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
Reposted by Washington State Department of Ecology
Today, Congress approved a record budget of more than $3.2 billion for Hanford Site cleanup. While this falls short of what is needed to keep cleanup fully on track, this funding allows the site's most crucial projects to advance.
Read our full news release: ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...
Read our full news release: ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...
January 16, 2026 at 5:09 AM
Today, Congress approved a record budget of more than $3.2 billion for Hanford Site cleanup. While this falls short of what is needed to keep cleanup fully on track, this funding allows the site's most crucial projects to advance.
Read our full news release: ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...
Read our full news release: ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...
📢Round five of our competitive streamflow restoration grants program is open! Do you have a project that will improve rivers and streams in Washington? We have up to $40 million available for public entities and nonprofit organizations throughout the state. Learn more:
ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...
ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...
January 15, 2026 at 10:39 PM
📢Round five of our competitive streamflow restoration grants program is open! Do you have a project that will improve rivers and streams in Washington? We have up to $40 million available for public entities and nonprofit organizations throughout the state. Learn more:
ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...
ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...
Calling all young artists! 🎨 We are hosting a coloring book design contest for youth in Washington! Kids can create a coloring book page based on one of our 6 statements, learning about the solution to the pollution along the way. Check out our blog to get started: ecology.wa.gov/blog/colorCo...
January 14, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Calling all young artists! 🎨 We are hosting a coloring book design contest for youth in Washington! Kids can create a coloring book page based on one of our 6 statements, learning about the solution to the pollution along the way. Check out our blog to get started: ecology.wa.gov/blog/colorCo...
Reposted by Washington State Department of Ecology
Yesterday I joined @governorferguson.bsky.social, @markoliias.bsky.social, and others to celebrate the launch a new sustainable aviation accelerator. This is a big step toward decarbonizing air travel and continuing our region’s global leadership in aerospace.
January 10, 2026 at 12:55 AM
Yesterday I joined @governorferguson.bsky.social, @markoliias.bsky.social, and others to celebrate the launch a new sustainable aviation accelerator. This is a big step toward decarbonizing air travel and continuing our region’s global leadership in aerospace.
Baby steps! The Cascades saw a lot more snow this week – enough to wash out the red on the NRCS basin snowpack map. We need consistent snowstorms to catch up to normal, and need that snowpack to hold on through spring to avoid drought this summer. But we’re slowly moving in the right direction ❄️
January 9, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Baby steps! The Cascades saw a lot more snow this week – enough to wash out the red on the NRCS basin snowpack map. We need consistent snowstorms to catch up to normal, and need that snowpack to hold on through spring to avoid drought this summer. But we’re slowly moving in the right direction ❄️
Reposted by Washington State Department of Ecology
Thanks to the steadfast leadership of @murray.senate.gov and strong support from the entire Washington delegation, this week the House passed a budget package that includes record funding for the cleanup mission at the Hanford nuclear site.
January 9, 2026 at 7:13 PM
Thanks to the steadfast leadership of @murray.senate.gov and strong support from the entire Washington delegation, this week the House passed a budget package that includes record funding for the cleanup mission at the Hanford nuclear site.
Great news for Aberdeen and Hoquiam! WA lawmakers have provided a new $17M grant for the North Shore Levee project to help protect the cities from flooding. The project will include 11 new miles of levees to protect 5,100 homes and properties, 1,400 businesses, 1,300 jobs, and local infrastructure.
State lawmakers provide Hoquiam $17 million for critical flood mitigation project
<p>The Washington Legislature has awarded $17 million to the coastal cities of Aberdeen and Hoquiam to help fund the $160.5 million Aberdeen-Hoquiam Flood Protection Project in Grays Harbor County.</p>
ecology.wa.gov
January 9, 2026 at 5:38 PM
Great news for Aberdeen and Hoquiam! WA lawmakers have provided a new $17M grant for the North Shore Levee project to help protect the cities from flooding. The project will include 11 new miles of levees to protect 5,100 homes and properties, 1,400 businesses, 1,300 jobs, and local infrastructure.
