The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) invites the public to review and comment on a proposed rule related to fees assessed for agricultural burning. Farmers sometimes burn crop residue, such as cereal grain stubble and torn-out orchard trees, after harvest. Smoke from this burning can harm the health of people who breathe in the smoke’s [...]
The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has adopted fee increases that will affect holders of storm water and wastewater discharge permits in fiscal years 2010 and 2011. The state Legislature approved this move in Substitute House Bill 1413. Ecology administers state and federal permits to regulate wastewater and storm water discharges into Washington’s surface and [...]
By Bob Kirkpatrick Editor The Adams Conservation District (ACD) has received a $28,000 grant from the Department of Ecology. The funds will be used to help keep livestock away from the Palouse River and Union Flat Creek. The ACD is one of three state entities to receive the much needed financial boost to help in [...]
The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has adopted a new rule that establishes criteria and a certification process for wetland mitigation banks across the state. Lauren Driscoll, who oversees Ecology’s wetland mitigation banking program, said the final rule contains provisions to ensure mitigation bank sites comply with and support local shoreline regulations, as well as [...]
High school-age youths will return to Washington roadsides next week to clean up litter tossed by motorists. Each summer, teens aged 14 to 17 work four-week paid stints in the Ecology Youth Corps (EYC). Statewide, 200 teens are gearing up to clean litter from freeway shoulders and interchanges. The EYC will perform about 40 percent [...]
A move by the Washington Department of Ecology to modify municipal stormwater requirements will help cash-strapped local governments comply with the permits without compromising environmental protections. The state’s municipal stormwater permits require dozens of local municipalities to regulate polluted runoff in Washington’s most populated areas to protect water quality in streams, lakes, wetlands and Puget [...]
