To date, the Washington Department of Ecology has allocated approximately $129 million of $141 million in Volkswagen enforcement action grants to support the state’s transition from diesel-powered cars, trucks, ferries, ships, and buses to zero-emission …
It’s been an eventful wildfire season in Washington, and it’s not over. The town of Stehekin, pinned between Lake Chelan and the ongoing Pioneer Fire, faced days of advancing flames before recently emerging from level 3 (“get out now”) evacuation orders. …
A new grant program will open next week to fund locally led projects in overburdened communities to reduce sources of “criteria” air pollution. Funding new air quality projects for communities by communities is an innovative approach for us. It’s part of …
As the back-to-school buzz ramps up, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of picking out the trendiest new supplies. However, there’s more to consider than what looks cool—some popular school supplies might harbor harmful chemicals. Earlier this …
KELSO – The Washington Department of Ecology issued two penalties totaling $49,000 to Steel Painters, Inc. for hazardous waste violations at two facilities in Kelso and Longview that the industrial painting company owns. The company’s Kelso facility …
In July, we joined our partners in the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan to celebrate completion of the plan’s biggest undertaking so far, the Cle Elum juvenile fish passage facility. This milestone is one part of a larger project at Cle Elum Dam that will …
Clallam Port Angeles 07/26/2023 Orca Enterprises On Sept. 24, 2022, Port Angeles Boat Haven Marina staff discovered the Orca, a fishing vessel owned by Orca Enterprises, sunk at berth. An estimated 109 gallons of diesel spilled to Port Angeles Harbor. $1, …
OLYMPIA – Washington’s waters have new protections, thanks to a major update to state water quality rules. The updates protect aquatic life, such as fish and invertebrates, from the effects of toxic chemicals in the water. The Washington Department of …
Since 2021, our product replacement program has helped more than 150 automotive repair shops switch out solvent-based degreasers for safer alternatives. What's even better? The program is still accepting applications. Qualifying auto shops could …
WALLA WALLA – In recent days, community members along Yellowhawk Creek near Walla Walla have noticed lower-than-normal flows in the creek. The reduced flows are part of a larger effort to protect water supplies in the greater Walla Walla River Basin and …
LACEY – The Washington Department of Ecology seeks public input on changes to the Thurston County Shoreline Master Program (SMP) to help the county bring the plan up-to-date with state and local laws. The SMP is a set of policies and regulations that …
Welcome to part two of clean water highlights from our 2021-2023 Biennium Outcomes Report. In part one we talked about how our clean water funding supports wastewater and stormwater investments. Our funding covers many different methods to improve water …
Each year, we fund hundreds of clean water projects with grants and loans. Many of these projects take years to complete, so to highlight some of this great work, we create an Outcomes Report. The 2021 – 2023 Biennium Outcomes Report is now available as an …
OLYMPIA – Using $15 million in grants from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, the Department of Ecology is working to help cut the amount of climate-warming methane escaping from municipal solid waste landfills. The grants will help landfills implement …
OLYMPIA – For 20 years, Lewis County Commissioner Scott Brummer worked as a fish biologist protecting salmon and fish habitat in the Chehalis River basin. Now he’s bringing his expertise to the Chehalis Basin Board. Brummer’ four-year term on the board …
Washington’s coastlines might be considered the canary in the coal mine for the impacts of climate change. Sea level rise, beach and bluff erosion, saltwater intrusion and coastal flooding are threatening roads, bridges and communities along the Pacific …
The drought declared April 16 is still in effect. While there was hope for some relief in the fall, it’s looking like the anticipated La Niña conditions will be later and weaker than initially hoped according to experts who met July 24 for Ecology’s …
SPOKANE – The Washington Department of Ecology issued a $32,000 penalty to Spokane Galvanizing Inc., a metal coating and engraving business in Airway Heights, for violating state dangerous waste laws by contaminating soils with corrosive waste spills. …
OLYMPIA – Washington has more than 300 wastewater treatment plants that play a critical role in protecting water quality in rivers, lakes and Puget Sound. These complex facilities deal with everything homes and businesses flush down the drain. While …
LONGVIEW – The Washington Department of Ecology issued two penalties totaling $145,000 to Weyerhaeuser for stormwater violations at the company’s Longview lumber mill. The penalties include 36 stormwater discharge violations, 15 monitoring requirements …
