News > 2006 News Archive

2006 News

December 29, 2006

• Winter storms, recent incidents highlight need for maritime safety

December 28, 2006

• Development fined for runoff polluting Camas Creek

December 27, 2006

• Agreement reached on Ephrata Landfill cleanup

December 22, 2006

• Relaxed federal toxics reporting affects Washington residents

December 21, 2006

• Port Gamble cleanup spotlights Puget Sound work
• Kent bakery fined for putting grease down a storm drain
• Ecology fines Philip Services Corp. for dangerous waste violation

December 19, 2006

• Officials: “Emergency Phase” of Puget Sound Energy Diesel Spill Near Crystal Mountain is Over….Long-Term Cleanup Continues

December 18, 2006

• Air pollution increases after windstorm
• Ecology Department to delay new stormwater permits until after the holidays

December 15, 2006

• Ecology and Coast Guard responding to sunken boats at Crow’s Nest Marina, Commencement Bay

December 8, 2006

• Water concerns prompt appeal of subdivision approvals
• Update: Ecology encourages no burning in E. Washington

December 6, 2006

• Public invited to comment on local government grant/loan program to clean up hazardous waste sites
• State revises water quality standards to benefit salmon, trout

December 5, 2006

• Stagnation Alert: Ecology urges no burning in E. Washington

December 4, 2006

• Grays Harbor contractor fined for dangerous waste management violations

December 1, 2006

• Poor air quality prompts burning warning

November 29, 2006

• Environmental awards presented for improving water quality on the farm

November 28, 2006

• Public conference set on wetland banking in Washington

November 22, 2006

• New Well Construction and Contractor Licensing Rule Finalized

November 20, 2006

• Grant money to fund waste reduction in northwest Washington (Funds earmarked for Island, King, Kitsap, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom counties)
• Ecology offers Puget Sound grants
• Grant money to fund waste reduction in Central Washington (Funds earmarked for Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan and Yakima counties)
• Grant money to fund waste reduction in Eastern Washington (Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman)
• Grant money to fund waste reduction in southwest Washington (Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston, Wahkiakum)

November 17, 2006

• Spilled Diesel Fuel Located Puget Sound Energy Crystal Mountain Back-up Generator Leak in Rural Pierce County

November 16, 2006

• State fines cruise ship for Puget Sound wastewater discharges
• Report looks at Columbia River water supplies, future demands
• Hearing set for Buckhorn Mountain draft water-quality discharge permit

November 15, 2006

• Ecology signs contract for 2007 rescue tug coverage
• Residents advised to "trade up" to prevent air pollution and save money

November 13, 2006

• Moses Lake company fined $12,500 for air quality violations
• Ecology Department penalties total $367,755 in third quarter of 2006

November 9, 2006

• Comments sought on water-quality conditions for Priest Rapids dams
• State moving ahead to carry out free electronics recycling law by Jan. 1, 2009
• "Issue Up Close" education series available on Ecology's Website

November 8, 2006

• Preparing your boat for the heavy rains

November 6, 2006

• Puget Sound Energy Working with Agencies to Clean up Diesel Fuel From Crystal Mountain Backup Generator in Rural Pierce County
• State fines D.B. Johnson Construction $14,000

November 3, 2006

• Poor air quality prompts no-burning advisory

November 2, 2006

• Water agreement reached between Washington state, Lummi and United States
• Ecology announces low impact development grant recipients

November 1, 2006

• New oil transfer and spill contingency plan rules now in effect

October 27, 2006

• Public to learn about proposed water management changes in Walla Walla
• Sound Transit fined $66,000 for light rail water-quality violations

October 26, 2006

• Weyerhaeuser fined $11,000 for oil spill from 2004 train derailment

October 23, 2006

• Owner of tank ship fined for oil spill into Columbia River at Vancouver

October 18, 2006

• Public may weigh in on contamination report for former Rayonier mill site

October 16, 2006

• Plan to reduce Walla Walla pollution ready for public review
• How to become a "green" hospital is subject of Shoreline conference
• Recycling numbers are up, but so is the amount of garbage going to landfills

