Washington State Department of Ecology

@ecology

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· 25d

🚨 Air Quality Alert 🚨 for Adams, Lincoln, Spokane, and Whitman Counties: Wildfire smoke is making the air quality dangerous in these areas, which have seen “Very Unhealthy” and “Hazardous” Air Quality Index (AQI) values. This alert is in effect through Sunday, July 19th at 9 am.

Map of air monitors in the Spokane area, showing unhealthy air quality conditions next to the Air Quality Index (AQI) scale.

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· 25d

Salt Creek beach, also known as Crescent Beach, in Clallam County has an advisory due to high bacteria levels. High levels of bacteria can make people sick. Please avoid contact with the water in this area. Stay up to date on your local beaches & learn how to avoid illness: ecology.wa.gov/beach

A yellow sign on a beach that says "Warning! Bacteria levels exceed health standards. Contact with this water may cause illness.

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· 26d

This is the AQI map for Spokane & Spokane Valley as of this morning. If you live in this area, try to stay inside & run an air purifier. If you must go outside, consider wearing an N95 respirator, limiting physical activity, & staying hydrated. Check AQIs near you: airqualitymap.ecology.wa.gov

An air quality index map in Spokane and Spokane Valley show readings between moderate (51-100) to unhealthy (151-200).

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· 26d

NEW AIR SENSOR DROPPED 🚨🔥🚒 Tacoma Fire Department Station 7 recently helped our monitoring team install a SensWA air sensor on their roof. This SensWA will provide more information about air pollution in the South Tacoma area. Check out the data: airqualitymap.ecology.wa.gov

Fire station with a fire truck parked out front, with a circle showing an air sensor on the roof.

Firefighters standing in front of a fire station looking at an air sensor on the roof, next to a close up of the air sensor.

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· 27d

For more information, please see our update on Facebook: www.facebook.com/233011415537...

Hard boom and oil-absorbent material contains an oil spill at Vigor Shipyard in Seattle while a vacuum skimmer removes visible oil from the water.

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· 27d

Approximately 90% of Monday's spill at Vigor Shipyard in Seattle has been cleaned using vacuum skimmers and oil absorbent material. Hard boom containment and sorbents will be in place until remaining oil is recovered, and the ship moves into dry dock. The cause of the spill is under investigation.

Hard boom and oil-absorbent materials keep an oil spill contained at Vigor Shipyard in Seattle while a vacuum skimmer removes visible oil from the water.

Hard boom and oil-absorbent materials keep an oil spill contained at Vigor Shipyard in Seattle.

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· 28d

We could get used to this view! 😍 (talking about the charger, obviously) Our Charge Where You Are: Connecting Washington grant program is accepting applications until July 23. Public & private entities interested in hosting level 2 & 3 EV charging stations may apply: ecology.wa.gov/about-us/pay...

Electric vehicle charging in a parking lot with mountains in the background.

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· 28d

We’re responding to a spill at Vigor Shipyards on Harbor Island in Seattle. Fuel was being removed from the naval vessel USS Sampson when a hose failure led to a discharge of an estimated 2500 to 5000 gallons of diesel to Elliott Bay, spilling into a pre-boomed area around the vessel.

Boom around the USS Samspon in Elliott Bay.

The stern of the USS Sampson, surrounded by boom.

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jul 6

Washington's air monitoring network once again saw spikes in particulate matter pollution related to fireworks, but recovery was swift! See where we spotted the most dramatic readings, and use our Air Quality Map to check current conditions near you: airqualitymap.ecology.wa.gov

A chart shows a spike in poor air quality during the 4th of July weekend. A meme of Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story says, "Fireworks pollution, fireworks pollution everywhere."

The Marysville air quality chart shows that our monitor captured the highest reading at 232. A meme of a shocked Pikachu is next to the chart.

