By Seth Preston, Communications Manager, Toxics Cleanup Program
As you can see, work is progressing at the Custom Plywood cleanup site on the Anacortes waterfront.
Take a look at what’s happening now at the site, compared with the photos I took during a visit to Anacortes in March 2010. Quite a contrast.
Cleanup workers have dug out and removed contaminated soil and replaced it with clean
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Air Time: Oregon wildfires spur smoke warning
By Seth Preston, Communications Manager, Air Quality Program
Smoke from Oregon wildfires prompted the National Weather Service to issue a hazardous weather outlook for today (Tuesday, Aug. 30) in parts of central and eastern Washington.
Smoke is blowing into the Yakima Valley, the Columbia Basin and other areas. When smoke is in the air, you can do a number of things to protect your health. You
Smoke from Oregon wildfires prompted the National Weather Service to issue a hazardous weather outlook for today (Tuesday, Aug. 30) in parts of central and eastern Washington.
Smoke is blowing into the Yakima Valley, the Columbia Basin and other areas. When smoke is in the air, you can do a number of things to protect your health. You
Friday, 26 August 2011
Air Time: In case you missed it ...
By Seth Preston, Communications Manager, Air Quality Program
Last week’s announcement that Ecology is revamping the state’s vehicle emissions testing program drew a lot of attention and even some praise.
Vehicles in Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane counties undergo emission tests to reduce air pollution in the state’s most populated areas. You can check online to see if emissions
Last week’s announcement that Ecology is revamping the state’s vehicle emissions testing program drew a lot of attention and even some praise.
Vehicles in Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane counties undergo emission tests to reduce air pollution in the state’s most populated areas. You can check online to see if emissions
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Georgetown excavation prepares for cleanup in Duwamish Waterway
by Larry Altose, communication manager, Northwest Regional Office
Workers use water to control dust as an excavating machine lifts soil into a dump truck. When hauled away for disposal, the soil will be covered.
On leaving the work area, the truck receives a spray cleaning to prevent the trackout of dust or mud onto neighborhood streets. The Boeing Co. and the city of Seattle have begun work
Workers use water to control dust as an excavating machine lifts soil into a dump truck. When hauled away for disposal, the soil will be covered.
On leaving the work area, the truck receives a spray cleaning to prevent the trackout of dust or mud onto neighborhood streets. The Boeing Co. and the city of Seattle have begun work
Getting to know Citizens for a Healthy Bay, partners in protecting Commencement Bay
By Jocelyn Jones
Tuesday, I was lucky enough to join others from the Department of Ecology on a tour around Tacoma waterways. I saw firsthand the incredible work that has been done to restore the waters—and I met some of the folks instrumental to this success.
Marv Coleman from Ecology’s southwest regional office and Jeff Barney, from Citizens for a Healthy Bay (CHB), took time out of their
Tuesday, I was lucky enough to join others from the Department of Ecology on a tour around Tacoma waterways. I saw firsthand the incredible work that has been done to restore the waters—and I met some of the folks instrumental to this success.
Marv Coleman from Ecology’s southwest regional office and Jeff Barney, from Citizens for a Healthy Bay (CHB), took time out of their
Our Changing Climate: Walking our talk
By Seth Preston, Communications Manager, Air Quality Program
In late 2009, Gov. Chris Gregoire challenged Ecology to take the lead in finding ways that state agencies, businesses and individuals could reduce their climate-changing emissions.
In response, Ecology launched a “Carbon Smart” initiative. We define being “Carbon Smart” as making choices that:Reduce climate-changing emissions.
Save
In late 2009, Gov. Chris Gregoire challenged Ecology to take the lead in finding ways that state agencies, businesses and individuals could reduce their climate-changing emissions.
In response, Ecology launched a “Carbon Smart” initiative. We define being “Carbon Smart” as making choices that:Reduce climate-changing emissions.
Save
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Around the Sound: Contaminated soil dug out at Everett site
By Seth Preston, Communications Manager, Toxics Cleanup Program
Workers dug out petroleum-contaminated soil at a cleanup site in Everett on Monday (Aug. 22) as part of a quick action to protect people and the environment from the material.
Andy Kallus of Ecology’s Toxics Cleanup Program took the photo. Andy is the project manager for our Port Gardner Bay cleanup sites, which are included in our
Workers dug out petroleum-contaminated soil at a cleanup site in Everett on Monday (Aug. 22) as part of a quick action to protect people and the environment from the material.
Andy Kallus of Ecology’s Toxics Cleanup Program took the photo. Andy is the project manager for our Port Gardner Bay cleanup sites, which are included in our
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Bye, bye, borax
By Michael Bergman, Toxic Free Tips coordinator, Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction
Ecology is pulling a popular video from its YouTube site over concerns about borax. The Greener Cleaner video shows how you can make a “do-it-yourself,” multi-purpose cleaner.
