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Washington State Department of Ecology

@ecology.wa.gov
8.2K followers 215 following 690 posts

Official Washington state Department of Ecology account. Protecting, preserving and enhancing Washington's environment for current and future generations. ecology.wa.gov

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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 28/09/2026
We brought out the big boss for this one because we get it! We all want to feel safe eating food and food date labels can be really helpful for that. However, “best by,” “use by,” and “sell by” dates aren’t always a hard line.
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Gov. Bob Ferguson @governorferguson.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Today during Climate Week, Governor Gavin Newsom and I announced we've taken the next steps toward Washington joining the California–Québec carbon market in 2027. States and subnational governments are stepping up and leading at a time when the federal government is trying to dismantle...
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 23/09/2026
Our Bellingham Bay cleanup turned 30 this year, and yes, it’s thriving ✨ If you visit the waterfront today, you might never guess it used to be almost all heavy industry that left contaminated soil and sediments—and with the help of our partners, we’ve removed 211,000 tons of it!
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Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller @caseysixkiller.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
I appreciated being part of the U.S. Climate Alliance event at NY Climate Week. Gov. Ferguson is this year’s co-chair, and the organization is partnering with Climate Mayors to amplify their impact! @usclimate.bsky.social @governorferguson.bsky.social @climatemayors.bsky.social
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 22/09/2026
We’re looking for teams with innovative waste reduction projects to join our NextCycle Washington program! ⭐ The six-month business accelerator program offers technical help, resources, and peer networks. Apply by Oct. 30 at www.nextcyclewashington.com/apply 🧑‍💻
A group photo of people cheering in a conference room. The text above says, "NextCycle WA applications are OPEN! Apply by Oct. 30. Visit nextcyclewashington.com/apply."
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 21/09/2026
¡Queremos escuchar de ti! 💬 Ecología continúa los esfuerzos de limpieza en el sitio Boeing Developmental Center (BDC) en Tukwila, WA. Las operaciones pasadas en el sitio han generado contaminación del suelo y el agua subterránea.
La imagen superior muestra una vista aérea del Boeing Developmental Center, que incluye edificios industriales para investigación de contaminantes y varios estacionamientos. El texto dice: “Queremos saber tu opinión. Comenta sobre la limpieza del Boeing Developmental Center en Tukwila. Período de comentarios públicos: 21 de septiembre–23 de octubre de 2026. Visita ecology.wa.gov/BDC-Comment. Pagado por el Departamento de Ecología del Estado de Washington.”
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 21/09/2026
We want to hear from you! 💬 Ecology is continuing cleanup efforts at the Boeing Developmental Center (BDC) site in Tukwila, WA. Past operations at this facility have resulted in soil and groundwater contamination. We invite you to review and comment on the draft cleanup documents now available.
The top image is an aerial view of the Boeing Development Center, which includes industrial buildings for contaminant research and several parking lots. The text says, “We want to hear from you. Comment on the Boeing Developmental Center cleanup in Tukwila. Public comment period: Sept. 21-0ct. 23, 2026. Visit ecology.wa.gov/BDC-Comment. Paid for by the Washington Department of Ecology.”
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 16/09/2026
What happens when you combine clean water funding & a passion for functioning septic systems? Septic system success! 🌟 We partner with local communities, governments, & a nonprofit lender, Craft3, to help fund septic inspections, repair, & replacement of septic systems for homeowners across WA.
A large construction vehicle sits next to a trench filled with two big black pipes in a yard.Five large green tubes in the ground connect to various pipes with a body of water in the background.Image of septic system repair with three workers.
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 15/09/2026
And the biggest slay of them all is that the bull trout population will grow from here. 🐟 This restored area, Gold Creek, is home to a genetically distinct bull trout population found nowhere else on earth – and they’re at risk of extinction.
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U.S. Climate Alliance @usclimate.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Alliance governors, led by @governorferguson.bsky.social & @mattmeyerde.bsky.social, are calling on Congress to stop the assault on clean air & state authority. There’s still time to do the right thing. Learn more: usclimatealliance.org/press-releas...
Statement from U.S. Climate Alliance Co-Chairs Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and Delaware Governor Matt Meyer:


“Targeting these longstanding waivers is a direct assault on state authority — and an assault on the American people and their fundamental right to breathe clean air. We urge Congress to reject this harmful scheme to undermine the Clean Air Act, which has for decades empowered states to adopt pollution reduction standards that best protect their communities. Governors across the Alliance will not be deterred from advancing solutions that make America safer, more affordable, and healthier for everyone.”