The Walla Walla air quality map shows a jump in poor air quality. A meme of a smiling man says Sunnyside AQI 173 while a man standing menacingly behind him says Walla Walla AQI 177.

A sad animal is in front of a chart that shows the barge off Gas Works Park in Seattle hit the monitors harder than last year.

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jul 2

Almost every wildfire is started by a person. This 4th of July, don't let it be you. Know your area's firework restrictions, fully extinguish all campfires, and follow local burn bans. Read more about air quality conditions going into the holiday weekend: wasmoke.blogspot.com 🔗

A firefighter watching a wildfire burn trees at night.

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 26

Shared challenges require shared solutions. Yesterday, we signed a carbon market linkage agreement with CA and Québec so we can scale our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This is a major milestone in the linkage process and sets the stage for a historic climate partnership beginning 2027.

Director Sixkiller sits at a table with Governor Bob Ferguson while signing the linkage agreement. A group of people stand behind them smiling and observing.

Director Sixkiller smiles with a group of other climate leaders, including Governor Bob Fergson, Jay Inslee, and others.

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 25

Secured loads don’t just prevent litter. They prevent serious crashes. Unsecured loads cause over 300 collisions in Washington every year and nearly 40% of roadside litter. There were 324 crashes caused by unsecured loads in 2025 alone, and 13 of them caused injuries. And they were all preventable.

A piece of plywood from an unsecured load lodged in a shattered car windshield.

A large metal bar punctures the roof of a car down into the driver's seat.

A road worker diverts traffic to move a jetski that fell off of an unsecured trailer.

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 24

We are aware of and responding to a small plane crash into the Columbia River near Clover Island in Kennewick, WA. Spill responders have been deployed and are on the way with equipment to assist local first responders.

Map showing Columbia River with Clover Island in the middle of image.

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 22

Early this morning, the MV Skansonia, a former ferry converted to an event venue, began taking on water at its Lake Union berth in Seattle. We responded to the scene along with the Seattle Fire Department and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Large white vessel tied up to a slip is surrounded by white adsorbent boom. A Seattle Fire Department vessel is next to the former ferry. Two firefighters crouch on the dock near the boat.

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 22

WA loves compost! But no one loves the bits of plastic, paper, and even glass that sometimes get mixed in with commercially produced compost. We’re proposing a new rule to limit contamination and make sure organic material is recovered and reused as much as possible: ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...

Hands holding a pile of soil with vegetable scraps and eggshells in a compost pile.

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 18

Can we get an instant replay on the litter pickup? 🔁 Every year, you’ll see Ecology Litter Corps crews out picking up litter on our roadways. And since April, they have been teaming up with WSDOT, Adopt-a-Highway and others to do some extra cleanup for the World Cup.🏆⚽️ Talk about squad goals!

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 17

Beach update: Bay View State Park in Skagit County is now open for water recreation. Recent water testing shows low fecal bacteria levels and there is no public health risk from bacteria. Check the status of your local marine beach and find tips to reduce your risk of illness: ecology.wa.gov/beach

A green sign on a beach that says "Swimming beach water quality: This beach is monitored from Memorial Day to Labor Day to ensure bacteria levels in the water are safe enough for water contact."

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 17

We are aware of a grounded vessel at Edgewater Beach Park in Everett, and are coordinating with the vessel owner to mitigate pollution risk and develop a recovery plan. Please stay clear of the area as work continues.

Photo of a boat with a red bottom, white top, covered with a brown tarp grounded on the shore of a beach.

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 15

We issued a statewide drought declaration back in April and we get it — it can feel a little weird to talk about drought after a rainy winter. So, we’re answering your most-asked questions about drought, snowpack, and reservoirs 💬 let’s get into it!

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 12

As the weather gets warmer, it’s important to look out for algae blooms in your local lakes and rivers. The best way to keep you and your pets safe is to avoid water with visible algae, and follow any posted warnings and closures. If you see a bloom, give it room! ecology.wa.gov/blog/june-20...