That infomercial-style video has been part of Ecology’s effort to help get the word out about alternatives to harsher household
Ecology is pulling a popular video from its YouTube site over concerns about borax. The Greener Cleaner video shows how you can make a “do-it-yourself,” multi-purpose cleaner.
That infomercial-style video has been part of Ecology’s effort to help get the word out about alternatives to harsher household
Friday, 19 August 2011
Work Underway at B&L Woodwaste Cleanup Site
Diana Smith, Public Involvement Coordinator
Now that dry summer weather is here, more cleanup work is underway at the old B&L Woodwaste landfill in Pierce County near Fife and Milton.
Woodwaste contaminated with arsenic-tainted slag from the Tacoma ASARCO smelter was dumped in the landfill in the 1970s and 1980s. Arsenic has been found in soil, groundwater and ditches around the landfill and
Now that dry summer weather is here, more cleanup work is underway at the old B&L Woodwaste landfill in Pierce County near Fife and Milton.
Woodwaste contaminated with arsenic-tainted slag from the Tacoma ASARCO smelter was dumped in the landfill in the 1970s and 1980s. Arsenic has been found in soil, groundwater and ditches around the landfill and
Air Time: Wildfire smoke sparks air quality alert
By Seth Preston, Communications Manager, Air Quality Program
Health officials have issued an air quality alert because of smoke from the Tumwater Canyon fire in north-central Washington.
Air quality in the area is now in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category under the Washington Air Quality Advisory (WAQA), according to the Chelan-Douglas Health District.
When air quality reaches "
Health officials have issued an air quality alert because of smoke from the Tumwater Canyon fire in north-central Washington.
Air quality in the area is now in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category under the Washington Air Quality Advisory (WAQA), according to the Chelan-Douglas Health District.
When air quality reaches "
Thursday, 18 August 2011
Stories about Getting to Clean Water: Finding a solution to wine waste woes
By Scott Mallery, Water Quality Program, Eastern Region
Have you ever thought about where your wine comes from? What about the type of wastewater that comes from making wine? Or about what wine wastewater discharges can do to the land or a wastewater treatment plant? The Department of Ecology (Ecology), the Port of Mattawa, the Wahluke Winery, and J & S Crushing have not only thought about it
Have you ever thought about where your wine comes from? What about the type of wastewater that comes from making wine? Or about what wine wastewater discharges can do to the land or a wastewater treatment plant? The Department of Ecology (Ecology), the Port of Mattawa, the Wahluke Winery, and J & S Crushing have not only thought about it
Ready, set… RODEO!
By Erika Holmes, Community Outreach & Environmental Education Specialist, Nuclear Waste Program
We’re prepped and psyched to hit the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo with some new activities for passersby. Come one, come all: kids; Hanford workers, neophytes, and haters alike; visitors from out of town. We want to talk to everyone.
This year, our booth really is “more than an 8-second ride”!
We’re prepped and psyched to hit the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo with some new activities for passersby. Come one, come all: kids; Hanford workers, neophytes, and haters alike; visitors from out of town. We want to talk to everyone.
This year, our booth really is “more than an 8-second ride”!
Court decision is big gain for groundwater protection
Dan Partridge, communications manager, Water Resources Program
Ecology's Maia BellonThe state Supreme Court has reaffirmed local governments’ obligations to ensure legal groundwater availability when making land use decisions.
In Kittitas County vs. EWGHMB, the court on July 28, 2011, upheld a decision of the Eastern Washington Growth Management Hearings Board that Kittitas County violated
Ecology's Maia BellonThe state Supreme Court has reaffirmed local governments’ obligations to ensure legal groundwater availability when making land use decisions.
In Kittitas County vs. EWGHMB, the court on July 28, 2011, upheld a decision of the Eastern Washington Growth Management Hearings Board that Kittitas County violated
Air Time: Protect your health from wildfire smoke
By Seth Preston, Communications Manager, Air Quality Program
Continued dry weather — something you may not have expected this year, based on prior months — means wildfires are popping up throughout the state.
Wildfires produce plenty of smoke, which can harm your health. The biggest threat comes from the fine particles in smoke. These tiny particles can get into your eyes and lungs, where they
Continued dry weather — something you may not have expected this year, based on prior months — means wildfires are popping up throughout the state.
