Washington State Department of Ecology
@ecology.wa.gov
Official Washington state Department of Ecology account. Protecting, preserving and enhancing Washington's environment for current and future generations. ecology.wa.gov
We are responding to an ammonia leak at Roche Fruit in Yakima. Yakima fire and police departments are also on scene. Nearby buildings have been evacuated and roads are blocked off. Please avoid the area this evening as hazmat teams respond.
November 25, 2025 at 11:46 PM
We are responding to an ammonia leak at Roche Fruit in Yakima. Yakima fire and police departments are also on scene. Nearby buildings have been evacuated and roads are blocked off. Please avoid the area this evening as hazmat teams respond.
We helped remove 2,000 pounds of lead & toxic waste to improve salmon habitat in Lower Peshastin Creek. This is an important spawning site and one of the only cold water refuges in the Lower Wenatchee Basin. Learn how else we're giving them the best chance at survival: ecology.wa.gov/blog/novembe...
November 24, 2025 at 10:45 PM
We helped remove 2,000 pounds of lead & toxic waste to improve salmon habitat in Lower Peshastin Creek. This is an important spawning site and one of the only cold water refuges in the Lower Wenatchee Basin. Learn how else we're giving them the best chance at survival: ecology.wa.gov/blog/novembe...
Reposted by Washington State Department of Ecology
Visited the site of the Olympic Pipeline leak yesterday. I met with the people working hard to dig out the pipe, find the leak and repair it. The emergency proclamation I issued last week is working as expected to increase fuel deliveries to SeaTac Airport and minimize impacts to travelers.
November 23, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Visited the site of the Olympic Pipeline leak yesterday. I met with the people working hard to dig out the pipe, find the leak and repair it. The emergency proclamation I issued last week is working as expected to increase fuel deliveries to SeaTac Airport and minimize impacts to travelers.
Washington just adopted new rules to reduce PFAS – “forever chemicals” – in everyday products.
The rule limits PFAS in apparel, cleaning products, and car washes, and requires reporting for more categories so consumers get clearer information.
Learn more at: ecology.wa.gov/spwa-pfas
The rule limits PFAS in apparel, cleaning products, and car washes, and requires reporting for more categories so consumers get clearer information.
Learn more at: ecology.wa.gov/spwa-pfas
November 20, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Washington just adopted new rules to reduce PFAS – “forever chemicals” – in everyday products.
The rule limits PFAS in apparel, cleaning products, and car washes, and requires reporting for more categories so consumers get clearer information.
Learn more at: ecology.wa.gov/spwa-pfas
The rule limits PFAS in apparel, cleaning products, and car washes, and requires reporting for more categories so consumers get clearer information.
Learn more at: ecology.wa.gov/spwa-pfas
Harmful algal blooms happen all over WA and can produce toxins that can harm people, pets, and wildlife.
We’re starting two new rulemaking efforts to help address these toxins and the pollution that leads to harmful algal blooms.
Learn more in our blog: ecology.wa.gov/blog/novembe...
We’re starting two new rulemaking efforts to help address these toxins and the pollution that leads to harmful algal blooms.
Learn more in our blog: ecology.wa.gov/blog/novembe...
November 19, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Harmful algal blooms happen all over WA and can produce toxins that can harm people, pets, and wildlife.
We’re starting two new rulemaking efforts to help address these toxins and the pollution that leads to harmful algal blooms.
Learn more in our blog: ecology.wa.gov/blog/novembe...
We’re starting two new rulemaking efforts to help address these toxins and the pollution that leads to harmful algal blooms.
Learn more in our blog: ecology.wa.gov/blog/novembe...
Do your cat a favor and upgrade to a comfy and cozy reusable bag 😸 In 2026, bag fees in WA stores and restaurants are going up 4 cents. What’s the easiest way to avoid that charge? Bring your own reusable bags!
Learn more about the bag fee increase here: ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...
Learn more about the bag fee increase here: ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...
November 18, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Do your cat a favor and upgrade to a comfy and cozy reusable bag 😸 In 2026, bag fees in WA stores and restaurants are going up 4 cents. What’s the easiest way to avoid that charge? Bring your own reusable bags!
Learn more about the bag fee increase here: ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...
Learn more about the bag fee increase here: ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...
Ocean acidification — caused by the ocean absorbing rising carbon dioxide emissions from human activities — poses a critical threat to the PNW’s coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and $270M shellfish industry. A new short film shows how Washington is at the forefront of this climate issue:
TRAILER: Time for Action on Ocean Acidification Short Film
YouTube video by OA Alliance
www.youtube.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Ocean acidification — caused by the ocean absorbing rising carbon dioxide emissions from human activities — poses a critical threat to the PNW’s coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and $270M shellfish industry. A new short film shows how Washington is at the forefront of this climate issue:
Last Thursday we responded to a sinking tugboat off the Kitsap Peninsula. No, not the Dominion tugboat which sunk earlier last month – this was another vessel, the Mollusk. The 64-ft tugboat lost engine power, broke free of its anchor & started breaking apart against the Kingston Marina breakwater.
