Washington Ecology’s Actions Don’t Match Its Message, SFF Notes
Farm groups across the state are criticizing the Washington Department of Ecology for blocking routine water-right modifications.
washington state department of ecology
As Temperatures Warm, Watch For Algae Blooms
Washington health and environmental officials are urging people to be on the lookout for harmful algal blooms as temperatures start to warm.
Why Has Drought Been Declared In Washington?
Despite a wet winter, the snowpack is alarmingly low. The implications for our farms, fish, and families are significant.
Schmick: Farmers Should Not Pay Cap-And-Trade Fees
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...
Washington Ecology Looking At Changing Fees For Ag Businesses, Others
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...
Washington Dairies Continue To Challenge Ecology CAFO
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 ...
Ecology vs James Acquavella to Finally be Resolved
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.
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Columbia River Supply and Demand Forecast Shows Water Supply That will Be Strained
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.
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DOE Issues Burn Ban For Okanogan County
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...
Group Calling for Stronger CAFO Process
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.
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