Wildfires produce plenty of smoke, which can harm your health. The biggest threat comes from the fine particles in smoke. These tiny particles can get into your eyes and lungs, where they
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Stories about Getting to Clean Water: Turbid runoff and the railroad — Cooperative solutions
By Ted Hamlin, Ecology Spokane Regional Office
This dirt road was sending muddy runoff into the Spokane River.Finding and fixing direct discharges of stormwater into the Spokane River are constant and perplexing problems. There are dirt streets, alleys, parking lots, and access roads around the cities of Spokane and the Spokane Valley that contribute muddy water during each rain event or snow
This dirt road was sending muddy runoff into the Spokane River.Finding and fixing direct discharges of stormwater into the Spokane River are constant and perplexing problems. There are dirt streets, alleys, parking lots, and access roads around the cities of Spokane and the Spokane Valley that contribute muddy water during each rain event or snow
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Our Changing Climate: How about that weather?
By Seth Preston, Communications Manager, Air Quality Program
ABC News led its evening newscast last night (Monday, Aug. 15) with a report about the extreme weather that we’re seeing around the world. Click here to watch the report.
Note the comments about how weather conditions are hurting farmers and the agricultural industry. Yesterday here in Washington, Gov. Gregoire asked U.S. Secretary
ABC News led its evening newscast last night (Monday, Aug. 15) with a report about the extreme weather that we’re seeing around the world. Click here to watch the report.
Note the comments about how weather conditions are hurting farmers and the agricultural industry. Yesterday here in Washington, Gov. Gregoire asked U.S. Secretary
Monday, 15 August 2011
Around the Sound: Port Gardner site on track for 2012 cleanup
By Seth Preston, Communications Manager, Toxics Cleanup Program
We’re closing in on a milestone for a cleanup site on Everett’s Port Gardner Bay.
Ecology and the Port of Everett are preparing to sign a consent decree for the cleanup of the North Marina West End site. The legal agreement between Ecology and the port details what actions are needed to protect human health and the environment at
We’re closing in on a milestone for a cleanup site on Everett’s Port Gardner Bay.
Ecology and the Port of Everett are preparing to sign a consent decree for the cleanup of the North Marina West End site. The legal agreement between Ecology and the port details what actions are needed to protect human health and the environment at
Friday, 12 August 2011
Stories about Getting to Clean Water: Baby white sturgeon released into Columbia River
By Marcie Mangold, Ecology’s Eastern Regional Office
This future fisherman helps release a baby white sturgeon. On April 28, over 60 people formed a “human chain” to pass buckets containing baby sturgeon so they could release them into the Columbia River in Grant County. A truck transported the 10-month-old sturgeon from the hatchery to the ceremony site near Priest Rapids.
The fish release
This future fisherman helps release a baby white sturgeon. On April 28, over 60 people formed a “human chain” to pass buckets containing baby sturgeon so they could release them into the Columbia River in Grant County. A truck transported the 10-month-old sturgeon from the hatchery to the ceremony site near Priest Rapids.
The fish release
Our Changing Climate: Mapping Climate Change
By Seth Preston, Communications Manager, Air Quality Program
A friend sent a link to an interesting website, Climate Hot Map, offered by the Union of Concerned Scientists.
It includes a clickable map that shows how climate change is impacting and could impact places all over the world, including in Washington. (The photo, which is not on the website, shows the receding South Cascade Glacier in
A friend sent a link to an interesting website, Climate Hot Map, offered by the Union of Concerned Scientists.
It includes a clickable map that shows how climate change is impacting and could impact places all over the world, including in Washington. (The photo, which is not on the website, shows the receding South Cascade Glacier in
Fecal Matters: Hartstene Point Private Beach in Mason County is Open for Swimming
BEACH Program Update
The Hartstene Pointe private swimming beach in Mason County is now open for swimming. Samples collected by the homeowners association indicate low bacteria concentrations. Beach closure signs previously posted due to a sewage spill were removed today.
Stay updated about water quality at your beaches by keeping up with us on our blog Fecal Matters, on Facebook, or join
The Hartstene Pointe private swimming beach in Mason County is now open for swimming. Samples collected by the homeowners association indicate low bacteria concentrations. Beach closure signs previously posted due to a sewage spill were removed today.
Stay updated about water quality at your beaches by keeping up with us on our blog Fecal Matters, on Facebook, or join
Thursday, 11 August 2011
Air Time: More vehicle standards will improve air you breathe
By Seth Preston, Communications Manager, Air Quality Program
The Obama administration has announced a follow-up to its recent mandate to increase fuel efficiency in cars and light-duty trucks.
This week, the White House revealed the first-ever fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas pollution standards for work trucks, buses and other heavy-duty vehicles. They were developed in cooperation with
The Obama administration has announced a follow-up to its recent mandate to increase fuel efficiency in cars and light-duty trucks.
This week, the White House revealed the first-ever fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas pollution standards for work trucks, buses and other heavy-duty vehicles. They were developed in cooperation with
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
Fecal Matters: Twanoh State Park is Open for Swimming
BEACH Program Update
Twanoh State Park in Mason County is open for swimming. Additional samples collected show bacteria concentrations have dropped to background levels. Beach closure signs previously posted on August 5, 2011 were removed today.