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 14/09/2026
Join the EPA on Wednesday, Sept. 16 for an information session about the ongoing time-critical removal action at the Cosmo Specialty Fibers facility in Cosmopolis, WA. The session is from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the City of Cosmopolis City Hall, located at 1300 1st St., Cosmopolis, WA 98537.
EPA contractors wearing yellow hazmat suits are outside and assessing a chemical storage tank. The text below the image reads, “Attend the Cosmo Specialty Fiber removal action information session. Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.; City of Cosmopolis City Hall, 1300 1st St., Cosmopolis, WA 98537.”
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 14/09/2026
This is your sign to check on your septic system ✨ We know it’s not the most glamorous topic, but the reality is that one-third of households (nearly 1 million homes!) in Washington have a septic system to manage their wastewater.
The sky at sunset has pink clouds with text over it that says, “We know that we know talking about your septic system can be a little...gross. so let us distract you with some pretty photos. (it’s a pain in the butt, but we have to talk about it before it becomes a pain in your butt).”The sky at sunset has pink and orange clouds. There are sparkles and hearts around text that says, “Schedule regular maintenance. Pump the tank every 3-5 years to remove sludge buildup and have routine inspections so problems can be caught early.”It is a sunny day with a blue sky and fluffy clouds at a marina. Text surrounded by sparkles and butterflies says, “Clear the outlet filter. Your septic tank may have an outlet baffle with a filter that can clog. Wear proper protective equipment like gloves, mask, and goggles before working inside the tank.”The sun is beautifully setting with yellow and orange clouds at a lake surrounded by trees. Text surrounded by golden sparkles says, “Check your septic lid. The septic tank lid keeps harmful gases contained and prevents accidents. Make sure your lid is securely attached and free of cracks, broken screws, and warping.”
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 09/09/2026
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.
Three people in business wear are standing together and looking excited in front of a table that is decorated with balloons. The text says, “Comment on the Hanford Sitewide Permit through Oct. 27.”Six large double shell tanks are under construction at the Hanford Site.
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 04/09/2026
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.
Photo credit: ORCAA. Congresswoman Strickland joins a conversation on air monitoring capabilities in a Mountain View Elementary School classroom.ORCAA staff point out the different air monitoring devices installed on top of a newly built shelter
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 04/09/2026
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
A view of a foggy, cloudy day at the beach with wood on the shore. The text says, "Comment on the Shoreline Management Act proposed rulemaking. June 16, 2025, 8 a.m. – Aug. 15, 2025, 11:59 p.m. Visit ecology.wa.gov/sma-rulemaking."
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 03/09/2026
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.
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 02/09/2026
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
Large white storage containers with batteries inside are next to each other on pavement. Behind them are transmission power lines and a green tree line. The text says, "We want to hear from you. Comment on the Battery Energy Storage 
Systems Scoping Document. Comment period: Sept. 1 - Oct. 1, 2026
Public meetings: Sept. 15 at 9 a.m; Sept. 23 at 1 p.m. Visit ecy.wa.gov/bess."
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 28/08/2026
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.
A crane lifts a red 55-gallon drum out of a creek while someone directs and watches.
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 27/08/2026
“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.
Three people in white hazmat suits and protective gear remove items from a home that was burned during the wildfires.
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Washington Emergency Management Division @emd.wa.gov · 25/08/2026
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...
epa.gov
2026 Eastern Washington Wildfires Recovery | US EPA
Information about EPA's response to the 2026 Spokane Complex wildfires.
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 25/08/2026
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.
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 22/08/2026
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.
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 22/08/2026
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.
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 20/08/2026
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!
Two rainfalls simulators are side-by-side. The left one is a no-till farming example with nearly 100% water retention. The right one is a conventional farming example with significant water runoff.A muddy river with steep banks covered with trees and a dam in the background on a partly cloudy day.
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 19/08/2026
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...
The image shows an illustrated environment with trees, a river, a house, and large windmills in the middle. The text on the left says, "We want to hear from you! Join our public meeting to give feedback on our Draft Environmental Justice Toolkit for Clean Energy Projects on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 5 p.m."
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 19/08/2026
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!
A group of people smile at the camera with a projector screen displaying a construction site photo in the background.A cement structure holding dark water with trucks and buildings in the background on a sunny day.
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 18/08/2026
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?
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 15/08/2026
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.
epa.gov
2026 Eastern Washington Wildfires Recovery | US EPA
Information about EPA's response to the 2026 Spokane Complex wildfires.