October 13, 2006

• ConocoPhillips to pay $540,000 fine for 2004 Dalco Passage oil spill

October 12, 2006

• Local regionwide meetings provide update on Hanford cleanup

October 11, 2006

• Surface water pesticide monitoring results generally positive

October 10, 2006

• Ecology launches dissolved oxygen study for South Puget Sound

October 6, 2006

• State invites public review of cleanup options for Whatcom Waterway

October 5, 2006

• Details on Columbia River water plan available for review

October 4, 2006

• Five Washington businesses and a non-profit group receive 2006 Governor's Award for Pollution Prevention & Sustainable Practices

October 3, 2006

• State approves early transfer of Camp Bonneville to Clark County
• Ecology Department outlines plan to clean up Whatcom Creek

September 28, 2006

• Ecology begins delivery of oil-spill-response supplies around Puget Sound and other state waters: first stop, Seattle

September 27, 2006

• Four Columbia River reservoir sites identified for further study

September 26, 2006

• Ecology takes bold steps to prevent spills, enhance response readiness

September 25, 2006

• State proposes water rights for Lake Tapps water-supply project

September 21, 2006

• Rescue tug service starts Nov. 1
• Ecology seeks comment on proposed chemical action plan schedule

September 19, 2006

• Auto recyclers help state collect toxic mercury from junk cars
• Ecology Department issues violation notice to U.S. Energy for toxic spill

September 15, 2006

• Ecology and Coast Guard responding to oil spill at Lake Union

September 14, 2006

• Ecology reaches landmark oil spill response agreement with MSRC
• Communities to see change in burning rules for 2007
• Dioxins found in Budd Inlet sediments - agencies join together to improve conditions
• Ecology recognizes farmers for protecting environment
• Final environmental review issued for proposed gold mine

September 12, 2006

• City of Spokane fined for sewage release

September 11, 2006

• Detailed water-quality plan for Wilson Creek out for review

September 8, 2006

• State updates contaminated sites list as more properties move toward cleanup

September 6, 2006

• Wildfires causing air quality problems throughout Eastern Washington

September 1, 2006

• Hoquiam fish processor fined for waste discharges
• New online resource helps property owners answer "toxic" questions

August 31, 2006

• Ecology study finds flame retardants in state's rivers and lakes

August 30, 2006

• WCC crews make a difference at home and across the country
• Residents on Little Spokane River to turn off their outdoor taps

August 29, 2006

• Port, fish processor fined for fish-waste discharge
• Columbia River panel tapped to offer advice on new water program

August 28, 2006

• Open house looks at camp, cabin owner water rights
• Millions available to communities to improve water quality

August 25, 2006

• Public comment sought on Proposed Amendments to Well Construction and Licensing Rules

August 24, 2006

• Second "wetland bank" approved under state pilot program

August 23, 2006

• Teck Cominco's Pend Oreille Mine fined for discharging pollutants

August 22, 2006

• Ecology Department penalties total $110,100 in second quarter of 2006
• Ecology provides $7.5 million to help fix failing Puget Sound septic systems

August 15, 2006

• Community meeting Aug. 24 about cleanup of Ocean Shores shipwreck

August 14, 2006

• More help for oil spill prevention and response

August 11, 2006

• Public asked to help craft oil spill-response plan for Snohomish River basin
• State asks court to deny Teck Cominco's request for new hearing on
  cleanup responsibility
• How to become a "green" hospital is subject of Spokane conference

August 10, 2006

• Cleanup methods for cement plant contamination ready for review

August 9, 2006

• Wildfires cause continued air quality concerns in Eastern Washington
• Fluorescent red color in Palouse River part of stream-health study

August 7, 2006

• Public comment sought on rule to implement electronics recycling

August 4, 2006

• Air-quality advisory for Eastern Washington counties to continue through the weekend

August 3, 2006

• Researchers will test Snoqualmie River water with dye
• B&G Farms and Ecology Department settle on hazardous waste penalty

August 2, 2006

• El Departamento de Ecología emita un aviso sobre la calidad del aire para los condados de la Parte Este de Washington
• Ecology Department issues air-quality advisory for Eastern Washington counties
• Detailed plan for Colville National Forest out for review
• State fines Aberdeen concrete company

August 1, 2006

• Marbled murrelet habitat gets 200-year protection in oil-spill settlement

July 31, 2006

• Tribal fund will preserve Nisqually River watershed habitat
• Mountain West Senior and Maddox Construction fined for polluting Spring Creek
• Nursery wholesaler fined for mismanagement of chemicals