Today is World Ocean Acidification Day of Action 🌊 When we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, excess carbon dioxide gets produced. As the ocean absorbs that carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, our waters become more corrosive, threatening coastal economies and ways of life.
January 8, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Today is World Ocean Acidification Day of Action 🌊 When we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, excess carbon dioxide gets produced. As the ocean absorbs that carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, our waters become more corrosive, threatening coastal economies and ways of life.
Bellingham’s future Salish Landing Park is moving closer to reality. On-the-ground cleanup work begins this week at two contaminated sites in Bellingham Bay, transforming an old industrial site and landfill into a community destination. Read more: ecology.wa.gov/blog/january...
January 8, 2026 at 6:49 PM
Bellingham’s future Salish Landing Park is moving closer to reality. On-the-ground cleanup work begins this week at two contaminated sites in Bellingham Bay, transforming an old industrial site and landfill into a community destination. Read more: ecology.wa.gov/blog/january...
Did record rainfall end Washington’s drought? Unfortunately, no. We got rain when we really needed snow, leaving snowpack at about 31% of normal. We'll need winter weather ahead to build up our "snow bank". Read more about what this means for our water supply in WA: ecology.wa.gov/blog/january...
January 6, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Did record rainfall end Washington’s drought? Unfortunately, no. We got rain when we really needed snow, leaving snowpack at about 31% of normal. We'll need winter weather ahead to build up our "snow bank". Read more about what this means for our water supply in WA: ecology.wa.gov/blog/january...
In 2023, we eliminated 2M tons of greenhouse gases – that’s like taking 450,000 cars off the road 🚗 The program also reduces harmful air pollution & drives local investment. And our next rulemaking will boost clean fuel production through 2038! Learn more: ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...
January 5, 2026 at 8:14 PM
In 2023, we eliminated 2M tons of greenhouse gases – that’s like taking 450,000 cars off the road 🚗 The program also reduces harmful air pollution & drives local investment. And our next rulemaking will boost clean fuel production through 2038! Learn more: ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...
In 2025, Washington took action to reduce PFAS – harmful “forever chemicals” – in everyday products like rainwear, car wash soaps, and cleaning products.
Learn more about the progress we made this year and where we’re going next year: ecology.wa.gov/blog/decembe...
Learn more about the progress we made this year and where we’re going next year: ecology.wa.gov/blog/decembe...
How consumer products in Washington got safer in 2025
<p>New PFAS rules took effect in 2025, making consumer products safer in Washington. See how Ecology is reducing pollution at its source and what comes next.</p>
ecology.wa.gov
December 31, 2025 at 7:26 PM
In 2025, Washington took action to reduce PFAS – harmful “forever chemicals” – in everyday products like rainwear, car wash soaps, and cleaning products.
Learn more about the progress we made this year and where we’re going next year: ecology.wa.gov/blog/decembe...
Learn more about the progress we made this year and where we’re going next year: ecology.wa.gov/blog/decembe...
Reposted by Washington State Department of Ecology
We have a new website page for flood recovery resources: floodrecovery.wa.gov.
DSHS has exhausted $1 million in cash assistance, providing critical support to more than 2,000 households. Stay tuned, and we'll keep the website updated as new resources become available.
DSHS has exhausted $1 million in cash assistance, providing critical support to more than 2,000 households. Stay tuned, and we'll keep the website updated as new resources become available.
December 24, 2025 at 8:41 PM
We have a new website page for flood recovery resources: floodrecovery.wa.gov.
DSHS has exhausted $1 million in cash assistance, providing critical support to more than 2,000 households. Stay tuned, and we'll keep the website updated as new resources become available.
DSHS has exhausted $1 million in cash assistance, providing critical support to more than 2,000 households. Stay tuned, and we'll keep the website updated as new resources become available.
Water advisory alert! ⚠️ Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department issued a water-contact advisory for Jack Hyde Park beach, Thea's Park beach, Jerisich Dock (near Gig Harbor) in Pierce County due to high levels of bacteria. Please avoid contact with the water in this area.
