Department of Ecology

  Average Annual FTEs Near General Fund State Other Funds Total Funds
  (Dollars in Thousands)
Current Budget 1,856.7 87,232 567,384 654,616
2021-23 Maintenance Level 1,836.6 88,661 574,100 662,761
Difference from 2021-23 Original (20.1) 1,429 6,716 8,145
% Change from 2021-23 Original (1.1%) 1.6% 1.2% 1.2%

2022 Policy Other Changes

Clean Energy Permit Assistance 1.2 350 0 350
CCA - Air Quality Monitoring 4.6 1,378 549 1,927
Tribal Capacity CCA Implementation 1.3 4,232 0 4,232
Reduce Nutrients in Puget Sound 1.8 550 439 989
Hanford Dangerous Waste Inspections 0.60 0 145 145
Support Brownfields Clean-up 0.0 0 500 500
Shoreline Aerial Photography 0.0 200 0 200
Reduce Food Waste & Prevent Litter 0.0 0 1,800 1,800
Abandoned Mine Lands 1.2 0 352 352
Protect State Waters from Toxics 2.9 0 714 714
Affordable Housing Clean-up Program 1.2 0 330 330
Certifying Financial Responsibility 0.90 0 287 287
Land Use and Groundwater 1.3 407 0 407
Water Quality Permit Systems 0.0 0 500 500
Pollution Prevention Assistance 1.2 0 684 684
Improved Stream Mapping 2.3 901 0 901
Illegal Drug Operations Waste 4.4 0 1,583 1,583
Spill Response Vehicles & Equipment 0.0 0 662 662
Prioritize and Complete Clean-ups 3.5 0 916 916
Laboratory Accreditation Auditors 1.8 0 513 513
UST/LUST Inspection/Cleanup Backlog 4.1 0 1,757 1,757
Oil Spill Contingency Planning 1.2 0 333 333
Legacy Pesticide Pollution 1.2 0 290 290
Implement Climate Commitment Act 7.2 856 1,450 2,306
WCC Community Support 0.0 738 0 738
Hazardous Waste & Toxics IT Systems 0.60 0 204 204
Greenhouse Gas Assessments 1.1 538 0 538
Water Banking Pilot Budget Shift 0.0 (9,000) 0 (9,000)
MTCA Shift Reversal 0.0 4,296 (4,296) 0
Riparian Standards 0.60 162 0 162
Improve Shoreline Management 3.5 896 0 896
Centennial Clean Water Increase 1.2 264 0 264
Channel Migration Zone Mapping 0.0 164 0 164
Green Infrastructure Projects 1.8 500 0 500
Water Code Advisory Group 1.2 709 0 709
Toxic Tire Wear in Stormwater 4.1 0 1,382 1,382
Increase Local Stormwater Capacity 0.0 0 4,000 4,000
Reclaimed Water Usage 0.60 234 0 234
Hydropower Compliance Assistance 2.0 557 0 557
Address Toxic Tire Wear Chemical 0.0 0 1,322 1,322
Clean Water Project IIJA Investment 2.3 0 692 692
2022 Policy Other Changes Total 62.9 8,932 17,108 26,040

2022 Policy Comp Changes

State Employee Benefits 0.0 1 6 7
WFSE General Government 0.0 741 5,651 6,392
Rep Employee Health Benefits 0.0 4 30 34
Non-Rep General Wage Increase 0.0 118 944 1,062
PERS & TRS Plan 1 Benefit Increase 0.0 18 141 159
2022 Policy Comp Changes Total 0.0 882 6,772 7,654

2022 Policy Central Services Changes

Archives/Records Management 0.0 1 11 12
Audit Services 0.0 1 4 5
Legal Services 0.0 136 352 488
CTS Central Services 0.0 57 432 489
DES Central Services 0.0 1 12 13
OFM Central Services 0.0 227 1,783 2,010
2022 Policy Central Services Changes Total 0.0 423 2,594 3,017
Total Policy Changes 62.9 10,237 26,474 36,711
2022 Policy Level 1,899.5 98,898 600,574 699,472
Difference from 2021-23 Original 42.8 11,666 33,190 44,856
% Change from 2021-23 Original 2.3% 13.4% 5.8% 6.9%

