Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Stormwater funding requirements

Resources and requirements for stormwater projects that receive Water Quality Combined Funding.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/water-quality-grants-and-loans/stormwater-funding-resources

Water rights

A water right is the legal authorization to use a quantity of water for beneficial uses.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/water-rights

Washington Coastal Zone Management Program & policies

The Coastal Zone Management Act gives states the primary role in managing their coastal zone.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/coastal-zone-management/programs-policies

Shoreline natural hazards management

We work to minimize the impacts of natural hazards to communities and natural resources.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/hazards

Puget Sound is now a no-discharge zone for vessel sewage

A no discharge zone will protect Puget Sound from vessel sewage releases.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/puget-sound/no-discharge-zone

Skagit basin water availability

We work with local partners in the Skagit River basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/protecting-stream-flows/instream-flow-implementation/skagit-river-basin/water-supply

Shoreline Master Program guidelines

We and local governments must meet state Shoreline Master Program guidelines.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/shoreline-coastal-planning/shoreline-laws-rules-and-cases/shoreline-master-program-guidelines

Riparian education

Educational resources for understanding riparian systems, climate resiliency, and where to learn more.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/puget-sound/helping-puget-sound/riparian-restoration/riparian-education

Air Quality

We are the state's lead agency for managing air quality.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/air-quality

Emergency incidents: what owners should do

It is important for dam owners to be prepared for earthquakes, floods, and wildfires.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/dams/info-for-dam-owners/earthquakes-floods-wildfires

Statewide conditions

We work with agencies and organizations to closely monitor Washington’s water supply.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/water-availability/statewide-conditions

Office of Chehalis Basin

A joint effort to reduce flood damage and restore aquatic habitat in Chehalis River basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/office-of-chehalis-basin

Hiring a qualified wetland professional

Do you need to hire a wetland professional? We provide guidance on now to find and select one.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/wetlands/tools-resources/hiring-a-qualified-wetland-professional

Credits & debits for wetland mitigation

Learn about calculating credits and debits for compensatory mitigation.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/wetlands/tools-resources/credit-debit-method

Water banking grants

Water bank grant awards will fund water right purchases for ready-to-go water banking projects.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/water-rights/water-banks/water-banking-grants

Floodplain management

We provide planning and regulation resources to local governments to reduce their flood risks.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/hazards/floods-floodplain-planning/planning-regulation

Cleaning up contaminated sediment in Washington

Cleaning up contaminated sediment protects human health and Washington's valuable natural resources.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/sediment-cleanups

Wetland mapping resources

We are committed to providing public access to wetland maps and geospatial data.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/wetlands/tools-resources/mapping-resources

Wetland mitigation resources

We provide resources to landowners and developers to help with wetland mitigation planning.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/wetlands/mitigation

Wetland rating system

Rating helps agencies make decisions about standards for protecting wetlands, including buffers.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/wetlands/tools-resources/rating-systems

Why it matters

A no discharge zone will help keep Puget Sound clean for shellfishing, swimming, and recreating.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/puget-sound/no-discharge-zone/why-it-matters

Floods & floodplain planning

We lead Washington floodplain management by offering planning and project resources to communities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/hazards/floods-floodplain-planning

Protecting stream flows

An instream flow is a water right for the stream and the resources that depend on it.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/protecting-stream-flows

Stewardship at Padilla Bay

Taking care of Padilla Bay: Tracking change, restoring habitat, and modeling responsible practices.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/padilla-bay-reserve/stewardship

State agency greenhouse gas reporting

State agencies are joining the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow climate change.

https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions/tracking-greenhouse-gases/state-agency-greenhouse-gas-reports

Environmental justice at Ecology

Prioritizing environmental justice in our work and our decisions.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/environmental-justice/prioritizing-ej

Tools to interpret and implement

Get help understanding how the surface water quality standards apply to your work.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/water-quality-standards/assistance

Floodplains by Design

Floodplains by Design grant program helps reduce flood risks, restore river floodplains.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/hazards/floods-floodplain-planning/floodplains-by-design

Wildfire smoke information

Wildfire smoke is harmful to your health. Learn how to protect your health and get relief.

https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/air-quality/smoke-fire/wildfire-smoke

Office of Equity & Environmental Justice

The Office of Equity & Environmental Justice helps eliminate disparities for at-risk communities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/equity-environmental-justice

2023-25 Strategic Plan

Get to know Ecology, our mission, vision, and goals for 2023-2025.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/strategic-plan/2023-25-strategic-plan

What is Risk MAP?