December 23, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Water advisory alert! ⚠️ Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department issued a water-contact advisory for Jack Hyde Park beach, Thea's Park beach, Jerisich Dock (near Gig Harbor) in Pierce County due to high levels of bacteria. Please avoid contact with the water in this area.
Reposted by Washington State Department of Ecology
Washington state leaders are pushing back against the Trump administration’s absurd attempt to stop the TransAlta power plant transition from coal.
The facts:
✅ There is no "energy emergency."
✅ Coal power generation has already essentially ceased.
✅ This would likely increase costs for consumers
The facts:
✅ There is no "energy emergency."
✅ Coal power generation has already essentially ceased.
✅ This would likely increase costs for consumers
State leaders condemn DOE order on TransAlta coal power generation | Washington State
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, and Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller released a joint statement today in response to the Trump administration’s 11th-hour efforts to prevent ...
www.atg.wa.gov
December 17, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Washington state leaders are pushing back against the Trump administration’s absurd attempt to stop the TransAlta power plant transition from coal.
The facts:
✅ There is no "energy emergency."
✅ Coal power generation has already essentially ceased.
✅ This would likely increase costs for consumers
The facts:
✅ There is no "energy emergency."
✅ Coal power generation has already essentially ceased.
✅ This would likely increase costs for consumers
Can you guess what December’s Critter of the Month is? It’s a decorator crab on a decorated lab, of course! 🦀 Self-decoration camouflage is a defense strategy that allows the crabs to blend into the backdrop of their ecosystem to avoid predators. Read more in our blog: ecology.wa.gov/blog/decembe...
December 17, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Can you guess what December’s Critter of the Month is? It’s a decorator crab on a decorated lab, of course! 🦀 Self-decoration camouflage is a defense strategy that allows the crabs to blend into the backdrop of their ecosystem to avoid predators. Read more in our blog: ecology.wa.gov/blog/decembe...
More air quality data on the way! We’re planning a one-year mobile monitoring study to collect detailed air pollution data in overburdened communities and participating Tribal communities.
Stay tuned for more info about the routes, how we handle the data, and vehicle capabilities in late 2026.
Stay tuned for more info about the routes, how we handle the data, and vehicle capabilities in late 2026.
December 16, 2025 at 5:41 PM
More air quality data on the way! We’re planning a one-year mobile monitoring study to collect detailed air pollution data in overburdened communities and participating Tribal communities.
Stay tuned for more info about the routes, how we handle the data, and vehicle capabilities in late 2026.
Stay tuned for more info about the routes, how we handle the data, and vehicle capabilities in late 2026.
Reposted by Washington State Department of Ecology
Want to learn more about the History of Hanford?
Check out our overview: ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics...
If you have questions leave us a comment or send us an email hanford@ecy.wa.gov. #HanfordFacts
Check out our overview: ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics...
If you have questions leave us a comment or send us an email hanford@ecy.wa.gov. #HanfordFacts
December 15, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Want to learn more about the History of Hanford?
Check out our overview: ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics...
If you have questions leave us a comment or send us an email hanford@ecy.wa.gov. #HanfordFacts
Check out our overview: ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics...
If you have questions leave us a comment or send us an email hanford@ecy.wa.gov. #HanfordFacts
Reposted by Washington State Department of Ecology
You can erase the science, but you can’t erase what people are experiencing.
We're seeing the impacts of climate change happening now — flooding, extreme heat and drought — and they can't be ignored. That's why we continue to make real climate science a priority in Washington.
We're seeing the impacts of climate change happening now — flooding, extreme heat and drought — and they can't be ignored. That's why we continue to make real climate science a priority in Washington.
December 10, 2025 at 6:25 PM
You can erase the science, but you can’t erase what people are experiencing.
We're seeing the impacts of climate change happening now — flooding, extreme heat and drought — and they can't be ignored. That's why we continue to make real climate science a priority in Washington.
We're seeing the impacts of climate change happening now — flooding, extreme heat and drought — and they can't be ignored. That's why we continue to make real climate science a priority in Washington.
