News > 2005 News Archive

2005 News

December 29, 2005

• Year in review: Ecology awards over $58 million to Washington communities

December 28, 2005

• Public invited to comment on Walla Walla-area polluted-site study

December 27, 2005

• Report available on bacteria pollution in Walla Walla rivers

December 21, 2005

• Lynden business fined for water-quality permit violations
• Comments sought on sand and gravel permit

December 20, 2005

• Local governments clean up with more than $640,000

December 19, 2005

• Gov. Gregoire: Restore and Protect Puget Sound
  Audio Cuts
• Air quality advisory lifted

December 15, 2005

• Ecology asks retailers to pull lead-containing lunchboxes from shelves
• Re-use of buildings earns SPSCC top environmental award

December 13, 2005

• Chevron refuses Washington's request for oil-spill drill

December 12, 2005

• Air quality problems continue
• Gig Harbor fire marshal recognized for averting damage from fire
• State "wetland bank" pilot program launched in Snohomish County

December 9, 2005

• Ecology Department issues statewide air-quality advisory

December 8, 2005

• Community meeting planned to discuss changing water picture

December 7, 2005

• Comments sought on aquatic pesticides permit

December 1, 2005

• Ecology and Health release plan for problem flame retardants

November 30, 2005

• New Attorney General opinion addresses livestock watering issue

November 23, 2005

• Strategies to clean up bacteria in Colville River reviewed Dec. 5
• Air quality advisory to be lifted

November 22, 2005

• Open houses focus on local water quality projects - Public involvement sought on Yakima Basin clean up efforts
• Ecology Department urges statewide cleanup of tire piles

November 21, 2005

• Everett firm fined $14,000 for polluting Arlington creek
• Zero oil spills goal of proposed oil-transfer regulations

November 17, 2005

• Ferndale company fined $56,000 for hazardous waste violation
• Air quality continues to deteriorate
• State awards grant to Jefferson County to help Hood Canal

November 16, 2005

• Updated stormwater permit issued for construction sites

November 15, 2005

• Longview Fibre fined $16,000 for air pollution violations
• Ecology Department issues statewide air-quality advisory
• Angell presented with award for environment-friendly architecture
• State seeks comment on which waters to clean first in Clallam, Jefferson, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Pacific, San Juan and Whatcom counties
• State seeks comment on which waters to clean first in Asotin, Columbia, Garfield, Walla Walla and Whitman counties
• State seeks comment on which waters to clean first in Chelan, Douglas and Yakima counties

November 10, 2005

• Tanker assisted by tug and towed to Port Angeles

November 7, 2005

• Ecology Department proposes modified Skagit River stream-flow rule

November 3, 2005

• Ecology promotes water education - in English and Spanish
• Company fined for dumping grease into Tacoma storm drain
• Deadline approaches for getting mercury off store shelves

November 2, 2005

• Updated boatyard permit issued

October 28, 2005

• Group to be honored for efforts toward a clean Henderson Bay

October 27, 2005

• State releases environmental review for proposed gold mine

October 26, 2005

• Public-comment period extended for Walla Walla River plan
• Ecology fines Union Pacific Railroad $106,000 for oil spill

October 25, 2005

• Ecology Department penalties total $165,540 in third quarter of 2005

October 24, 2005

• Comments sought on Landsburg Mine site proposal
• Fruit packer fined for wastewater spill
• Harrington scores $363,000 to improve water quality

October 19, 2005

• Local governments receive more than $760,000 for litter cleanup
• Updated animal feedlot permit up for review

October 17, 2005

• Agreement sets new standards for Sea-Tac Airport stormwater permit

October 14, 2005

• Cleanup of former fuel-storage site makes way for piece of history

October 11, 2005

• End of 'water year' shows Spokane area dodged drought bullet
• Public invited to comment on clean-car regulations
• Developers fined for allowing mud to flow into Gee Creek

