Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

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

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

State takes steps toward banning persistent PFAS chemicals in food packaging

May 19, 2022 News release: A new report to the Washington State Legislature from the Department of Ecology identifies additional alternatives to food packaging that contains toxic chemicals.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/may-19-state-takes-steps-toward-banning-pfas-in-fo

State proposes restrictions on toxic “forever chemicals” in common consumer products

June 4, 2025 News release: Department of Ecology seeks public comment on restrictions and reporting requirements for PFAS in 12 product categories.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/june-4-cycle-1-5-cr-102-rulemaking

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

Toxic chemicals in your home

Products in our homes can contain toxic chemicals including PFAS, phthalates, lead, and more. Learn how to reduce your exposure

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/community-waste-toxics/at-home

Washington's toxics in products laws

These Washington laws are designed to keep toxic chemicals out of consumer products.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/washingtons-toxics-in-products-laws

Washington state issues enforcement order against US Army over Yakima Training Center contamination

February 1, 2023 News release: With contamination threatening drinking water near the training center, Ecology's order requires the Army to address the environmental threat in line with state and federal standards.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/yakima-training-center-enforcement-order

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

Single-use serviceware

Businesses can no longer automatically include single-use items in orders.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-recycling-waste/plastics/2021-plastic-pollution-laws/food-serviceware

Partnerships and committees

Governmental and regional agencies join forces, providing ideas and oversight to many programs.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/accountability-transparency/partnerships-committees

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

Safer Products for Washington

A new law aims to prevent toxic chemicals from being used in common products.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/washingtons-toxics-in-products-laws/safer-products

Healthy home guide

Learn how to improve the health of your home with safer products and cleaning tips.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/community-waste-toxics/at-home/healthy-home-guide

Industrial sites have new requirements to protect water quality

December 2, 2024 News release: Ecology has issued the updated Industrial Stormwater General permit for nearly 1,200 facilities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/dec-2-industrial-stormwater-permit

State sets new limits for toxic chemicals in water

August 14, 2024 News release: New protections for set for toxics in water.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-14-aquatic-life-toxics-criteria

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

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

Mercury Education & Reduction Act (MERA)

The Mercury Education and Reduction Act (MERA) regulates the use of mercury, a dangerous metal.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/washingtons-toxics-in-products-laws/mercury-education-reduction-act

Mercury

We are working to prevent mercury from impacting human health and the environment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/addressing-priority-toxic-chemicals/mercury

Dangerous waste facility cleanup

Information about cleanup work at facilities that manage dangerous waste.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/cleanup-sites/dangerous-waste-facility-cleanup

Eastern Washington Clean Sites Initiative

The Eastern Washington Clean Sites Initiative funds cleanups to improve residents’ quality of life.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/cleanup-sites/eastern-washington

Technical Assistance Agreements

Cleaning up multiple gasoline station sites

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/cleanup-sites/taag

Tacoma Smelter Plume project

We are managing arsenic and lead contamination risks from the former Asarco smelter in Tacoma.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/cleanup-sites/tacoma-smelter

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

We are working to prevent PAH chemicals from impacting human health and the environment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/addressing-priority-toxic-chemicals/pah

Contaminated mine sites

Abandoned mines can be dangerous to people and the environment. Learn how to clean up mining contamination.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/cleanup-sites/contaminated-mine-sites

Addressing priority toxic chemicals

We are taking action against toxic chemicals of high concern to human health and the environment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/addressing-priority-toxic-chemicals

Tire anti-degradant (6PPD) and 6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ)

Learn how we are addressing the chemical in tires known as 6PPD and the resulting 6PPD-quinone.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/addressing-priority-toxic-chemicals/6ppd

Cleanup sites

Find information on specific contamination cleanup sites.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/cleanup-sites

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

Ecology proposes new and updated limits for toxics in water

February 22, 2024 News release: We are proposing a major update to the state’s aquatic life toxics criteria

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/feb-14-aquatic-toxics-criteria

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) ban

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) will soon be banned for sale in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-recycling-waste/plastics/2021-plastic-pollution-laws/expanded-polystyrene-ban

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

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

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

Public invited to comment on environmental review for Washington’s draft permit for biosolids management

September 27, 2024 News release: Ecology opens 14-day public comment period on SEPA Determination of Nonsignificance for draft statewide general permit for biosolids management

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/sept-27-public-invited-to-comment-on-environmental-review-for-washington-s-draft-permit-for-bioso

Safer Products for Washington compliance and reporting

Learn how manufacturers and businesses can meet compliance and reporting requirements for Safer Products for Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/washingtons-toxics-in-products-laws/safer-products/compliance-and-reporting

Antifouling boat paint laws

Learn more about laws related to antifouling boat paints.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/washingtons-toxics-in-products-laws/antifouling-boat-paints

Better Brakes Law

The Better Brakes Law phases out the use of copper in vehicle brakes by 2025.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/washingtons-toxics-in-products-laws/better-brakes-law

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

We are working to eliminate releases of PCBs in Washington and clean up existing contamination.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/addressing-priority-toxic-chemicals/pcbs

Phthalates

We are working to prevent phthalate chemicals from impacting human health and the environment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/addressing-priority-toxic-chemicals/phthalates

Flame retardants

We are working to prevent flame retardants from impacting human health and the environment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/addressing-priority-toxic-chemicals/pbde

Bothell area cleanup

Ecology is managing and investing in 24 cleanup sites in the Bothell downtown and surrounding area.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/cleanup-sites/bothell

Former orchard lands

Former orchards might have arsenic and lead in the soil. Learn where it is and how to stay safe.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/cleanup-sites/former-orchard-lands

University of Washington Tacoma cleanup site

UW Tacoma is cleaning up soil and groundwater contamination under some buildings on/near the campus.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/cleanup-sites/uw-tacoma

Lower Duwamish Waterway

We are leading efforts to control sources of pollution going into the Lower Duwamish Waterway.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/cleanup-sites/lower-duwamish-waterway

Lead

We are working to prevent lead from impacting human health and the environment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/addressing-priority-toxic-chemicals/lead

Cleaning up for a healthier Puget Sound

Cleanup and restoration makes Puget Sound a healthier place to live, work, and play.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/cleanup-sites/puget-sound

South Lake Union cleanup

We are cleaning up contamination at 10 sites in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/cleanup-sites/south-lake-union

Everett Smelter cleanup

Ecology is cleaning up lead and arsenic contamination in NE Everett. Enroll in soil sampling today.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/cleanup-sites/everett-smelter