washington state department of ecology

A Washington state lawmaker has introduced legislation to provide fuel rebates to farmers impacted by new climate policies.  When Governor Jay Inslee’s cap-and-trade bill passed two years ago, it contained an exemption for fuel used to produce and transport farm goods.  However, seve...

The Washington Department of Ecology has proposed changes to its fees for the air quality registration program.  The air quality registration program tracks emissions and the effectiveness of pollution controls at 530 facilities in central and eastern Washington.  It...

Dairies across Washington continue to challenge the Department of Ecology’s updated CAFO permit.  Dan Wood with the Washington state Dairy Federation said they have several issues with the way Ecology’s CAFO permit reads.  He said a CAFO permit should demonstrate protection done by farmers to keep ground and surface water clean.  But Wood added DOE ...

It only took 40 years, but the adjudication of Department of Ecology vs. James Acquavella, et all appears to nearing an end.   A final decree was proposed earlier this month that would include a draft schedule of water rights to be confirmed over the next eight months.  ...

The Washington Department of Ecology published their final draft of the 2016 Columbia River Supply and Demand Forecast.   The forecast, which is intended to guide all aspects of water management in the Columbia River Basin, show Central and Eastern Washington could see an 18% increase in demand for water, both in municipal and domestic needs.  ...

The Washington Department of Ecology has issued a Stage 1 burn ban for Okanogan County, which runs through, 4 p.m. Friday.  However, DOE notes the ban can be extended beyond that if conditions don’t improved.  The ban was issued because of poor air quality and light winds.  Under a Stage...

Homeowners from the Yakima Valley were part of a demonstration in Seattle yesterday calling for stronger regulations in the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFO, permit process.   Director of Environment Washington Bruce Speight said they are submitting more than 3,000 comments requesting stronger guidelines to the permit after what he says was an outcry from various communities.  ... R

The Washington State Department of Ecology announced the adoption of a new clean water rule Monday that they say will safeguard the state’s people and economy.   Special Assistant to the Directory Kelly Susewind said it will have minimal impacts on the ag community.   “...

The Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association and the Washington Department of Ecology have partnered together to launch a voluntary certification program.  The Farmed Smart Certification is for farms where dryland crops are grown and managed in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way.  St...

Farmers often use fire as a way to manage waste and other parts of their operation, but they need to plan ahead to ensure they are in compliance with Department of Ecology regulations.   Unit Manager for Outdoor Burning and Monitoring Kary Peterson says while there are some exceptions, most burning requires a permit for air quality reasons.  ...