Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

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

Fall drawdown at Lake Osoyoos commences

September 16, 2019 News release: Lake Osoyoos is being drawn down for the winter. Which means increased flows to the Okanogan River this week

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/fall-drawdown-at-lake-osoyoos-commences

Public invited to comment on firefighting foam collection and disposal plan

September 1, 2020 News release: Ecology is seeking public comment on its determination of non-significance and SEPA review of its AFFF collection proposal.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/sep-1-afff-public-comment

State works to set zero emission vehicle standards

June 24, 2021 News release: Adopting new standards for zero emission vehicles in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/june-24-state-works-to-set-zero-emission-vehicle-s

Cleanup proposed at Yakima Training Center

August 3, 2020 News release: Cleanup is proposed after years of military activity at the Yakima Training Center

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/yakima-training-center

Fertilizer maker fined $25,500 for air quality violations

June 21, 2021 News release: Fertilizer maker Pacific Northwest Solutions Of Pasco was fined $25,500 for air quality violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/jun-21-fertilizer-maker-fined-25-500-for-air-qual

Water restrictions coming for Touchet River irrigators

July 31, 2020 News release: Many irrigators in the Touchet River basin will have to curb consumption this summer to save water for fish and other uses.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/touchet-river-water-restrictions

Summer jobs now open for Central Washington teens

February 21, 2023 News release: Teens ages 14-17 can apply to Ecology Youth Corps to pick up litter and keep our state clean. Applications are due by April 3.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/feb-21-ecology-youth-corps-central-wa-2023

Ecology and Clark County contractor settle penalty for water quality violations

July 20, 2022 News release: Rotschy Inc. will pay $101,000 to the Washington Department of Ecology under an agreement to settle an appeal of a larger penalty for nine water quality violations

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/july-20-rotschy-penalty-settlement

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

Irrigators in Little Spokane River watershed will likely see water restrictions this summer

August 5, 2019 News release: Some water users in the Little Spokane River basin will have to curb their consumption if lower water levels persist this season.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/aug-5-little-spokane-river-water-restrictions-poss

Ecology and Westport seafood processer settle penalty for water quality violations

July 12, 2022 News release: Pacific Seafood – Westport, LLC will pay $92,250 to the Washington Department of Ecology under an agreement to settle an appeal of a larger penalty for 49 water quality violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/july-11-pacific-seafood-settlement

Comments sought on shoreline master program for Stevens County, Kettle Falls, Marcus and Northport

August 1, 2019 News release: Ecology is seeking public comment on a regional shoreline master program designed to protect and manage development along 330 miles of stream and lake shoreline in Stevens County and within Kettle Falls, Marcus and Newport.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/comments-sought-on-regional-shoreline-master-progr

Ecology to host webinar, answer questions about Nooksack adjudication

January 26, 2023 News release: Ecology is hosting a webinar Jan. 30 to discuss the upcoming Nooksack water rights adjudication and answer questions.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/jan-26-nooksack-adjudication-webinar

Statement from Ecology Director Laura Watson on federal rule undermining Washington’s water quality

June 1, 2020 News release: Ecology Director Laura Watson's comments on new federal Clean Water Act Section 401 rule.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/june-1-statement-from-ecology-director-on-federal

Statement from Ecology director on lawsuit challenging federal emissions rollback

May 27, 2020 News release: A statement from Ecology Director Laura Watson on Washington joining a lawsuit challenging federal rollbacks of vehicle emissions standards.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/may-27-statement-from-ecology-director-on-lawsuit

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

Oil spill equipment exercise in Grays Harbor

June 22, 2022 News release: The Washington Dept. of Ecology, Port of Grays Harbor, Washington State Maritime Cooperative, and the National Response Corporation will hold an oil spill equipment exercise in Hoquiam on June 23.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-22-oil-spill-equipment-exercise-in-grays-harb

Ecology and Auburn wood finisher settle $20,000 penalty

June 20, 2019 News release: Numatic Finishing of Auburn will pay $5,000 to settle its appeal of our $20,000 hazardous waste penalty from 2018, with $15,000 dismissed after two years if there are no more violations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/june-20-numatic-finishing-settlement

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

Cosmopolis mill fined $18,000 for water quality violations

June 14, 2022 News release: Water quality violations at the Cosmo Specialty Fibers mill in Cosmopolis led to an $18,000 penalty from the Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-14-cosmo-specialty-fiber-penalty

Fishing vessel owner fined for 2018 spill

April 30, 2020 News release: Phoenix Processors fined for 2018 spill Fishing Vessel Excellence

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/april-30-fishing-vessel-owner-fined-for-2018-spill

Lake Osoyoos water levels on the rise

June 10, 2019 News release: Water levels in Osoyoos Lake are rising as the Washington State Department of Ecology works to respond to declared drought across the region.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/june-10-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

Statement from Ecology director on EPA rolling back water quality standards

April 17, 2020 News release: A statement from Ecology Director Laura Watson on the EPA rolling back water quality standards in Washington

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/statement-on-epa-rolling-back-water-quality-standa

Port Townsend mill fined $27,000 for water quality violations

May 17, 2022 News release: Repeated water quality violations at the Port Townsend Paper Corporation (PTPC) mill in Port Townsend led to a $27,000 penalty from the Washington Department of Ecology.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/may-17-ptpc-fined-for-water-quality-violations

Statement from Ecology director on federal vehicle emissions rollback

March 31, 2020 News release: A statement from Ecology director Laura Watson on the federal Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Rule.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/march-31-director-watson-statement-on-federal-vehi

Public comment needed on cleanup plans for contaminated BSB Diversified site in Kent

May 12, 2022 News release: Washington’s Department of Ecology needs feedback regarding plans to continue cleanup of the BSB Diversified property in Kent.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/may-12-public-comment-needed-on-cleanup-plans-for

Ecology to exercise regulatory flexibility during COVID-19 crisis

March 27, 2020 News release: All applicable state requirements remain in effect, but Ecology will exercise reasonable discretion within our authority when deciding whether to pursue potential violations that may be linked to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/march-27-ecology-to-exercise-regulatory-flexibilit

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

Red dye diesel spills to south fork of Palouse River

April 26, 2022 News release: About 1,200 gallons of red-dye diesel spilled when an above ground storage tank failed in Pullman, Wash.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/diesel-spill-to-south-fork-palouse-river

Skagit, Snohomish landowners now have legal water source

March 19, 2020 News release: As part of the Washington Department of Ecology’s commitment to find water solutions for Skagit Basin landowners, water is now available for some landowners in Skagit and Snohomish counties affected by a 2013 state Supreme Court ruling.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/mar-19-skagit-snohomish-landowners-have-legal-wat

Summer jobs now open for Central Washington teens

March 5, 2020 News release: Ecology plans to hire as many as 72 teenagers to help clean Central Washington parks and roadways as part of the Ecology Youth Corps this summer.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/litter-crew-jobs-in-central-washington

Franklin County farm settles water rights penalty

April 21, 2022 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology and Frank Tiegs LLC have reached a $125,000 settlement over a penalty resulting from the illegal irrigation of 250 acres of farmland in Franklin County in 2021.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/april-21-franklin-county-farm-settles-water-rights