Policy Changes

Audit Services

Adjustments are made for each agency’s anticipated cost of audits performed by the State Auditor’s Office. (Water Quality Permit Account - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, General Fund - State)

Legal Services

Adjustments are made for each agency's anticipated cost of Attorney General's Office legal services based on a three-year average. Because legal services costs are based on usage, funding provided in the central service model is not all inclusive. (Water Quality Permit Account - State, General Fund - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, other funds)

DES Central Services

Adjustments are made to reflect each agency’s anticipated share of charges from the Department of Enterprise Services for campus rent, parking, security and contracts; capital project surcharges; financing cost recovery; public and historic facilities; real estate services; risk management services; personnel service rates; the Perry Street and Capitol Campus child care centers; small agency services; and the department’s enterprise applications. See the 2021-23 Budget Instructions for allocation methodologies. (General Fund - State, Radioactive Mixed Waste Acct - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, other funds)

OFM Central Services

Adjustments are made to reflect each agency’s anticipated share of charges for existing statewide applications, the One Washington program, and other central services provided by the Office of Financial Management. See the 2021-23 Budget Instructions for allocation methodologies. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, General Fund - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, other funds)

WFSE General Government

The collective bargaining agreement includes a general wage increase of 3.25% for fiscal year 2023 and a lump sum payment for employees who were employed continuously starting on or before July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. (General Fund - Federal, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, General Fund - State, other funds)

Clean Energy Permit Assistance

The permit process for clean energy projects is very complex, involving local, state and federal requirements, engagements with interested parties, and analysis and documentation. Funding for new staff to enhance clean energy siting and provide technical assistance will help guide applicants through the permit process. Permit assistance will support clean energy projects, contribute to low-carbon economic development, and support good in-state jobs. (General Fund - State)

CCA - Air Quality Monitoring

The Climate Commitment Act requires expansion of air pollution monitoring in overburdened communities which have disproportionally carried the impacts of climate pollution and other air pollutants. Funding provides an additional investment in air pollution monitoring to measure and improve air quality in these communities. (General Fund - State, Climate Investment Account - State)

Tribal Capacity CCA Implementation

Funding is provided for grants to Tribal governments to support their review and consultation regarding projects and programs funded by the Climate Commitment Act. (General Fund - State, Climate Investment Account - State)

Reduce Nutrients in Puget Sound

The health of Puget Sound is significantly degraded by human sources of excess nutrients that cause low dissolved oxygen, disrupt the food chain, and imperil our orca and salmon populations. In fiscal year 2020, Ecology developed a nutrients general permit for Puget Sound wastewater treatment plants to reduce nutrient pollution in Puget Sound. Funding is provided for staff to administer the permit and provide technical assistance to permittees. (General Fund - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State)

Hanford Dangerous Waste Inspections

The U.S. Department of Energy will activate six new mixed-waste facilities at Hanford in 2022, including a new waste treatment plant designed to treat 56 million gallons of mixed radioactive/hazardous waste. Ecology is required to complete annual inspections of mixed-waste facilities located at Hanford, which help identify and correct any issues that otherwise could lead to a leak or spill of hazardous chemicals or radiation. Funding is provided for additional staff to complete the required inspections for these new facilities. (Water Quality Permit Account - State, Radioactive Mixed Waste Acct - State)

Support Brownfields Clean-up

Thousands of properties in Washington, many of which are in underserved, rural, and/or disadvantaged communities, are confirmed or suspected to be contaminated with hazardous substances and are awaiting investigation and cleanup. To facilitate clean-up and encourage reuse of properties in these communities, ongoing funding is provided for the department to offer assessment or limited clean-up of selected properties with high redevelopment potential. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Shoreline Aerial Photography

Ecology’s database of shoreline aerial photos is an important tool used by resource managers for managing thousands of miles of marine and freshwater shorelines throughout the state. They provide important data for ongoing implementation, evaluation, and improvement of local shoreline master programs, allowing for a better understanding of development patterns, locations of critical habitats, and ecosystem changes over time. It has not been updated since 2016. Funding supports the collection of 15,000-20,000 new aerial photographs of Washington’s 3,300 miles of marine shorelines and approximately 1,000 miles of large river and lake shorelines throughout the state. (General Fund - State)

