Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Summer jobs now open for central Washington teens

February 29, 2024 News release: Teens ages 14-17 can apply to Ecology Youth Corps by April 1 to pick up litter and keep our state clean.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/ecology-youth-corps-applications-open

Ecology names new central Washington region director

January 23, 2024 News release: David Bowen to oversee regional environmental work spanning water, air quality, cleanup, environmental justice and more.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/jan-23-ecology-names-new-central-washington-region-director

Proposal would require oil handlers, transporters to prove ability to pay for spills

January 19, 2024 News release: Ecology proposes rule requiring vessels, pipelines and facilities to show financial responsibility for worst-case spills.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/jan-19-cofr-rule-proposal

Waste disposal company penalized $25,000 for improperly managing dangerous waste

January 9, 2024 News release: Ecology issued a $25,000 penalty to Burlington Environmental-Washougal for failure to comply with Washington's dangerous waste regulations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/jan-9-clark-county-dangerous-waste-penalty

Updated clean water permit for Simplot Feeders, a large livestock operation, available for review

April 10, 2025 News release: We are seeking feedback on updates to the water quality permit for Simplot Feeders, the largest cattle feedlot in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/april-10-simplot-feeders-permit-updates

What’s in your backyard? Public invited to test soil samples for toxics

April 16, 2025 News release: Two upcoming soil testing events hosted by the Washington Department of Ecology will allow residents to check whether soils in their yards have traces of historic chemical contamination.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/april-16-soil-testing

Ecology completes environmental review for proposed Kalama methanol facility

December 21, 2020 News release: Ecology releases the final Second Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Kalama methanol facility

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/dec-21-kalama-sseis

Water quality permit holders to see updated fees in 2023

March 22, 2023 News release: The fees paid by the 6,800 water quality permittees in Washington state are undergoing a revision.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/march-22-water-quality-permit-fee-rule

Seattle metal recycler fined $98,000 for pollution discharges to Duwamish River

February 13, 2019 News release: We fined a Seattle metal recycler on the Duwamish River for discharging excessive pollutant levels into the waterway over the past two years.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/feb-13-seattle-iron-penalty

Hanford Advisory Board to meet in Yakima April 19, 2023

April 10, 2023 News release: The Hanford Advisory Board is on the road again for the first time since before the pandemic – holding its next regional meeting in Yakima later this month.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-hanford-advisory-board-meeting-in-yakima

Ecology and Energy reach agreement to address Hanford’s leaking underground tanks

August 25, 2022 News release: The Washington State Department of Ecology and the U.S. Department of Energy have agreed on a plan for how to respond to two underground tanks that are leaking radioactive waste as well as any future tank leaks at the Hanford Site.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/hanford-leaking-tanks-agreed-order

Applicants sought to serve on Hanford Advisory Board

September 5, 2023 News release: The Hanford Advisory Board (HAB) is seeking new members to advise federal and state agencies on the ongoing cleanup of the Hanford Site in southeast Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-5-applicants-sought-to-serve-on-hanford-advisory-board

Hanford Advisory Board to meet in Spokane Sept. 10-11, 2024

August 27, 2024 News release: The Hanford Advisory Board is holding its next regional meeting in Spokane, WA, Sept. 10. The Board will hear updates on Hanford cleanup and consider advice to issue to the Tri-Party Agencies.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-27-hanford-advisory-board-to-meet-in-spokane-sept-10-11-2024

New steps to improve groundwater management in the Pasco Basin

May 9, 2025 News release: Working to meet water needs in the Pasco Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/may-8-pasco-boundary-designation

Washington’s emission check program ends Dec. 31

December 30, 2019 News release: At 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, Washington’s vehicle emissions check program will end, marking the close of 38 years of emissions testing on cars and trucks in major metropolitan areas.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/dec-30-washington-s-emission-check-program-ends-de

Washington inks deal with carbon emissions auction platform

December 20, 2021 News release: Ecology signs deal for greenhouse gas emissions auction services with WCI, Inc.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/dec-20-washington-inks-deal-with-emissions-auction

Ecology begins environmental review of proposal to rebuild Eightmile Lake Dam

December 17, 2020 News release: We are asking the public what we should examine as we study environmental impacts resulting from the construction and rebuild of the Eightmile Dam.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/dec-18-eightmile-dam-scoping

Inslee names Laura Watson director of Washington State Department of Ecology

December 20, 2019 News release: Gov. Jay Inslee named Laura Watson director of the Washington State Department of Ecology today. She replaces Maia Bellon, who Inslee appointed in 2013.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/dec-20-inslee-names-laura-watson-director-of-ecolo

Washington adopts plan for transition to zero-emission vehicles

December 19, 2022 News release: Washington adopts plan for transition to new zero-emission vehicles by 2035.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/dec-19-clean-vehicles-ii-adoption

Ecology adopts regulations on toxic chemicals in consumer products

May 31, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued new regulations to reduce pollution from toxic chemicals in consumer products.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-31-new-safer-products-for-wa-regulation

New law will reduce the use of single-use utensils, condiments, straws beginning Jan. 1

December 6, 2021 News release: On Jan. 1, a new law will require restaurants to stop automatically adding single-use food service items like utensils and condiments to food orders and let customers decide which items they want.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/dec-6-new-law-will-reduce-the-use-of-single-use-ut

Ecology Awards program provides money to schools for compliance with new laws

November 24, 2021 News release: The Waste Not Washington Awards program offers schools up to $5,000 to pay for compliance with new waste reduction laws.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/2022-school-awards-deadline-extended

Public invited to comment on regulatory actions addressing chemicals in consumer products

November 18, 2021 News release: Consumers use hundreds of items every day, and many contain hazardous chemicals. Ecology is seeking input to determine which potentially hazardous chemicals it should regulate in consumer products.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/nov-18-public-invited-to-comment-on-regulatory-act