Visit the BEACH web site to find the latest results for these and other saltwater beaches: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/beach/
Stay updated
Twanoh State Park in Mason County is open for swimming. Additional samples collected show bacteria concentrations have dropped to background levels. Beach closure signs previously posted on August 5, 2011 were removed today.
Visit the BEACH web site to find the latest results for these and other saltwater beaches: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/beach/
Stay updated
Monday, 8 August 2011
Ecology Washington Conservation Corps looking for new recruits
By Bridget Mason, WCC Coordinator
WCC Members work at the Reiter Salmon Hatchery in Gold Bar, Wash.
If you’re between 18 and 25 years old, like to work outdoors, and want to help Washington’s environment and our communities, then the Washington Department of Ecology has an opportunity for you!
Our Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) is looking for 245 young adults to fill AmeriCorps crew and
WCC Members work at the Reiter Salmon Hatchery in Gold Bar, Wash.
If you’re between 18 and 25 years old, like to work outdoors, and want to help Washington’s environment and our communities, then the Washington Department of Ecology has an opportunity for you!
Our Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) is looking for 245 young adults to fill AmeriCorps crew and
Around the Sound: Cleanup changing Anacortes waterfront
By Seth Preston, Communications Manager, Toxics Cleanup Program
Cleanup work continues to reshape the old Custom Plywood site on the shore of Fidalgo Bay in Anacortes.
After four weeks of work, you can see the dramatic transformation going on at the place where the old mill burned down in 1992. The mill’s remains littered the surface with debris. Petroleum, heavy metals, old logs and wood waste
Cleanup work continues to reshape the old Custom Plywood site on the shore of Fidalgo Bay in Anacortes.
After four weeks of work, you can see the dramatic transformation going on at the place where the old mill burned down in 1992. The mill’s remains littered the surface with debris. Petroleum, heavy metals, old logs and wood waste
Friday, 5 August 2011
New Ecology video highlights scientists who monitor Washington's marine waters
By Sandra Hughes, Office of Communication and EducationA dream assignmentI care about Puget Sound and also love small aircraft. So when I was invited to spend a day with Mya Keyzers of Ecology’s Marine Monitoring Program — and shoot video of her taking water samples from a seaplane — I jumped at the chance.To get as many samples as possible on a single day, and to save time and money, Mya and her
Air Time: New car standards drive fuel savings, jobs, cleaner air
By Seth Preston, Communications Manager, Air Quality ProgramAs this Forbes columnist points out, some major news for Americans and the U.S. economy may have gone without much notice last week because of all the debt drama.President Obama announced new fuel efficiency standards for cars and light-duty trucks. These standards follow up on earlier increases in fuel efficiency that are required
Fecal Matters: Twanoh State Park Closed to Swimming
BEACH Program Update
The Mason County Health Department closed Twanoh State Park to swimming today. Routine monitoring of the marine water showed elevated bacteria levels and additional samples confirmed the pollution is persisting.
Increased pathogen and fecal bacteria levels in marine waters can come from both shore and inland sources. Inland sources can consist of stormwater runoff, sewer
The Mason County Health Department closed Twanoh State Park to swimming today. Routine monitoring of the marine water showed elevated bacteria levels and additional samples confirmed the pollution is persisting.
Increased pathogen and fecal bacteria levels in marine waters can come from both shore and inland sources. Inland sources can consist of stormwater runoff, sewer
Fecal Matters: Beach Closure at Hartstene Pointe in Mason County
BEACH Program Update
The Mason County Health Department and the Hartstene Pointe Homeowners Association closed the private community beach of Hartstene Pointe today. The County received notification of a sewage spill near the swimming beach.
Contact with fecal contaminated waters can result in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. Children and the
The Mason County Health Department and the Hartstene Pointe Homeowners Association closed the private community beach of Hartstene Pointe today. The County received notification of a sewage spill near the swimming beach.
Contact with fecal contaminated waters can result in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. Children and the
Our Changing Climate: A new blog series
By Seth Preston, Communications Manager, Air Quality ProgramWelcome to the first installment of “Our Changing Climate,” an ongoing series of posts that will focus on climate change in Washington and elsewhere.I’ll start by pointing you to Ecology’s climate change web portal — you will find a wide range of information here on Ecology and what others in Washington have done and are doing about
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
Around the Sound: Soil Dioxin Study public events August 3rd
By Hannah Aoyagi, Public Involvement CoordinatorEcology is hosting two public events in Port Angeles this Wednesday, August 3rd! They will both be held at the Port Angeles Senior & Community Center at 328 E. 7th St.3:00 - 5:00 pm Technical Workshop in the Craft Room (upstairs)The technical workshop is a chance for the public to hear the details of the study analysis. Our consultant, Greg Glass,
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