Reduce Food Waste & Prevent Litter

Food waste and litter are two of the challenges facing communities throughout the state. In 2019, the Legislature passed the Food Waste Reduction Act, which established a statewide food waste reduction goal and required the development of a food waste reduction plan to reach those targets. Funding is provided for the department to implement an initial recommendation from this plan to develop a series of food waste reduction campaigns. Funding also will be used to support the expansion of litter prevention campaigns. (Waste Reduct/Recycle/Litter Control - State)

Abandoned Mine Lands

Washington has a legacy of mining activity that has led to hundreds of abandoned mines across the state, most of which are in remote areas, are contaminated with heavy metals, and pollute nearby surface water. To make real progress in cleaning up these sites, staff resources are provided to develop and implement strategies to reduce this backlog of contaminated sites. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Protect State Waters from Toxics

Toxic pollutants discharged from contaminated sites during construction or industrial land use threaten our ability to protect human health and keep Washington waters clean for salmon and other uses. Funding will provide the support needed to address toxics in stormwater runoff from industrial and contaminated sites and get properties back into use sooner for affordable housing, economic redevelopment, public access, and overall economic vitality. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Affordable Housing Clean-up Program

Washington is in dire need of affordable housing across the state. Whether in an urban or rural setting, contamination or suspicion of contamination drives up the costs of housing development. Ecology issues grants through the capital budget to support investigation, redevelopment planning, and clean-up of properties for construction of affordable housing. This item funds the ongoing development and management of this grant program to provide permanent technical assistance and formal oversight to facilitate clean-ups related to affordable housing. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Certifying Financial Responsibility

The transportation, storage and handling of oil and other hazardous substances across Washington presents risk of a significant and costly spill, putting people and the environment at risk. Funding is provided for the department to conduct rulemaking to implement existing statutory requirements on certain oil handling vessels and facilities to demonstrate a defined level of financial responsibility to pay the costs of a potential spill. (Oil Spill Prevention Account - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Land Use and Groundwater

Groundwater in the lower Yakima Valley aquifer, the principal drinking water source for over 56,000 residents, is contaminated with elevated concentrations of nitrate. A plan for reducing groundwater nitrate contamination in the area was finalized in 2019. Funding and staff resources are provided to support implementation of several recommendations from that plan. This includes analyzing soil samples, developing and implementing projects to determine effective land-use best management practices, and providing outreach and education to area residents regarding changes that are needed to reduce nitrate contamination. (General Fund - State)

Water Quality Permit Systems

Ecology’s information technology systems that support water quality permit coverage and monitoring reports are outdated and inefficient. Currently, compliance data is not properly submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency, making permitted facilities appear out of compliance at an alarming rate. Funding is provided to make critical improvements to the usability and reporting accuracy of these permitting systems. (Water Quality Permit Account - State)

Pollution Prevention Assistance

Ecology provides funding to local governments to provide hands-on technical and regulatory assistance to small businesses. Specialists help businesses to manage their waste properly, remove toxic chemicals from their facilities and work processes, and keep stormwater free from pollution. Most of this technical and financial assistance occurs in western Washington. Funding is provided to offer this assistance to three new health districts in eastern Washington, and provide the staffing needed to continue effectively managing the program as it expands. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Improved Stream Mapping

Growing and protecting trees in riparian areas along the state’s rivers and streams safeguards water quality, supports healthy habitat for fish and wildlife, and builds resilience for our communities. Current stream-mapping inaccuracies prohibit a statewide riparian assessment and monitoring program. To better monitor the health of our riparian buffers, funding is provided to identify the technologies, methodologies, datasets, and resources needed to refine and maintain the accuracy of the National Hydrography Dataset for Washington. (General Fund - State)

Illegal Drug Operations Waste

Ecology supports law enforcement agencies by managing dangerous waste found at illegal drug operations. The number of these responses has increased significantly over the last five years, and as a result, so too has the amount of dangerous waste temporarily stored at Ecology facilities. Increased funding will allow the agency to continue to support law enforcement agencies with collection of dangerous waste from these sites and meet the requirements for safe storage and disposal of this hazardous material. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Spill Response Vehicles & Equipment

