Washington State Department of Ecology

Search Tips

Ecology's Web site provides a custom version of Ask George, the search engine used on Access Washington. This custom version allows users to target Ecology's entire web site or Ecology publications and rules to perform searches. Access also is provided to the full Ask George if users wish to expand searches to all Washington government web sites.

Search Ecology's web sites. Just type in your question, then press Enter or the "GO" button. (For example: Where can I learn about emissions testing for my vehicle?)

George Makes Searching Easy

You don't need to use confusing search terms or symbols. You simply ask a question or name a topic in your own words, and George does the rest. Use the tips below to sharpen your searching.

Search the way you wish.
George responds to questions, phrases, and single words - you can search the way you want.

Where can I learn about emissions testing for my vehicle? OR
emissions testing OR
testing

Ask one question at a time.
George works best when you pose only one search question or phrase at a time. If you're looking for information on two different subjects, ask George two different questions:

Search 1: Do you have information about air quality in Spokane?
Search 2: Where can I learn about water quality in the Yakima River?

Spelling counts.
George can correct many spelling errors. However, if he can't find what you're looking for, check your spelling. While spelling counts, capitalization doesn't matter. See the MRSC Counties and Cities indices for help with place name spelling.

Watch spaces between words.
Be sure to place a space between words so George can see exactly what you're searching for. If you're not sure about spacing, perform separate searches for each of your options.

Search with synonyms to improve results.
If George provides only limited results for your search, try substituting terms that mean the same thing.

Be specific if you want precise information.
George can provide pinpoint information if you make specific search requests. However, if a specific request doesn't work the first time, try a more general request and then narrow your search if needed.

In addition to these powerful ways to search the Department of Ecology's Web site, we also provide a Topic Index.