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 14/08/2026
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
airqualitymap.ecology.wa.gov
AirQualityWA
Washington State Department of Ecology Air Quality Map
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 13/08/2026
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. 👏
People are gathered in a room, socializing and looking at posters.A large group of people sit in an auditorium and watch a presentation on a monitor.
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 12/08/2026
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.
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 10/08/2026
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 💬
An aerial view of a facility and its parking lot has text on top of it. The text reads, "We want to hear from you. Comment on the Exterior Wood cleanup in Washougal. Aug. 10 - Sept. 12, 2026. Visit ecology.wa.gov/ExteriorComment. Paid for by the Washington Department of Ecology."
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 08/08/2026
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.
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 07/08/2026
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:
wasmoke.blogspot.com
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...
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 07/08/2026
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.
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Puget Sound Clean Air Agency @pscleanair.gov · 05/08/2026
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.
air quality forecast august 5 2026 we expect air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups to unhealthy.
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 04/08/2026
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.
DNR Pano Cam from Orcas Island looking toward Bellingham, which is a smoky view of the water.
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Gov. Bob Ferguson @governorferguson.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
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:
governor.wa.gov
Governor Ferguson announces federal emergency declaration for devastating wildfires | Governor Bob Ferguson
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 04/08/2026
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.
A white Fed Ex trailer lies on its side, with a towing truck and other equipment around it. One man is in the photo.
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 03/08/2026
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.
Satellite imagery of smoke plumes over Washington and Oregon, with active wildfires marked by orange dots.
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Gov. Bob Ferguson @governorferguson.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
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.
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Gov. Bob Ferguson @governorferguson.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
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.
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Gov. Bob Ferguson @governorferguson.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Our record-setting drought and high winds are creating dangerous conditions across the state. I am declaring an emergency to help prevent loss of life and property damage. As part of this declaration, I'm declaring a statewide burn ban.
governor.wa.gov
Governor Ferguson declares statewide wildfire emergency, issues statewide burn ban | Governor Bob Ferguson
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 30/07/2026
You’ve got mail from Ecology’s coastal zone management team! 📬 Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work in the field? This “audio postcard” was sent by Julia, a coastal resilience partnership planner.
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 29/07/2026
That’s a wrap on our Pacific Northwest Textile Circularity Symposium! 🧵 This past May, our Recycling Market Development team gathered several sustainability specialists from across the state to discuss some of the fastest-growing material-types in our waste stream: clothes and fabrics.
A panel of speakers sit next to each other and look at the person talking into the microphone.Three people look down at a deconstructed red coat on a table.Two people with green and red scissors disassemble a brown plaid jacket.Several people go through racks of donated clothes.
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Washington State Department of Ecology - Hanford @ecologyhanford.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Check out the latest edition of Behind the Scenes at the Nuclear Waste Program featuring our Tank Waste Treatment Section Manager, Suzanne Dahl. She has not only made history alongside her team, but also has devoted more than 30 years to the Hanford cleanup mission. ecology.wa.gov/blog/july-20...
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 24/07/2026
Ecology and Lummi Nation spill responders are at the scene of the Kenmore Air crash off Sucia Island. Contractors are removing plane debris from the water and we are assessing possible impacts to the environment. There is no visible sheen.
A crane barge lifts up a piece of debris that appears to be part of the tail of a small airplane out of water, next to a forested rocky shoreline.
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Gov. Bob Ferguson @governorferguson.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Congratulations to Jimothy, Washingtonian of the Day.
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 23/07/2026
Happy Birthday to Washington’s Coastal Zone Management Program! 50 looks good on you! 🎉 With more than 3,000 miles of marine shoreline, protecting Washington’s “coastal zone” is no simple task. That’s where the state Coastal Zone Management Program that Ecology administers comes in. 🧵 (1/5)
A group of people in rain jackets on a gravel beach. A speaker points toward an eroded coastal bluff, with driftwood, waves, and forested shoreline in background.
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Washington State Department of Ecology @ecology.wa.gov · 22/07/2026
As older smoke cleared away, new plumes filled in behind and extended Air Quality Alerts for most of Eastern & Central Washington. The latest WA Smoke Blog post explains why NE Washington is expected to face the strongest impact, where the smoke is coming from, & how long it could stick around:
wasmoke.blogspot.com
Lingering Smoke Clears as New Smoke Plumes Take Shape
Air Quality Alerts Air Quality Alerts (AQAs) in Washington were expanded today due to current conditions.  The map below shows all AQAs curr...
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