July 25, 2006

• Comment sought on Intalco clean up plan
• Oil removal to begin soon at Ocean Shores shipwreck Catala

July 20, 2006

• Researchers will use dye to test water in Bear and Evans creeks
• Tugboat owner fined for oil spill into Mats Mats Bay

July 19, 2006

• Tacoma waste handler agrees to improve practices after serious spill

July 17, 2006

• Snohomish County, Everett and other northwest counties and cities celebrate reduction in toxic diesel fumes

July 14, 2006

• Grants available to manage stormwater-runoff pollution through low-impact development

July 12, 2006

• Landmark Spokane River Clean-up Agreement Reached

July 11, 2006

• Puget Sound Action Team news release: New approach needed to protect and restore Puget Sound
• New Web site improves access to environmental information

July 10, 2006

• Ecology Department awards more than $100 million to improve water quality
• Seven eastern counties to receive $71,527 to restore stream banks
• Public may help update oil spill-response plans for Central Puget Sound

July 5, 2006

• U.S. Department of Justice news release: Marine Conservation Fund awards $1.7 million in grants to restore Puget Sound
• Youth crews pick up litter in Southwest Washington

July 3, 2006

• Upper Columbia cleanup Teck Cominco's responsibility, court says
• State plans for free electronics recycling as first-of-its-kind law goes into effect

June 29, 2006

• Public workshop set on Skagit Valley wetland banks
• Ecology Department celebrates Clean Beaches Weeks

June 28, 2006

• Ecology Department proposes revised water quality standards

June 27, 2006

• Ecology Youth Corps gears up for summer litter pick-up in Eastern Washington
• 47 wastewater treatment plants earn recognition

June 26, 2006

• Ecology Youth Corps set to pickup litter in Central Washington

June 23, 2006

• Fishing boat sinks off Whidbey Island; oil sheen sighted

June 22, 2006

• Studies identify water quality challenges in Spokane River
• Ecology Provides Confederated Umatilla Tribes $400,000 for Walla Walla Basin Flow Restoration
• Ecology Youth Corps gears up for summer litter pick-up ub Northwest Washington

June 21, 2006

• Animal feeding operation permit issued

June 16, 2006

• Correction: Spills rules public hearing dates
• Ecology seeks fix for dry-year water use by camps, cabin owners and others

June 15, 2006

• Public warned to watch for toxic algae in lakes

June 13, 2006

• Buyers told to beware of mercury-containing products sold online

June 8, 2006

• Captain of ship Nu-C fined for oil spill at Ocean Shores jetty
• Fife company fined for improper handling of hazardous waste
• Ecology proposes new spill prevention and response readiness rules

June 2, 2006

• Washington's reaction mixed on Teck Cominco-EPA agreement

June 1, 2006

• Investigation of Ocean Shores shipwreck Catala begins

May 23, 2006

• State move secures future water, protect flows in Skagit River basin

May 19, 2006

• Dumping used oil on roads causes problems for responders and environment

May 18, 2006

• School children receive awards for environmental stewardship and funding for new programs

May 12, 2006

• Do's and don'ts of draining your pool

May 11, 2006

• Dust storm season underway in Central and Eastern Washington"
• Course to teach bankers and economic development pros how to think "green"
• Kent firm fined again for putting grease down a storm drain

May 5, 2006

• Ecology seeking input on Columbia River water management

May 4, 2006

• Workshops planned on proposed Quincy water regulation changes
• Public invited to meeting May 31 about Port Townsend Paper air permit
• Go native in garden ponds and aquariums
• South Fork Palouse pollution subject of May public meeting

May 3, 2006

• Public to review plan to clean up North Fork of Palouse River

May 1, 2006

• Public invited to help choose which saltwater beaches to monitor
• Input sought on how funds spent at Hanford
• Ecology seeking changes to keep toxic cleanup standards protective

April 26, 2006

• Pfeifer appointed to lead Ecology post in Eastern Washington

April 25, 2006

• Boating season advisory: prevent spills and harm to aquatic resources

April 24, 2006

• Aberdeen fined for sludge discharge from sewer plant
• Ecology Department penalties total $201,300 in first quarter of 2006

April 20, 2006

• Public invited to comment on agriculture burning rule

April 19, 2006

• Lake Chelan water cleanup plan available for review
• Ecology's "Earth Day 2006" Web site: Things we can all do
• Spokane and Spokane Transit celebrate reduction in toxic diesel fumes