October 10, 2005

• Raymond business fined for operating without a permit
• Electrified truck stops will reduce bad air from idling diesels
• Kaiser settlement helps county pay for aquifer research

October 5, 2005

• Governor awards outstanding environmental successes
• Dept. of Ecology gives local governments $500,000 for litter cleanup

October 3, 2005

• Public comment invited on Condit environmental report

September 30, 2005

• Drought update: Dry conditions challenge farmers, communities and fish

September 29, 2005

• Tug-and-barge company honored for excellence

September 28, 2005

• Water measuring required throughout Yakima River basin

September 26, 2005

• Committee will meet to decide who receives coastal protection funds

September 22, 2005

• State sends Conservation Corps to assist with Katrina relief

September 21, 2005

• Study highlights threats to Lake Whatcom

September 19, 2005

• Public may review plan for cleaning up Walla Walla River

September 14, 2005

• Public invited to learn about proposed rule for Quilcene watershed
• Natural-gas pipeline project receives key environmental approval

September 12, 2005

• Final boat raised as Gig Harbor marina clean-up nearly finished
• Partnership acquires water to help fish in Taneum Creek

September 9, 2005

• Boat that caused fire expected to be raised today in Gig Harbor

September 7, 2005

• Lake Spokane developer and Ecology agree on shoreline remedies

September 6, 2005

• Gig Harbor marina now cleaner as removal of boats continues
• Water cleanup plan for Colville National Forest approved

September 2, 2005

• Pollution containment, clean-up continue at Gig Harbor marina fire

September 1, 2005

• Coast Guard makes decision to fast-track Gig Harbor cleanup

August 31, 2005

• Ecology Department report looks at Lake Chelan water quality
• Belfair teacher gets state's top environmental award

August 30, 2005

• Weekly drought update: Be fire cautious during Labor Day holiday

August 29, 2005

• Comment sought on cleanup plan for Camp Bonneville
• Ecology Department adopts Stillaguamish stream-management rule

August 25, 2005

• Ecology Department building named Energy Star
• Economic redevelopment leads to toxic cleanups

August 23, 2005

• Weekly drought update: Drought conditions drying up some public water systems

August 22, 2005

• "Spills aren't Slick" hotline: 800-OILS-911

August 19, 2005

• City Parcel ordered to clean up property

August 16, 2005

• Weekly drought update: Fish and Wildlife Department identifying, removing fish barriers
• State drought committees to hold open house in Port Angeles

August 15, 2005

• Tree planting to enhance river habitat
• Colville River irrigators must check before turning on outdoor taps
• Study shows pollution in Puget Sound sediments is changing
• Public invited to meeting about Briggs Nursery cleanup

August 11, 2005

• Tire fire nets $24,000 penalty

August 10, 2005

• Fuel-spill investigation continues; cleanup to begin immediately
• Water grants boost Dyes Inlet, Bainbridge Island, Whatcom County
• Illegal disposal nets trucking firm $40,000 penalty
• Grants to help jumpstart stormwater management

August 9, 2005

• Weekly drought update: Dry conditions a mixed blessing for state farmers
• Smoke from 'School' fire, not from field burning

August 4, 2005

• Ecology processes 2,008 water-right change requests in four years
• Flows, future water allocations adopted for Entiat basin

August 3, 2005

• Developers fined for polluting Lacamas Lake with muddy runoffs

August 2, 2005

• Tenino gravel mine fined for lack of environmental safeguards
• Weekly drought update: State workshops get small water systems prepared for drought

August 1, 2005

• Dentists reminded to keep mercury out of their waste water
• Water measuring sought throughout Yakima River basin
• Tougher stance taken to prevent water pollution by livestock

July 28, 2005

• Ecology Department penalties total $835,080 in 2nd quarter of 2005

July 27, 2005

• Residents on Little Spokane River to turn off their outdoor taps
• Ecology Department calls for improved spill-response capacity
• $30,000 grant promotes a life that protects the environment
• More King, Pierce play areas found with Tacoma smelter pollution