Ecology responds to statewide oil and other hazardous substance spills on a year-round, 24 hours a day basis and requires specialized vehicles and equipment to safety and successfully do this work. Funding will allow for the timely replacement and acquisition of the unique safety equipment and response vehicles necessary to ensure that department spill responders are outfitted to respond and contain dangerous spills of hazardous materials quickly, safely, and effectively. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Prioritize and Complete Clean-ups

Several hundred new contaminated sites are reported to Ecology each year, exceeding the number of sites the agency can clean up and increasing the backlog of clean-ups that need to occur. The extent of the toxic threats to human health and the environment at most of the state’s contaminated sites has not been assessed. Funding supports the implementation of a new site hazard assessment and ranking process designed to assess and rank the potential hazards at a reported location more quickly and accurately. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Laboratory Accreditation Auditors

Audits of drinking water laboratories accredited by the department are required every three years to meet the federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards, which are critical to ensuring municipal drinking water is safe for consumption. A 2021 audit by the Environmental Protection Agency found a number of laboratories have not been audited in accordance with this requirement. Increased funding will allow staff to conduct the needed audits to bring all of Washington’s drinking water laboratories up to date on accreditation. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

UST/LUST Inspection/Cleanup Backlog

Ecology regulates almost 9,000 underground tanks that store over three billion gallons of fuel each year. Without proper operation and maintenance, leaks can contaminate soil and groundwater and may remain in the environment for decades if not cleaned up. The Environmental Protection Agency reported in an 2019 audit that the Department of Ecology is at risk of not meeting required inspection timelines for these underground tanks, putting community and environmental health at risk. This funding supports additional clean-up project managers needed to oversee the clean-up of more than 2,600 known contaminated leaking underground storage tank sites throughout Washington. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Underground Storage Tank Account - State)

Oil Spill Contingency Planning

The U.S. Coast Guard announced on October 27, 2020 that it will no longer recognize the Northwest Area Contingency Plan as the master spill contingency plan for emergency response, which has served as the region’s contingency plan for over 20 years. Funding is provided for Ecology to develop new state emergency response plans for the Puget Sound and Columbia River areas and integrate them with the plans now being used by our federal partners. Doing so will prevent costly delays in coordination in the event of an emergency, such as a significant oil spill. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Oil Spill Prevention Account - State)

Legacy Pesticide Pollution

Widespread lead and arsenic contamination from pesticide use on historic orchard lands impact nearly 115,000 acres in central Washington. Communities in this area are facing challenges as contaminated orchard lands are transitioned to new uses like housing developments, schools, and other business ventures. Funding is provided for the department to develop an area clean-up strategy, model clean-up remedies, and soil banks. A local education campaign to increase public awareness and understanding of pesticide contamination and how to reduce the risk of exposure will also be undertaken. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Implement Climate Commitment Act

The 2021 Climate Commitment Act (E2SSB 5126) establishes a comprehensive program to reduce carbon pollution and achieve greenhouse gas limits. It directs Ecology to develop rules to implement a cap on carbon emissions. Considerable changes to the bill late in the 2021 legislative session led Ecology to be underfunded in fully implementing the new law. This item provides the funding necessary to ensure full implementation in the 2021-23 biennium. (Climate Investment Account - State, General Fund - State)

WCC Community Support

Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) collaborates with local organizations to complete environmental stewardship projects statewide. WCC’s cost-share requires partners to fund 75 percent of crew costs, and the remaining 25 percent is funded with state appropriations and an AmeriCorps grant. This cost-share works well for most programs, but it presents barriers for organizations in under-resourced areas. To further the state’s goals around environmental justice, funding is provided for a two-year period to provide five WCC crews for projects with no cost-share requirement in areas of the state where assistance is most needed. (General Fund - State)