We run FEMA’s Risk MAP program to help communities better protect themselves from natural disasters.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/hazards/floods-floodplain-planning/risk-map/what-is-risk-map

Shoreline stabilization

Protect shorelines and reduce erosion risks by using shore-friendly practices.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/hazards/shoreline-stabilization

Washington's marine spatial plan

We plan for human uses on Washington’s coast to manage impacts and ensure a healthy ocean ecosystem.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/ocean-management/marine-spatial-planning

Temperature pollution

We are working to protect and restore riparian habitat and other practices to help keep Washington's waters cool.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/nonpoint-pollution/temperature-pollution

Proposed plan would guide Washington’s efforts to better prepare for and deal with climate impacts

June 11, 2024 News release: Working with other state agencies to update Washington’s Climate Resilience Strategy, Ecology has released a draft of that strategy and is seeking public comment on the plan.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/draft-climate-resilience-strategy

Chamokane Creek settlement agreement - Frequently asked questions

FAQs about the settlement agreement on impacts of permit-exempt wells on flows in Chamokane Creek.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-supply/water-availability/chamokane-creek/frequently-asked-questions

Commercial vessels

A no discharge zone is now in effect for all commercial vessels.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/puget-sound/no-discharge-zone/commercial-vessels

State lays out plan to tackle impacts of climate change in Washington

September 30, 2024 News release: The Washington State Climate Resilience Strategy works to prepare for climate change threats and impacts from drought, changing ocean conditions, flooding, extreme heat, and wildfires and smoke.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/sept-30-climate-resilience-strategy

State environmental review of proposed Chehalis River Basin Flood Damage Reduction Project

Public comment period is open for environmental review of Chehalis flood damage reduction project.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/chehalis-basin/chehalis-flood-reduction-eis

Pollution prevention (P2) grants

Learn how businesses and local governments can apply for funding for pollution prevention projects.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/pollution-prevention-services/p2-grants

Shoreline planners toolbox

Our toolbox offers guidance and resources for developing and maintaining Shoreline Master Programs.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/shoreline-coastal-planning/shoreline-planners-toolbox

How we help Puget Sound

We protect and restore Puget Sound through a wide variety of programs and activities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/puget-sound/helping-puget-sound

Salmon net pen water quality permits

We issue wastewater permits for marine salmon net pens.

https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/shoreline-coastal-management/aquaculture/net-pens

Funded Oversight Remedial Action Grants

See Oversight Remedial Action Grants funded in the current and recent budgets.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/payments-contracts-grants/grants-loans/find-a-grant-or-loan/oversight-remedial-action-grants-loans/funded-remedial-action-grants

Litter in Washington

We oversee many of Washington's litter pickup, prevention, and grant programs.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/solid-waste-litter/litter

Puget Sound sediments

Our scientists study marine sediments and the animals that live there.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/river-basins-groundwater/puget-sound/sound-science/marine-sediments

Protecting streamflows and fish in the Walla Walla River and Mill Creek

August 9, 2024 News release: Learn more about how we're protecting streamflows and fish in the Walla Walla River and Mill Creek.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-9-walla-walla-streamflows

State begins work to implement Climate Commitment Act

August 6, 2021 News release: Ecology begins rulemaking to implement Climate Commitment Act.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/aug-6-state-begins-work-to-implement-climate-commi

Ecology's budget

We operate with a biennial budget and strategic plan that we submit to the Governor every two years.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/budget-legislative-priorities/our-budget