Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

PFAS contamination at Joint Base Lewis McChord and surrounding communities

Ecology monitors multiple cleanup sites at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. This page focuses on PFAS contamination in the groundwater.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/cleanup-sites/sites-with-pfas-in-drinking-water/joint-base-lewis-mcchord

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

We work to prevent PFAS compounds from impacting human health and the environment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/reducing-toxic-chemicals-washington/pfas

Ecology near you

Ecology is at work statewide to protect your air, water and quality of life. Learn more about our regions.

https://ecology.wa.gov/ecologys-work-near-you/regional-work

Cleaning up contamination

See how cleanup projects work and where they are located. Learn about options if your property is contaminated.

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

Taking action against toxic chemicals

We enforce regulations and develop policies to reduce toxic chemicals in consumer products and the environment.

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

Reducing & recycling waste

Learn about Washington's recycling programs, organics recycling, and find recycling resources.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-recycling-waste

Cleanup site: Bailer Hill Area PFAS

The Bailer Hill Area is a cleanup site on San Juan Island. Groundwater in the area is contaminated with PFAS.

https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/cleanupsearch/site/16911

Cleanup site: Lower Issaquah Valley PFAS cleanup sites

Ecology is working on three PFAS cleanup sites in the Lower Issaquah Valley: Eastside Fire & Rescue and Issaquah Valley Elementary School (EFR HQ IVES), Memorial Field, and Rainier Trail.

https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/cleanupsearch/site/16581

Publication index: Per- and Poly-fluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS)

List of links to documents and posters about PFAS

https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/publications/UIPages/PublicationList.aspx?IndexTypeName=Topic&NameValue=Per-+and+Poly-fluorinated+Alkyl+Substances+(PFAS)&DocumentTypeName=Publication

Publication: Washington State Waste & Toxics Reduction Laws (English)

Quick guide for food service organizations and businesses, covering: expanded polystyrene, single-use serviceware, single-use plastic bags, compostable plastic products, and PFAS in food packaging.

https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/publications/SummaryPages/2404013.html

Publication: Guía rápida sobre las leyes de reducción de residuos y sustancias tóxicas del estado de Washington (Spanish)

Guía rápida para organizaciones y empresas de servicios de alimentos: Prohibición del poliestireno expandido (EPS), ley de artículos de servicio de un solo uso, prohibición de bolsas de plástico de un solo uso, etiquetas de productos de plástico compostable, y PFAS en el envasado de alimentos.

https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/publications/documents/2404013es.pdf

Bioretention effectiveness for 6PPD and PFAS

Treatment Effectiveness of Stormwater Facility with HPBSM for Toxic Chemicals

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/stormwater-monitoring/stormwater-action-monitoring/sam-effectiveness-studies/bioretention-effectiveness-for-6ppd-and-pfas

Methods for emerging contaminants

We accredit labs with new and emerging methods for contaminants such as PFAS and 6-PPDq.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/environmental-lab-accreditation/methods-for-emerging-contaminants

Longevity of biological protection using bioretention

Study about the effectiveness of bioretention soil retaining pollution over time.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/stormwater-monitoring/stormwater-action-monitoring/sam-effectiveness-studies/longevity-biological-protection-using-bioretention

Water budgets of individual local trees

This study investigates how much water trees use and may help us mitigate stormwater.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/stormwater-monitoring/stormwater-action-monitoring/sam-effectiveness-studies/water-budgets-of-individual-local-trees

Measuring Street Sweeping 6PPDQ Whole Environment Load Reductions

Potential for street sweeping to reduce the amount of 6PPDQ on the roadway

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/stormwater-monitoring/stormwater-action-monitoring/sam-effectiveness-studies/sweeping-6ppd-load

Approved sampling and analysis procedures

Approved laboratory analysis methods for cleaning up contaminated sites.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/contamination-cleanup-tools/sampling-and-analysis-procedures

Laws and rules

We implement environmental lab standards from federal and state regulations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/environmental-lab-accreditation/laws-and-rules

