agr.wa.gov

Building stronger connections: new guidelines describe how we engage with communities

When you hear the word “environment” what comes to mind? Maybe you think of things like trees, streams, wildlife, or even weather. But what about people? At Ecology, our focus is environmental ...
Washington State Department of Ecology

Recycling Reform Act will lower recycling costs in Washington state

Major upgrades to the residential recyling system are coming. Producers will be responsible for residential packaging waste, ...
Washington State Department of Ecology

Study shows fecal bacteria levels have declined in the Snohomish River Basin

Over the course of many decades, human activities led to water polluted by fecal bacteria in the Snohomish River Basin. Today ...
Washington State Department of Ecology

NextCycle honors innovative recycling projects

Reuse and recycling efforts for sports gear, wedding décor, software and composting were celebrated at the annual Pitch ...
Washington State Department of Ecology

Good things happen when communities redevelop brownfields

Our return-on-investment research describes tangible outcomes in terms of numbers, such as jobs created, acres redeveloped, ...
agr.wa.gov

Washington Conservation Corps

Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) is a statewide service program for young adults ages 18-25 and military veterans. We create future leaders through hands-on environmental service, community ...
agr.wa.gov

Capitol Lake drawdown will allow shoreline survey

As part of efforts to restore the Deschutes Estuary, water levels in Capitol Lake will be drawn down in late July 2026. Starting on July 19, the water gate on the 5 th Avenue Dam will be opened, ...
agr.wa.gov

Did record rainfall end Washington’s drought?

Low snowpack in many Washington river basins means drought remains on the table for 2026 As we enter 2026, let’s take a moment to check in on what a wild month of December weather has meant for ...
agr.wa.gov

Whitman County livestock operation penalized for ongoing water quality violations along Steptoe Creek

For the first time since 2013, the Washington Department of Ecology issued a penalty in Eastern Washington for polluted runoff from farming operations. Greg, Dan, and Doug Stout of Whitman County ...
agr.wa.gov

VoltaGrid Electric Generation Plant, Quincy

We propose to approve VoltaGrid Electric Generation Plant's air quality notice of construction (NOC) application. VoltaGrid submitted a notice of construction application for their site located east ...
agr.wa.gov

Floodplain management

Substantial damage assessments are required any time a structure located within the Special Flood Hazard Area (FEMA 100-year floodplain) is damaged. FEMA and Ecology have guidance and resources ...
agr.wa.gov

Washington’s Environmental Justice Law (HEAL Act)

As the state’s lead environmental agency, our mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations. As we work to build a healthier environment, we must make ...