-fined-for-fuel-spill-to-lake-washington-ship-canal