Washington State Department of Ecology

Join our 2026 watershed health technician crew

Every summer, technicians play a vital role in collecting environmental data about rivers and streams. Apply to join our crew ...
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New report: Clean energy is powering reductions in Washington’s carbon emissions

More clean energy and less coal power: That’s the recipe for a drop in Washington’s greenhouse gas emissions detailed in a new Washington Department of Ecology report. Despite population and economic ...
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April 22, 2026 – Washington’s new Climate Action Plan lays out a path to cut pollution

Washington’s new Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) could significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 while saving the state nearly $17 billion statewide. The new climate plan, the result ...
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Saving Washington's salmon from toxic tire dust

Coho salmon returning to rivers and streams often die before they can spawn. Photo by Roger Tabor, US Fish and Wildlife For over 20 years, scientists faced a toxic mystery: coho salmon returning to ...
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Overview of permitting & certifications

We are responsible for protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment. Permits and certifications ensure that individuals and businesses understand and comply with all applicable ...
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Big investments boost Washington's coastal resiliency

State Route 112 faces numerous climate-related threats. Photo courtesy Washington State Department of Transportation. Washington’s coastlines might be considered the canary in the coal mine for the ...
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Chapter 173-201A WAC (Outstanding Resource Waters)

We adopted changes to chapter 173-201A Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters of the State of Washington. In response to nominations we received in 2021, and after considering public comments and ...
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Calling all kids! Help Ecology design a clean water coloring book

This Earth Day, we are hosting a coloring book design contest for kids across Washington. Students will learn about how to help prevent pollution and design coloring book pages with this in mind. This ...
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When soap and water are not a good thing

Madge may soak in it and rubber ducks may get cleaned up with it, but soap isn’t the answer when there’s an oil spill. We all use soap countless times a day, and that’s a good thing — keeping those ...
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Washington water supply update

The drought declared in April and expanded in June continues with no end in sight. A group of state and federal water supply experts — the Water Supply Availability Committee — says there’s not enough ...
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State issues million-dollar penalties to two refineries for dangerous waste violations

Despite notifications from the Washington Department of Ecology for nearly a year, HF Sinclair and Tesoro improperly stored large volumes of dangerous waste at their Anacortes refineries in unsafe ...
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Ecology offering up to $20K to help replace lights that hide toxic chemicals

Old fluorescent light fixtures in schools and daycares can be harmful to students and staff. In 1979, the U.S. finally took action against the dangers of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), banning the ...