Washington State Department of Ecology

Sampling the seafloor with van Veen

The van Veen grab sampler, also called "the grab," is an important tool for researching marine health through sediment ...
Washington State Department of Ecology

Washington's ambitious new mobile air monitoring study

This vehicle is one of several which will be fitted with air monitoring equipment and Ecology branding. (Image credit: ...
Washington State Department of Ecology

2026 wildfire season: air quality in review

Most parts of the state saw unhealthy air quality this wildfire season. It was an especially smoky year for Chelan and ...
Washington State Department of Ecology

Yakima Basin water supply update

There will be no broad restrictions on senior surface water use in the Yakima Basin this October. However, the region is ...
Washington State Department of Ecology

Let's talk about elk: the Hanford herd

We are dedicating this special edition of Let's Talk About Hanford to a community favorite: the Hanford elk, aka the "Rattlesnake Hills Elk." ...
agr.wa.gov

$734,000 fine issued to Port Townsend paper mill

The Washington Department of Ecology fined Port Townsend Paper Corporation $734,000 for improperly operating its onsite wastewater treatment system since the fall of 2025 and violating other water ...
agr.wa.gov

Water Resources Program guidance and policy

Ecology’s Water Resources Program is updating its irrigation efficiency guidance and related documents to reflect best available science. Program policy: Evaluation of Changes to Enable Irrigation of ...
agr.wa.gov

Crystal Clean, Inc. penalized $1 million for hazardous waste management violations

The Washington Department of Ecology has issued $1.04 million in penalties to Crystal Clean, Inc., a national waste management service with a Lakewood location. An April 2025 inspection and follow-up ...
agr.wa.gov

Explosive wildfire activity spreads smoke across Washington

Multiple large fires are burning across the state, with no rest in sight for firefighters. Spokane experienced devastating wildfire impacts over the weekend and the situation is still very active.
agr.wa.gov

State’s only coal power plant shifting to natural gas, will serve as backup power for region

Washington’s only coal power plant will transition to natural gas by 2028. As part of the transition, the Washington Department of Ecology reviewed the environmental impacts involved with the switch, ...
agr.wa.gov

Good things happen when communities redevelop brownfields

This Millworks project features affordable housing, an early childhood learning center, and a local food campus/business incubator in Bellingham. It’s a prime example of the kind the return on ...
agr.wa.gov

New forecast shows anticipated risks to Columbia Basin water supplies

Changes in climate, agricultural practices, groundwater use, and growing populations are critical factors influencing water supplies in Washington’s Columbia River Basin. Challenging trends in these ...