November 10, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Last Thursday we responded to a sinking tugboat off the Kitsap Peninsula. No, not the Dominion tugboat which sunk earlier last month – this was another vessel, the Mollusk. The 64-ft tugboat lost engine power, broke free of its anchor & started breaking apart against the Kingston Marina breakwater.
Beach closure alert! ⚠️ A no-contact advisory was issued by the Kitsap Public Health District for the northern portion of Dyes Inlet in Kitsap County due to a sewage spill. Please avoid contact with the water in this area until Nov. 10. Visit ecology.wa.gov/beach to stay up to date on beach closures.
November 6, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Beach closure alert! ⚠️ A no-contact advisory was issued by the Kitsap Public Health District for the northern portion of Dyes Inlet in Kitsap County due to a sewage spill. Please avoid contact with the water in this area until Nov. 10. Visit ecology.wa.gov/beach to stay up to date on beach closures.
Reposted by Washington State Department of Ecology
Another historic first @ Hanford! Last week, our team was on site when the first containers of vitrified low-activity waste were transported to the Integrated Disposal Facility, an engineered landfill permitted by our agency. These containers will soon be the first to be permanently disposed of!
November 5, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Another historic first @ Hanford! Last week, our team was on site when the first containers of vitrified low-activity waste were transported to the Integrated Disposal Facility, an engineered landfill permitted by our agency. These containers will soon be the first to be permanently disposed of!
Washington is standing together with our fellow @usclimate.bsky.social states — & together, we are resilient, determined, and undaunted. The result is real progress. Learn more at bit.ly/Alliance-Annual-Report-2025
Less pollution, more economic growth, & clean, affordable energy. That’s what @usclimate.bsky.social states are delivering.
No matter the obstacles, we are pressing forward.
Learn more ➡️ usclimatealliance.org/press-releas...
No matter the obstacles, we are pressing forward.
Learn more ➡️ usclimatealliance.org/press-releas...
November 3, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Washington is standing together with our fellow @usclimate.bsky.social states — & together, we are resilient, determined, and undaunted. The result is real progress. Learn more at bit.ly/Alliance-Annual-Report-2025
Clean air ain't small potatoes! Just ask Lamb Weston, a facility in Quincy who involved us early in the process of replacing their outdated potato boilers. The outcome? Lower permitting costs for the company – and cleaner air for the people of Quincy. Read more: ecology.wa.gov/blog/october...
November 3, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Clean air ain't small potatoes! Just ask Lamb Weston, a facility in Quincy who involved us early in the process of replacing their outdated potato boilers. The outcome? Lower permitting costs for the company – and cleaner air for the people of Quincy. Read more: ecology.wa.gov/blog/october...
Reposted by Washington State Department of Ecology
There are +1,400 species of bats on Earth. They can be found on every continent other than Antarctica & use echolocation to get food. They're the only mammals who can fly! Some species of bats are found @ the Hanford Site. These include the brown bat, western myotis, & Yuma myotis. #ScenicSpotlight
October 29, 2025 at 3:30 PM
There are +1,400 species of bats on Earth. They can be found on every continent other than Antarctica & use echolocation to get food. They're the only mammals who can fly! Some species of bats are found @ the Hanford Site. These include the brown bat, western myotis, & Yuma myotis. #ScenicSpotlight
Surface water restrictions in the Yakima Basin end tomorrow, Oct. 31. The restrictions are over, but the area is still in an unprecedented third year of drought with historically low reservoir storage, and will likely enter a fourth year of drought in 2026.
Water restrictions lifted for Yakima Basin on Oct. 31
Water restrictions placed Oct. 6 for surface water diversions in the Yakima Basin will end on Oct. 31.
ecology.wa.gov
October 30, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Surface water restrictions in the Yakima Basin end tomorrow, Oct. 31. The restrictions are over, but the area is still in an unprecedented third year of drought with historically low reservoir storage, and will likely enter a fourth year of drought in 2026.
If you’re still looking for a Halloween costume, this is your sign. 🌠 While the city of Gotham has a batMAN, our moody Olympic coast has the bat STAR. With spooky season in full swing, we thought it was time to shine a spotlight on this coastal critter. Read the blog: ecology.wa.gov/blog/october...
October 30, 2025 at 4:12 PM
If you’re still looking for a Halloween costume, this is your sign. 🌠 While the city of Gotham has a batMAN, our moody Olympic coast has the bat STAR. With spooky season in full swing, we thought it was time to shine a spotlight on this coastal critter. Read the blog: ecology.wa.gov/blog/october...
We know the recent storm left a lot of branches, leaves and other yard waste all over... but burning wet wood = smoke, soot, and sad fires. Don't burn it – let it dry out first! Check out other options for getting rid of yard waste: ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/...
October 29, 2025 at 5:30 PM
We know the recent storm left a lot of branches, leaves and other yard waste all over... but burning wet wood = smoke, soot, and sad fires. Don't burn it – let it dry out first! Check out other options for getting rid of yard waste: ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/...