July 26, 2005

• Weekly drought update: How state drought money is being spent

July 25, 2005

• After 50 years, fees increase for most water rights and storage projects

July 21, 2005

• Well deepening results in penalty

July 20, 2005

• Ecology Department awards $2 million to assist cities, fish and farms

July 19, 2005

• Weekly drought update:Enviro-Tips offer ideas for drought

July 18, 2005

• State drought committees to hold open house in Stevens County

July 14, 2005

• Scientists to take temperature of Palouse River and Paradise Creek

July 13, 2005

• Ecology Youth Corps finds and returns $10,000 check
• Revisions to injection-well regulation proposed
• Public to be briefed on pollution study agreement with Kaiser
• East Fork Lewis River to run fluorescent red for flow study

July 12, 2005

• Weekly drought update: Progress in urban areas but Western Washington still faces drought

July 11, 2005

• Cruise-ship agreement amended
• Fewer meth labs being found

July 7, 2005

• Leavenworth air quality information now available online
• Surf before you swim - check the Web for safe beaches
• Ecology Department awards $92.5 million to improve water quality

July 6, 2005

• Central Washington youths pick up litter on state roads
• Comments sought on construction stormwater permit

July 5, 2005

• Ecology Youth Corps to renew litter pick-up in Southwest Washington
• Weekly drought update: State kicks off water-conservation campaign in Eastern Washington

June 30, 2005

• Study shows lower pesticide levels in Skagit River

June 29, 2005

• Lakewood firm settles penalty for mishandling hazardous materials

June 28, 2005

• Weekly drought update: Drought, lit cigarettes and fireworks can be disastrous mixtures

June 27, 2005

• Ecology Youth Corps to renew litter pick-up on state roads
• Local governments receive litter cleanup money
• Public to review Kaiser agreement to clean up Trentwood site

June 24, 2005

• Spokane-area educator receives Environmental Excellence Award

June 23, 2005

• Ecology Youth Corps to renew litter pick-up on state roads
• Ecology Department strikes $1 million deal to improve stream flows

June 21, 2005

• Seattle firm fined $16,000 for dumping waste water into storm drain
• Island County adopts water management plan
• Weekly drought update: How to keep private wells flowing this summer

June 16, 2005

• Underground water getting cleaner at Fruit Valley neighborhood

June 15, 2005

• Winlock siding manufacturer settles penalty

June 14, 2005

• Camas company fined for mishandling hazardous waste
• Weekly drought update: Department of Transportation unveils drought-response plan

June 13, 2005

• Ecology Department begins work on clean-car regulations
• Water projects in Western Washington receive $1.3 million in grants
• Chehalis mint-oil distiller fined

June 9, 2005

• Public to weigh in on watershed plan

June 8, 2005

• 44 wastewater-treatment plants earn perfect scores
• Streams to run fluorescent red for flow study

June 7, 2005

• Weekly drought update: Dry conditions expanding despite rain

June 6, 2005

• Intalco aluminum mill seeks approval to remove and close landfills
• Public invited to forum about Quilcene-Snow water supplies

June 2, 2005

• Water quality assessment identifies Washington's polluted waterways
• State drought committees to hold joint meeting in Yakima

June 1, 2005

• Ecology Department invites comment on rule for toxic chemicals

May 31, 2005

• Weekly drought update: Dry conditions may pose challenge for some water-cleanup plans

May 26, 2005

• Spokane fined for permit violations at treatment plant

May 25, 2005

• Public to review first steps to clean up sites at Metaline Falls
• The dark side of camping: Meth-lab dumpsites
• Gasoline contamination in Montesano being studied

May 24, 2005

• Weekly drought update: Yes, Western Washington, you're still facing summer drought

May 23, 2005

• Cleaner-burning diesel now available in Goldendale
• Boaters, check your engines