Paired watershed retrofit & restoration study

Stormwater Action Monitoring effectiveness study: Paired watershed retrofit and restoration study.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/stormwater-monitoring/stormwater-action-monitoring/sam-effectiveness-studies/paired-watershed-retrofit-and-restoration-study

Characterization of Stormwater Transport of Contaminants of Emerging Concern

We work with City of Tacoma to look for several contaminants of emerging concern in stormwater.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/stormwater-monitoring/stormwater-action-monitoring/sam-effectiveness-studies/stormwater-characterization

CLARC data tables and other technical information

Download CLARC data tables for information that helps site managers determine cleanup levels.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/contamination-cleanup-tools/clarc/data-tables

Policies and guidance for site cleanups

Policies and guidance interpret the MTCA cleanup law and help you clean up contaminated sites.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/plans-policies/toxics-cleanup-policies

Cleanup Levels and Risk Calculation (CLARC)

CLARC's resources help you set contaminated site cleanup levels that comply with Washington law.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/contamination-cleanup-tools/clarc

Stormwater Action Monitoring - Effectiveness studies

Learning what works best to reduce urban runoff volumes and pollution in Western Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/stormwater-monitoring/stormwater-action-monitoring/sam-effectiveness-studies

PFAS at cleanup sites

Ecology requires PFAS contamination be cleaned up.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/reducing-toxic-chemicals-washington/pfas/regulating-pfas-cleanup

PFAS in wastewater

We are working to better understand and prevent PFAS contamination in wastewater.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/reducing-toxic-chemicals-washington/pfas/wastewater

PFAS in West Plains private wells

We are working with local, state, and federal agencies and the community to understand and address groundwater contamination in the West Plains.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/cleanup-sites/sites-with-pfas-in-drinking-water/west-plains-pfas

PFAS in biosolids sampling law

Senate Bill 5033

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-recycling-waste/biosolids/senate-bill-5033

EPA and Eastern Washington University sampling results

In 2024, EPA sampled 411 wells, and 236 wells had PFAS above safe drinking water standards. From 2024–2025, EWU sampled 190 wells using an Ecology grant. We expect the final report June 2026.

https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/contamination-cleanup/cleanup-sites/sites-with-pfas-in-drinking-water/west-plains-pfas/sampling-results

Learn about biosolids

Biosolids are a nutrient-rich product of Washington’s wastewater treatment systems.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-recycling-waste/biosolids/learn-about

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)

AFFF is a type of foam that contains PFAS and is used to fight fires.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/reducing-toxic-chemicals-washington/pfas/afff

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

PFAS in Food Packaging

Learn about the ban on certain types of food packaging that contain PFAS.

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

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) collection & disposal program

Learn more about a proposed collection and disposal program for fire departments with AFFF on-site.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/product-replacement-program/afff-disposal

Firefighting Agents and Equipment Law

This law restricts AFFF and PFAS-containing firefighting foam and personal protective equipment in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/washingtons-toxics-in-products-laws/firefighting-agents-and-equipment-law

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

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

Tips to reduce toxic chemicals at home

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

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/reducing-toxic-chemicals-washington/pah

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/reducing-toxic-chemicals-washington/6ppd

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

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

Enacting waste and recycling legislation

Solid Waste Management is working to establish plans and programs created by the state legislature.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-recycling-waste/strategic-policy-and-planning/enacting-legislation

Safer Products for Washington public involvement

Learn how you can get involved with Safer Products for Washington, find resources, and host your own meetings.

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

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

Shopping for safer consumer products

Learn how Washington's toxics in chemicals laws are helping make shopping for safer products easier.

https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/community-waste-toxics/at-home/shop-for-safer-products

Reducing toxic chemicals in Washington

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/reducing-toxic-chemicals-washington

Safer Products for Washington

Safer Products for Washington aims to prevent or reduce manufacturers using toxic chemicals in common consumer products.

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

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