New air monitors are live! Our monitoring team recently installed air monitors in Mabton and Granger. This work was made possible by funding from the Climate Commitment Act. Check out real-time, localized data from these new monitors on the WA Air Quality Map: airqualitymap.ecology.wa.gov
October 23, 2025 at 8:12 PM
New air monitors are live! Our monitoring team recently installed air monitors in Mabton and Granger. This work was made possible by funding from the Climate Commitment Act. Check out real-time, localized data from these new monitors on the WA Air Quality Map: airqualitymap.ecology.wa.gov
A formerly threatened wetland in Nisqually State Park is getting a much-needed facelift now that the old Eatonville landfill is getting cleaned up. More than 1,430 truckloads of contaminated soil and waste have been removed from the old landfill site since earlier this year.
October 22, 2025 at 8:32 PM
A formerly threatened wetland in Nisqually State Park is getting a much-needed facelift now that the old Eatonville landfill is getting cleaned up. More than 1,430 truckloads of contaminated soil and waste have been removed from the old landfill site since earlier this year.
Don’t miss your chance to shape the future of clean, affordable transportation policy in Washington! Our first ZEVergreen public meeting is on October 27 at 9:00 a.m., and seats are filling up fast. Register online now: waecy-wa-gov.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
October 21, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Don’t miss your chance to shape the future of clean, affordable transportation policy in Washington! Our first ZEVergreen public meeting is on October 27 at 9:00 a.m., and seats are filling up fast. Register online now: waecy-wa-gov.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Washington's wildfire smoke season started slow, but ramped up when lightning strikes sparked more fires in August. Late-season fires put unhealthy air quality totals above 2024 & 2023 – the 6th highest since 2012. Read our smoke season wrap-up from the WA Smoke Blog: ecology.wa.gov/blog/october...
October 17, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Washington's wildfire smoke season started slow, but ramped up when lightning strikes sparked more fires in August. Late-season fires put unhealthy air quality totals above 2024 & 2023 – the 6th highest since 2012. Read our smoke season wrap-up from the WA Smoke Blog: ecology.wa.gov/blog/october...
Washington is doubling down on clean, affordable transportation 🚛⚡
Despite federal pushback, we’re keeping our clean truck rules current and accelerating zero-emission investments. Why? Because protecting public health and advancing climate progress isn’t optional.
ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...
Despite federal pushback, we’re keeping our clean truck rules current and accelerating zero-emission investments. Why? Because protecting public health and advancing climate progress isn’t optional.
ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...
Washington continues moving forward on clean trucks
The Washington Department of Ecology has adopted changes to vehicle emission standards known as Advanced Clean Trucks and Heavy-Duty Low NOx Omnibus.
ecology.wa.gov
October 16, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Washington is doubling down on clean, affordable transportation 🚛⚡
Despite federal pushback, we’re keeping our clean truck rules current and accelerating zero-emission investments. Why? Because protecting public health and advancing climate progress isn’t optional.
ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...
Despite federal pushback, we’re keeping our clean truck rules current and accelerating zero-emission investments. Why? Because protecting public health and advancing climate progress isn’t optional.
ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...
Reposted by Washington State Department of Ecology
It’s difficult to overstate how important this milestone is in the Hanford cleanup effort. Thousands of Washingtonians worked for decades to bring us to this moment. They deserve recognition for this achievement.
Vitrification at the Low-Activity Waste Facility is now underway! This is historic. We’re extremely grateful & proud of all our staff that have been a key component in making this possible. This is a cause for celebration & our continued commitment to ensuring cleanup is accomplished.
October 16, 2025 at 2:49 AM
It’s difficult to overstate how important this milestone is in the Hanford cleanup effort. Thousands of Washingtonians worked for decades to bring us to this moment. They deserve recognition for this achievement.
Reposted by Washington State Department of Ecology
Vitrification at the Low-Activity Waste Facility is now underway! This is historic. We’re extremely grateful & proud of all our staff that have been a key component in making this possible. This is a cause for celebration & our continued commitment to ensuring cleanup is accomplished.
October 16, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Vitrification at the Low-Activity Waste Facility is now underway! This is historic. We’re extremely grateful & proud of all our staff that have been a key component in making this possible. This is a cause for celebration & our continued commitment to ensuring cleanup is accomplished.
We're responding to a mineral oil spill on the Spokane River between Argonne and Felts Field. Preliminary information suggests 35 gallons of non-PCB mineral oil entered the river following a failure of an oil/water heat exchanger at Inland Empire Paper.
October 10, 2025 at 11:37 PM
We're responding to a mineral oil spill on the Spokane River between Argonne and Felts Field. Preliminary information suggests 35 gallons of non-PCB mineral oil entered the river following a failure of an oil/water heat exchanger at Inland Empire Paper.
Healthy living starts at home 🏠 Children's environmental health is about making sure that the places where kids live, play, and learn are safe and healthy.
October 9, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Healthy living starts at home 🏠 Children's environmental health is about making sure that the places where kids live, play, and learn are safe and healthy.