May 19, 2005

• Ecology Department offers Enviro-Tips online

May 18, 2005

• Pend Oreille Mine appeal settled
• Boatyard permit up for review
• State funds water efficiencies for MVID

May 17, 2005

• Weekly drought update: Governor approves at least $8.2 million for drought-related assistance

May 16, 2005

• $152,000 will help restore stream banks in Eastern Washington

May 13, 2005

• State's top drought committees to meet in Wenatchee
• Awards recognize environmental stewardship, fund new programs

May 10, 2005

• Weekly drought update: Fish and Wildlife Department taking actions now to protect fish

May 9, 2005

• Ecology Department honors companies that saved water, $1.8 million
• Which beaches should be checked for water quality?

May 6, 2005

• Raymond's former Pacific Wholesale site clean, ready to use
• Ecology Department penalties total $508,501 in first quarter of 2005

May 5, 2005

• Ounce of prevention is worth 4 million pounds of litter

May 4, 2005

• Public workshop on water quality in E. Fork Lewis River
• Got water? Post it online for free

May 3, 2005

• Weekly drought update: Seminars to help farmers manage orchards, grapes during drought
• Residents on Little Spokane River to turn off their outdoor taps

May 2, 2005

• B&G Farms owner fined $69,000 for mismanaging hazardous waste
• Bellingham firm fined for oil spill

April 27, 2005

• Colville River irrigators may need to turn off outdoor taps

April 26, 2005

• Weekly drought update: Gardening OK in drought but choose right 'water-smart' plants
• Tug-and-barge company honored for excellence

April 25, 2005

• Stormwater manual for Western Washington updated

April 22, 2005

• Ferns may remove arsenic from soil

April 21, 2005

• Stillaguamish "stream-flow" rule comment period extended
• Water quality topic of Rocky Reach dam hearing

April 20, 2005

• I-5 Properties Inc. fined $82,000 for water pollution

April 19, 2005

• Weekly drought update: Past lessons help Washington respond to 2005 drought emergency

April 18, 2005

• Odessa aquifer benefits from water-conservation efforts

April 15, 2005

• PCBs, pesticides focus of Palouse River study
• Water leases offset drought shortages to camps, cabins and streams

April 14, 2005

• Workshop addresses Wilson Creek bacteria

April 13, 2005

• Tacoma toxic-waste handler fined for explosion in tank

April 12, 2005

• Wilderness-area dam develops crack
• Point Wells oil spill draws $577,000 in penalties
• Weekly drought update: March rain and snowfall good but not enough to stave off drought

April 11, 2005

• Trucking company fined $24,500 for Lynnwood spill on I-5

April 8, 2005

• Forks sawmill settles penalty for polluted runoff

April 7, 2005

• Public to review plan to clean up streams in Colville National Forest

April 6, 2005

• Public invited to comment on natural-gas pipeline project

April 5, 2005

• Weekly drought update: Dry conditions influence farmers' planting decisions

April 1, 2005

• $284,000 awarded to boost fish in Yakima River basin

March 31, 2005

• Strategies to clean up bacteria in Colville River ready for review
• Grant money to help clean up Cow Creek
• Garfield County streams score money for clean-water projects
• Grant awarded to study noxious weed

March 30, 2005

• Sewer-connection ban ends in Kalama
• Web site makes it easy to track toxic chemicals in communities

March 29, 2005

• Weekly drought update: Ecology Department launches drought hotline

March 28, 2005

• Rise in economic productivity creates more toxic releases

March 24, 2005

• Damage funds from oil spills help restore state's natural beauty

March 23, 2005

• Safeway fined $96,000 for water pollution

March 22, 2005

• Weekly drought update: Despite rain and snow, Washington still parched
• Agreement reached on Lake Union sediments near Gas Works Park
• Study and plans for PCBs behind Upriver Dam ready for review