Environmental penalties issued for the 3rd quarter of 2021

November 16, 2021 News release: Environmental penalties issued for the 3rd quarter of 2021.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/nov-16-3rd-quarter-environmental-penalties

Comments sought on proposed amendments to instream flow rule in Nooksack watershed

November 19, 2019 News release: We are seeking public input on a proposed rule amendment that would establish a water use conservation standard for some new homes in parts of Whatcom County and small areas in Skagit County.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/nov-19-comments-sought-on-proposed-amendments-to-i

Ecology begins rulemaking for 2021 plastics law

November 8, 2021 News release: We have begun a rulemaking process that will increase the amount of recycled content used in some plastic containers, including beverage bottles.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/ecology-begins-rulemaking-for-2021-plastics-law

Summary of environmental penalties issued for the 3rd quarter of 2020

November 15, 2020 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued $7,000 in penalties of $1,000 or more from July through September of 2020.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/nov-16-3rd-quarter-penalty-summary

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

Settlement reached in appeal of Hanford Site leaking tanks Agreed Order

May 10, 2023 News release: Work to respond to actively leaking tanks and future tank leaks at the Hanford Site will continue to proceed as planned following a settlement agreement filed with Washington’s Pollution Control Hearings Board today.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-10-hanford-leaking-tanks-agreed-order-appeal-s

State of Washington, federal agencies announce conceptual agreement in Hanford Site Holistic Negotiations

May 2, 2023 News release: USDOE, Ecology Ecology, and (EPA) announced that negotiating teams have reached conceptual agreement in Holistic Negotiations on revising plans for managing millions of gallons of waste stored in tanks at the Hanford Site.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-2-hanford-site-holistic-negotiations-conceptua

Ecology announces action plan for addressing PFAS

November 3, 2021 News release: Ecology is rolling out its new PFAS Chemical Action Plan, a thoroughly researched set of recommendations intended to reduce uses and releases of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/nov-2-ecology-announces-action-plan-for-addressing

New data shows Washington’s carbon emissions cooling

November 19, 2019 News release: New greenhouse gas emissions data from 2016 and 2017 shows the growth of emissions in Washington is slowing.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/new-greenhouse-gas-emissions-data

Draft plan released to restore Chehalis River basin habitat

November 17, 2019 News release: Public invited to weigh in on proposed Chehalis basin aquatic species restoration plan

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/nov-15-draft-chehalis-basin-asrp

Comment on proposed rule to boost recycled content in plastic bags, containers

May 2, 2023 News release: Ecology is now accepting comments on a proposed rule to implement the recycled content requirements of the 2021 Plastics Law

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-2-ecology-seeks-comments-on-rule-for-recycled

Grants awarded for Washington’s first electric fire engines

April 27, 2023 News release: Washington will receive the state’s first electric fire engines in 2026. Ecology has given $1.18 M to Bellevue and Redmond through our VW and Clean Diesel grant programs.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-27-grants-awarded-for-washington-s-first-ele

Environmental penalties issued for the 3rd quarter of 2022

December 5, 2022 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology issued $36,400 in penalties of $1,000 or more from July through September 2022.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/dec-5-3rd-quarter-penalties

Better protections proposed for salmon spawning and habitat

October 19, 2021 News release: Proposed updates will help ensure salmon have enough oxygen and a healthy habitat for spawning.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/oct-19-salmon-spawning-rule

Updates proposed to lab accreditation process

April 19, 2023 News release: Seeking public input on proposed changes to the Accreditation of Environmental Laboratories rule. Changes include improved guidelines and updated fees.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-19-updates-to-lab-accreditation-process

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

Ecology releases draft environmental review of options to rebuild Eightmile Lake Dam

April 19, 2023 News release: How to repair a deteriorating, 90-year-old dam in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Leavenworth is the subject of a draft environmental impact statement released today.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-19-eightmile-lake-dam-deis-release

'Simple As That' campaign helps create a litter free Washington

April 17, 2023 News release: Statewide litter prevention initiative encourages residents to take action to prevent litter on roads.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-17-simple-as-that-litter-prevention-campaign

Proposal to apply biosolids at five Lewis County sites now open to public review

October 14, 2020 News release: Fire Mountain Farms biosolids comment period

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-14-fire-mountain-farms-biosolids-comment-peri

Bellevue developer fined $280,000 for multiple dangerous waste violations at downtown site

September 21, 2021 News release: The Department of Ecology has fined Bellevue Investors I LLC $280,000 for illegally sending soil contaminated with dry cleaning solvent to solid waste landfills.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/sept-21-bellevue-developer-fined-280-000-for-mult

Loans for septic repairs and replacement now available to entire state

September 21, 2021 News release: Homeowners in every county can now access loans to repair and replace septic systems

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/sept-21-septic-loans

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

Environmental penalties for third quarter 2019

October 30, 2019 News release: Third quarter environmental penalties for 2019

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/oct-30-3rdq-penalties

Ecology invests $22 million to help rivers and streams

October 7, 2020 News release: Communities around the state will soon receive grant funds to support projects that protect rivers and improve streamflows. The Washington Department of Ecology is investing up to $22 million in 21 high priority projects located in 16 watersheds.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-7-streamflow-restoration-grants

Ecology invests nearly $35 million to help rivers and streams

October 5, 2022 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology is slated to distribute about $35 million for 26 streamflow restoration projects in 22 watersheds.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/oct-5-streamflow-grants

New Ecology rule updates dangerous waste regulations

October 1, 2020 News release: Washington has updated regulations preventing dangerous wastes from making their way into the environment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-1-new-ecology-rule-updates-dangerous-waste-reg