April 18, 2006

• Department of Ecology awarded for supporting change in hospitals

April 17, 2006

• Plan to clean up Selah Ditch available for review

April 14, 2006

• Community meeting planned to discuss changing water picture

April 13, 2006

• Oil found inside hatch of old shipwreck at Ocean Shores

April 7, 2006

• Ecology Department outlines plan to clean Swamp Creek pollution

April 4, 2006

• Comment sought on Camp Bonneville cleanup

March 31, 2006

• A healthier approach to spring cleaning

March 30, 2006

• State approves additional water for Clark County silicon wafer maker
• Portland excavation contractor settles Washington fine

March 29, 2006

• Safeway-Ecology settlement restores Auburn wetland
• Don Larson honored for environmental leadership

March 28, 2006

• Washington wetlands protection to be improved
• Bids accepted for initial Goldendale tire pile clean up
• Water "metering" subject of Ecology Department public meeting

March 27, 2006

• Business, environmental advocates hail landmark electronic-recycling law
• Ecology Provides $243,000 to help communities manage water supplies

March 23, 2006

• Ecology Department to revise water quality standards

March 20, 2006

• Campaign continues to protect children from school bus fumes

March 14, 2006

• Ecology sets conditions for proposed Northwest Aggregates gravel mine dock

March 13, 2006

• Ecology honors locals for cleaning up Lake Chelan PCBs

March 10, 2006

• EPA, Washington state provide nearly $4 million to protect Puget Sound

March 9, 2006

• Current water supply outlook: A different picture this year

March 7, 2006

• Superior Court lawsuit seeks cleanup of pollution at City Parcel

March 3, 2006

• Ecology Department proposes to begin major Skykomish cleanup

March 2, 2006

• Corps cited for spilling oil from dredge into Columbia River
• Redmond firm fined $180,000 for hazardous waste violations
• Skagit Highlands fined again for muddy stormwater runoff

March 1, 2006

• Ecology Department issues new aquatic pesticides permit

February 28, 2006

• Cleanup complete at Kendall Yards site
• Chehalis mint-oil distiller settles state fine

February 24, 2006

• Grants to Clallam, Clark and Mason counties aim to improve water quality
• More toxic sites needing cleanup show up on state's list

February 23, 2006

• Abundance of organic waste could help power Washington

February 16, 2006

• Governor Gregoire Signs Columbia River Water Resource Management Legislation
• Ecology study shows healthy groundwater in Centralia, Chehalis
• Public invited to comment on small boiler permit

February 15, 2006

• Comments sought on stormwater permits

February 13, 2006

• Ecology Department awards grants to help clear the air

February 9, 2006

• Drought report looks at 2005, makes recommendations for future

February 8, 2006

• Governor Gregoire: Hanford Clean-up Vital to Health and Safety, Concerned About Provisions in the President's Budget

February 2, 2006

• Public comments invited on two Montesano cleanup sites

January 31, 2006

• Recycling is high in Washington, with room for improvement
• Cruise-ship agreement got results in 2005

January 30, 2006

• Raymond lumber mill and state settle fine

January 25, 2006

• Ecology Department announces plan for Spokane River

January 24, 2006

• Bio-energy focus of two free workshops
• State awards $13 million to Tacoma for Thea Foss dredging

January 23, 2006

• Plan to clean up groundwater contamination open for review

January 20, 2006

• Airport fined for releasing industrial waste water to creek
• Ecology and Health release final plan for problem flame retardants

January 19, 2006

• Ecology Department urges ridding Washington of electronic waste
• Spill-response drill under way at Vendovi Island
• Ecology Department penalties total $342,200 in fourth quarter of 2005

January 18, 2006

• Public meeting set on Landsburg Mine proposal

January 13, 2006

• Runway project fined for water-quality violations

January 11, 2006

• Progress report on aquifer study to be presented on Jan. 26

January 9, 2006

• Washington hospitals agree to reduce mercury
• Off-site shipments of waste to Hanford on hold - USDOE agrees to new environmental review in settlement with state of Washington

January 5, 2006

• Ecology issues revised injection-well rule
• Report available on bacteria pollution in Wenatchee watershed

January 4, 2006

• West Richland open house focuses on local water quality projects - Public involvement sought on Yakima Basin clean up efforts