Salons and retailers — do your cosmetics have toxic chemicals in them? Washington restricts several harmful chemicals in products made, sold, or used in salon services. The sell-through period for older stock ends Dec. 31, 2025.
Here's what to know heading into 2026: ecology.wa.gov/blog/decembe...
Here's what to know heading into 2026: ecology.wa.gov/blog/decembe...
December 10, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Salons and retailers — do your cosmetics have toxic chemicals in them? Washington restricts several harmful chemicals in products made, sold, or used in salon services. The sell-through period for older stock ends Dec. 31, 2025.
Here's what to know heading into 2026: ecology.wa.gov/blog/decembe...
Here's what to know heading into 2026: ecology.wa.gov/blog/decembe...
Tonight’s in-person public hearing on the proposed draft EIS in the Chehalis Basin has been canceled due to flooding. A virtual hearing is still scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 11, and there are three more public hearings planned in January.
💬 Comment online or by mail before Feb. 4, 2026:
💬 Comment online or by mail before Feb. 4, 2026:
December 9, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Tonight’s in-person public hearing on the proposed draft EIS in the Chehalis Basin has been canceled due to flooding. A virtual hearing is still scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 11, and there are three more public hearings planned in January.
💬 Comment online or by mail before Feb. 4, 2026:
💬 Comment online or by mail before Feb. 4, 2026:
Dec. 8 update: Cleanup is complete. No oil seen on the river today, including at McNary Dam. No reports of oiled wildlife, habitat damage, or drinking water contamination. The public can now re-enter the closed portion of the Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to Pasco.
We are responding to an estimated 240 gallons of mineral oil spilled into the Columbia River at Priest Rapids Dam. Please do not enter the river between Priest Rapids Dam and Pasco as we assess the situation and place boom to contain the oil. If you see oiled wildlife, call 800-222-4737.
December 9, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Dec. 8 update: Cleanup is complete. No oil seen on the river today, including at McNary Dam. No reports of oiled wildlife, habitat damage, or drinking water contamination. The public can now re-enter the closed portion of the Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to Pasco.
Dec. 7 update: We are seeing very light oil sheen upriver of McNary Dam on both the Washington and Oregon sides. We're working with Grant PUD and Oregon DEQ to continue cleanup in this area to protect the fish ladders and juvenile downstream passage facilities.
December 7, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Dec. 7 update: We are seeing very light oil sheen upriver of McNary Dam on both the Washington and Oregon sides. We're working with Grant PUD and Oregon DEQ to continue cleanup in this area to protect the fish ladders and juvenile downstream passage facilities.
Grant PUD determined that one of the dam's turbine/generator sets was overfilled with mineral oil during maintenance. We now estimate 84 gallons of oil spilled into the Columbia River. Investigation and cleanup are ongoing for the next couple days. We are still seeing minimal to no oil on the river.
We are responding to an estimated 240 gallons of mineral oil spilled into the Columbia River at Priest Rapids Dam. Please do not enter the river between Priest Rapids Dam and Pasco as we assess the situation and place boom to contain the oil. If you see oiled wildlife, call 800-222-4737.
December 7, 2025 at 12:32 AM
Grant PUD determined that one of the dam's turbine/generator sets was overfilled with mineral oil during maintenance. We now estimate 84 gallons of oil spilled into the Columbia River. Investigation and cleanup are ongoing for the next couple days. We are still seeing minimal to no oil on the river.
We are continuing cleanup over the weekend to protect drinking water and habitat. Though we're seeing little to no mineral oil on the water, please continue staying out of the river to allow crews to work. If you see any oil, let us know at liaison@ecy.wa.gov.
We are responding to an estimated 240 gallons of mineral oil spilled into the Columbia River at Priest Rapids Dam. Please do not enter the river between Priest Rapids Dam and Pasco as we assess the situation and place boom to contain the oil. If you see oiled wildlife, call 800-222-4737.
December 6, 2025 at 2:29 AM
We are continuing cleanup over the weekend to protect drinking water and habitat. Though we're seeing little to no mineral oil on the water, please continue staying out of the river to allow crews to work. If you see any oil, let us know at liaison@ecy.wa.gov.