March 21, 2005

• Temporary dredging does not harm river

March 18, 2005

• Workshops provide information for drought-well applicants

March 17, 2005

• Unannounced spill drills exceed expectations
• Brightwater gets construction stormwater permit

March 16, 2005

• Comments sought on water quality permit for fish hatcheries

March 15, 2005

• Weekly drought update: Dust storms predicted for Eastern Washington
• Man fined again for illegal development at Lake Spokane

March 14, 2005

• Grant to aid in milfoil fight on Roses Lake

March 11, 2005

• Water leases sought for drought relief

March 10, 2005

• Governor Gregoire authorizes statewide drought emergency
• Public asked to comment on clean-air status for Wallula

March 7, 2005

• Revision proposed for biosolids permit

March 3, 2005

• Entiat water rule sets flow levels, future allocation

March 2, 2005

• Eastern Washington air conditions improved
• Stretch of Yelm Creek getting new curves to cure flooding
• Toxic-cleanup list updated
• Agreement settles gas-station penalty
• Open house slated for Ahtanum watershed EIS

February 28, 2005

• $4.4 million grant boosts Colville's wastewater treatment project

February 25, 2005

• Eastern Washington residents asked not to burn
• Work on Columbia River rule on hold

February 24, 2005

• Water-quality petition withdrawn to allow for collaborative talks

February 23, 2005

• Portland man fined for damaging Asotin shoreline
• Ecology Department outlines plan to clean Little Bear Creek pollution

February 18, 2005

• Ecology Director statement on BNSF fuel leak
• Public invited to learn about proposed rule for Quilcene watershed

February 17, 2005

• Ecology Department proposes Stillaguamish "stream-flow" rule
• Kitsap County gets $300,000 to study water re-use

February 16, 2005

• Automotive program receives environmental kudos

February 9, 2005

• Wenatchee River watershed receives cleanup funds

February 7, 2005

• Benton City surplus parts stem treatment-plant emergency
• Gordon's Garden Center gets top environmental accolade

February 4, 2005

• Public invited to weigh in on plan to prevent polluted runoff (Corrected 02/08/05)

February 3, 2005

• Ecology Department proposes modifying Skagit River "stream-flow" rule

February 2, 2005

• Septic hauler fined for illegally dumping septic, sewer waste

January 31, 2005

• Clallam County's Matriotti Creek is cleaner
• Permit issued for Brightwater tunnels and pipelines
• Freedom Marine, Ecology Department reach settlement

January 28, 2005

• Cruise-ship agreement got results in 2004

January 26, 2005

• One-stop Web site unites all Spokane River environmental issues
• Port Gamble cleanup wins Ecology honors
• Hearings scheduled on proposed Columbia River water rule

January 20, 2005

• Progress report on aquifer study to be presented on Jan. 27

January 19, 2005

• Port of Everett rail-barge pier gets environmental permit
• Sampling to occur in Yakima urban-area creeks
• Kelso firm fined for discharging caustic waste water

January 18, 2005

• Ecology Department penalties total $203,078 in 4th quarter of 2004
• Ecology Department approves permit for Brightwater
• Ecology Department awards $100,000 for anaerobic digester at WSU

January 13, 2005

• Lakewood business fined for mishandling hazardous waste
• Meth labs down for third year in a row
• Central Columbia basin has new water master

January 12, 2005

• No oil leaks found on sunken barges; monitoring to continue

January 6, 2005

• $300,000 awarded to improve Bertrand Creek flows, help local agriculture
• Revision to contaminated-soil definitions proposed
• Plan to clean up Pend Oreille River to be discussed
• Greek shipping company fined $12,000 for spilling oil into Columbia River

January 5, 2005

• Methow air quality information available online

January 4, 2005

• Gov. Gary Locke, Colville Tribes Sign Lake Roosevelt Water Agreement

January 3, 2005

• Study of toxic air pollution in Spokane area begins