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Ecology Services Add Value to Business

Since 2005, Washington businesses say Pollution Prevention Planning has saved them $45 million. That $45 million in savings would pay for 900 jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Mariann Cook Andrews, Washington State Department of Ecology


Do we need state environmental regulations?

Ecology Director Ted Sturdevant writes a weekly message for the Ecology Web site. This one is about what is at stake should environmental protections be weakened or eliminated. Director Ted Sturdevant, Washington state Department of Ecology


Contaminated Septic Tanks - Expensive to Fix, Easy to Avoid

Ecology’s dangerous waste inspectors are finding an expensive problem at some small businesses – septic tanks contaminated from putting dangerous waste down the drain. This type of contamination can easily cost property owners up to $9,000 to clean up, whether they own the business or are leasing out the property. Barrett Reidinger, Washington State Department of Ecology


Online Tool Helps Auto Body Shops

There’s a new online application for auto body shops that helps workers know the main air, water, dangerous waste, safety, and fire rules. Check it out!


Pay Hazardous Waste Generation Fee by June 30

Payments for the 2011 Hazardous Waste Generation Fee must be paid by June 30th, 2012. If the fee is not paid by the due date, it can accrue interest and may be sent to collections.


Scientific Assessment: Preventing Toxic Pollution Crucial to Protect Puget Sound

The assessment focused on 17 chemicals or chemical groups commonly detected in Puget Sound. The report evaluated a variety of ways that toxic chemicals reach Puget Sound, where they can harm fish and other life. Excerpted from an Ecology News Release


Professional Carpet Cleaners Can Help Protect Our Water

Professional carpet cleaners can help protect our water by following new recommendations. Brook Beeler, Washington State Department of Ecology


Free Recycling Coming for Mercury-containing Lights

Starting in 2013, people in Washington will have another option for disposing of their mercury-containing lights - and it's free! Hawa Morrison and Kara Steward, Washington State Department of Ecology


Read This! Important Toxics Release Inventory News

Toxics Release Inventory reports for 2011 are due July 1, 2012. You must file a report if your facility manufactured, processed, or used any listed toxic chemical over its threshold amount during 2011. Diane Fowler, Washington State Department of Ecology


Beyond Waste Progress and a New Look

Beyond Waste is the 30-year plan for managing hazardous and solid waste with a clear and simple vision. Eliminate wastes and toxics whenever we can and use the remaining wastes as resources. Gretchen Newman, Washington State Department of Ecology