We’re still looking for your feedback! After 14 years, the new draft for Hanford’s Sitewide Permit (Revision 9A) is open for public input now to Oct. 27: ecology.wa.gov/REV9A 🥳 Rev. 9A includes safe, consistent requirements that protect the environment & human health from dangerous waste.

What a perfect classroom design to demonstrate the power of partnership! 👏📚 Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland joined us & Puget Sound Clean Air Agency last week for a tour of the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency’s (ORCAA) air monitoring site at Mountain View Elementary School in Lacey.

We want to hear from you! 💬 Ecology is looking for comments on the proposed amendments to the Shoreline Management Act. The public comment period is open now to Nov. 17. Learn more about the rulemaking and share your thoughts here: ecology.wa.gov/sma-rulemaking

Basic human (and fish) needs: 1. Water 2. Oxygen 3. Did we mention water, like the cool, clean kind? 🌊🐟 Good thing we’re investing in water quality improvement projects! Over the last two years, we’ve supported 196 organizations and 340 projects through our clean water funding programs.

Washington is gathering input on a new study about battery energy storage systems (BESS). Join one of our meetings on Sept. 15 at 9 a.m. or Sept. 23 at 1 p.m. or leave a comment sharing your input by Oct. 1! To learn more, visit ecy.wa.gov/bess

We didn’t know we had to clarify that 55-gallon drums full of contaminants shouldn't be used for target practice, but please, don’t do that. 😅 Thank you, U.S. Forest Service – Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest for helping us clean up Jackman Creek, a tributary to the Skagit River east of Concrete.

“Why do properties affected by wildfires have to wait for hazardous materials removal? What’s the hold up?” We hear you and we want to talk about it.

The EPA is continuing with hazardous materials removal at the wildfires in Spokane. Track their progress and learn exactly what they are doing at the link: www.epa.gov/wa/2026-east...

2026 Eastern Washington Wildfires Recovery | US EPA

Information about EPA's response to the 2026 Spokane Complex wildfires.

epa.gov

It’s true, El Niño has entered the chat. We can’t say for certain yet, but forecasts predict an over 90% chance of it becoming “very strong.” Meaning, increased chances for a warm winter with low snowpack, which may cause another drought in 2027 & lower water supply next summer.

After the devastating fires in Eastern WA, we’re working with EPA crews to remove hazardous household materials like paint, cleaning supplies and batteries from homes impacted by wildfires – and at no cost to homeowners. Then, safe cleanup can begin.

After the devastating fires in Eastern WA, we’re working with EPA crews to remove hazardous household materials like paint, cleaning supplies and batteries from homes impacted by wildfires – and at no cost to homeowners. Then, safe cleanup can begin.

Kinda chic to improve water quality and soil health. 🌱 We recently joined the Spokane Conservation District at the Hangman Creek watershed workgroup meeting to see a demonstration of a clean water solution in action: no-till farming. And spoiler alert, it blew conventional farming out of the water!

Want to help shape Washington’s clean energy future? We're gathering input on a draft Environmental Justice Toolkit for Clean Energy Projects. 📅 Join a meeting to learn & share your thoughts on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 5 p.m. Learn more and register here: ecology.wa.gov/events/sea/c...

Can we get a round of applause for the Lummi Tribal Sewer & Water District? 👏 They recently upgraded the Gooseberry Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, and on July 21, this Ecology-funded project earned them the EPA’s PISCES Award!

Is it too early to do a spooky-themed post? 🫣 But honestly, it’s not that spooky and we promise you don’t have to run! With the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, we’ve been dedicated to making your bathroom a safer place for you and the environment. How exactly?

Spokane area residents: we’re coordinating with EPA on the removal of household hazardous materials from properties burned by wildfires. Reconnaissance teams are surveying properties, and removal will begin next week.

2026 Eastern Washington Wildfires Recovery | US EPA

Information about EPA's response to the 2026 Spokane Complex wildfires.

epa.gov

Looking ahead to the weekend, we’re seeing some good news as air quality alerts are lifting in Eastern & Western Washington, but we still expect unhealthy air in parts of Central WA. Check your current air quality conditions or view the smoke forecast here: airqualitymap.ecology.wa.gov?view=forecast

What happens when 180 coastal experts gather for the annual meeting of the state Coastal Hazard Resilience Network? A flood of ideas! 🌊 This year, a record-breaking number of people attended the annual conference—signifying Washington’s growing investment in coastal climate resilience. 👏

Y’all, our social media manager doesn’t need to worry…and neither do you with our new interactive safer shopping guide! We got this 💪 This guide is an easy, “one stop shop” that helps you see which products may contain harmful chemicals and how we’re working to make products safer for you.

We're continuing cleanup efforts at the Exterior Wood site located at 2685 Index Street in Washougal. Past wood treating operations at this facility have resulted in soil & groundwater contamination. We invite you to review & comment on the draft cleanup documents: ecology.wa.gov/ExteriorComment 💬

Ecology continues to coordinate with the US Coast Guard on the response to a sunken fishing vessel at Fisherman's Terminal in Seattle. Spilled oil is being contained by hard boom and collected using vacuum skimmers and absorbent materials. An estimated 800 gallons of product remains on board.

Wildfire smoke is slow to clear in Western WA, but conditions are dramatically improving compared to Central & Eastern WA. In the latest WA Smoke Blog post, Ecology’s lead forecaster & modeler explains how 2026 wildfire smoke compares to previous years & how quickly critical fire weather may return:

Smoke clearing in the west but fire weather remains critical

Widespread smoke impacts continue across the state, as seen in today's satellite imagery.  Satellite imagery from 8/6/2026 (Terra/MODIS). Wh...

wasmoke.blogspot.com

Ecology was notified by the US Coast Guard and is responding to the sinking of a commercial fishing vessel at Fisherman's Terminal in Seattle. Absorbent boom has been deployed. At this time there are no reports of impacted fish or wildlife.

We expect air quality that is UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS to UNHEALTHY. Later this afternoon, we should get a light push of cleaner marine air from the northwest. Visit our website pscleanair.gov for our daily air quality forecast.

As wildfires continue across Washington, it’s critical for your health to reduce exposure to smoke. The good news is that we’re seeing cleaner ocean air arrive around Bellingham and Everett. However, for much of the state, smoke will hang on across the Cascades for another couple of days.

The federal government granted my request in full for an emergency declaration to help cities, counties, the state and tribes fight our record setting wildfires, with the exception of debris removal. We have support for emergency shelters, food and water, search and rescue. Read more here:

An overturned FedEx truck on I-82 westbound, near MP 39, is blocking all traffic near Yakima. The truck was carrying a mixed load with corrosive paint and paint-related materials (such as thinners) that has spilled to the roadway. No fuel was spilled.

In the wake of devastating wildfires in Spokane, we’re seeing statewide impacts to air quality. As winds shift through this evening, we expect to see smoke blanket the state from Vancouver to Spokane, including major metropolitan areas like Seattle, Tacoma, and Everett.

Spent the day in Spokane, grateful for the strong coordination across agencies. I'll be staying here tonight, continuing to work to get resources where they're needed.

The National Weather Service issued a "Particularly Dangerous Situation" warning for fire conditions today — that's a step above a Red Flag Warning. The conditions are extreme, and the danger is real. That's why I've declared a state of emergency — statewide — including a burn ban.