A screenshot of a text conversation with the boss, where they ask for ways to remind people to avoid algae in lakes and rivers. The employee responds with a bunch of silly rhymes about algae.

Green, chunky algae floating in a pond with text that says “If it looks like pea soup, don’t touch the goop.”

A video of someone stirring slimy algae around in water, with text that says “If it’s slimy or scummy, don’t get chummy.”

Bright bluish-green algae floating in water with text that says “If it looks blue-green, don’t touch it queen.”

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 11

Bay View State Park beach in Skagit County has an advisory due to high fecal bacteria levels. High levels of fecal bacteria can make people sick. Please avoid contact with the water in this area. Stay up to date on the status of your local beach and learn how to avoid illness: ecology.wa.gov/beach

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 11

No gatekeeping here, of course we have bloopers 🎬 We had so much fun bringing these “secure your load” commercials to life. But let’s be real, no one had as much fun as Kevin, and we totally get it! Who wouldn’t happy dance after successfully tying down their stuff before driving away?

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 9

Do you own a home and qualify for an energy assistance program? We want to hear from you! 🏠 Join one of our focus groups on June 23, 24 or 29 to share your thoughts on energy use, bills and affordability. Participants may be eligible to receive a $100 gift card. Learn more: bit.ly/Energyfocusgroup

A graphic of a home with a light bulb and text: Hey homeowners, do you quality for an energy assistance or bill discount program? Join one of our focus groups! Share your thoughts on energy use, energy affordability, and get a $100 gift card for participating. Choose a virtual meeting that fits you schedule on June 23, 25, or 29.

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 4

Helping native plants thrive at the lake highkey passes the vibe check 🌿✨ Our kayak crews at Deep Lake in Millersylvania State Park are teaming up with Thurston County’s Noxious Weed Program and WA State Parks to remove invasive delta arrowhead and protect the lake’s ecosystem. 🚣

There is an image of people in kayaks cleaning up a lake. The millennial PR team would say, “Working with our partners at Thurston County and State Parks, we removed delta arrowhead, an invasive aquatic plant, to help restore biodiversity in Deep Lake at Millersylvania State Park. These collaborative projects help us keep Washington’s water clean and healthy for all.” The gen z social team would say, “locked in to clean the lake. this plant is cooked fr.”

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 3

What was the result? Connection amongst organics professionals, shared ideas and strategies to make progress, and a strengthened commitment to diverting organic waste from the landfill. 👏

A group of people sitting at tables applaud during a presentation.

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 3

We brought together local governments, haulers, facilities, nonprofit organizations, community partners, tribes, and organics generators to understand how we can support their unique needs and priorities.

People sit around a table and share their experience with reducing organic waste.

People happily sit in chairs and discuss organics.

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 3

That’s a wrap on our 2026 Organics Summits! 🌱 Over the past two months, we’ve been visiting each region of the state to discuss how food, yard, and other organic waste is impacting their communities and how to improve managing and reducing it. Who attended?

People sit around a table and discuss organics management.

A large group of people sit in a conference room around tables and watch a presentation.

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 3

We heard the internet loves fan edits. Did we do it right? 🔥 It's important to be #SmokeReady during wildfire season, and making a clean air fan is a cheap and easy way to keep your indoor air clean. All you need is a box fan, furnace filter, and bungee cord!

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 2

Read more about the health impacts of smoke here: wasmoke.blogspot.com/2026/06/its-...

A dog with adorably large ears lays in the grass. The text says, “Keep a plan: evacuation orders? Take me with you fur-ever!!”

A small white dog lays down with their eyes closed. The text says, “Ease your mind: take a paws and stay grounded.”

Washington State Department of Ecology@ecology· Jun 2

It’s #SmokeReady Week — time to learn about staying safe during the wildfire season! But don’t take it from us… listen to the wisdom of Ecology’s furry friends! 🐾