Hazardous Waste & Toxics IT Systems

Two of Ecology’s IT systems, used to collect information on hazardous waste generation and toxics in consumer products, are in need of enhancements to meet increased complexities of federal reporting regulations and to ensure compliance with new state laws. Department staff are already over-extended in managing the systems’ current functionality, preventing implementation of needed system improvements and the program from offering technical assistance to reporting businesses. Funding for additional IT staff and contract resources is provided to enhance and maintain these two critical reporting systems. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Greenhouse Gas Assessments

Funding is provided for the department to complete rulemaking for assessing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel and industrial projects. Complications resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the rulemaking process, which had intended to be finalized by September 2021. Ongoing funding will support rule implementation and provide technical assistance to SEPA-lead agencies and projects that will be subject to the new rule. (General Fund - State)

Water Banking Pilot Budget Shift

In 2021, the Legislature appropriated funding in both the operating and capital budgets for Ecology to administer the pilot grant program for water banking. Having grant funding in both budgets creates challenges in being able to effectively use the funding to meet local water needs. Funding is shifted to the capital budget to ensure that the department can effectively administer the funding for this pilot grant program. (General Fund - State)

MTCA Shift Reversal

Programmatic funding was shifted to the Model Toxics Control Operating Account (MTCA) from General Fund-State in the 2021-23 biennial budget. This item shifts the funding back to reflect reduced available revenue in the Model Toxics Control Operating Account. (General Fund - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Riparian Standards

The governor is proposing legislation to set a riparian zone standard which will advance riparian protection and restoration needs for salmon recovery. Funding is provided for the department to support the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in developing the riparian standard and compliance practices through rulemaking. The department will be tasked with enforcement of the riparian standard when it goes into effect. (General Fund - State)

Improve Shoreline Management

Enforcement of permits issued under the Shoreline Management Act ensures protection of fragile and unique shoreline environments, preserves public use and enjoyment of shorelines, and ensures proper implementation of shoreline land use decisions. Many local governments lack capacity for consistent follow-through on compliance with shoreline management permits. Funding will provide technical support to local jurisdictions and enforcement capacity to incorporate salmon recovery into the Growth Management Act and Shoreline Master Program regulations. (General Fund - State)

Centennial Clean Water Increase

The enhancement of riparian zones along the state’s rivers and streams is needed to improve water quality and salmon habitat in priority-impaired watersheds. The department will identify and implement new tools and incentives to encourage landowners to engage and participate in riparian protection. Funding is provided for the department to administer grants funded in the 2022 supplemental capital budget for specific best management practices that are eligible under the Centennial Clean Water program. (General Fund - State)

Channel Migration Zone Mapping

Channel migration zone (CMZ) maps, which depict the areas in a floodplain where a stream or river channel can be expected to move naturally over time are not available for all watersheds. Accurate and available CMZ maps are needed to monitor the successful protection of riparian zones across the state. Funding is provided to identify standardized mapping methodology and to offer support for Tribes, counties, and local jurisdictions to refine existing CMZ maps with local information. (General Fund - State)

Green Infrastructure Projects

Funding will support design and management of green infrastructure projects funded in the 2022 supplemental capital budget. These projects will capture and store excess water during times with high stream flows, and then release the stored water during periods of critical low flows, with the goal of improving base streamflow and temperature conditions in rivers and streams draining to Puget Sound. This program will also boost stream flows for critical periods, improve water quality, support salmonid recovery and provide other environmental benefits. (General Fund - State)

Water Code Advisory Group

Washington’s water laws have not been adapted to the increasing demands for water in the context of climate change and population growth. Various water code impediments prevent effective water and water right management necessary to balance the needs for fish, farms, and people. Funding is provided for the department to convene an advisory group to develop recommendations for how to modernize state water law to include salmon needs for adequate stream flows and cool water. (General Fund - State)

Toxic Tire Wear in Stormwater

Untreated stormwater containing high concentrations of 6PPD chemical compounds from tire wear pose a significant risk to the health of Coho salmon. Funding is provided to study the ability of stormwater systems to filter out this toxic tire dust and develop best management practices to treat contaminated stormwater. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Increase Local Stormwater Capacity

An increase in local stormwater capacity grants helps to fill gaps in local stormwater management with an emphasis on meeting new permit requirements to address toxic pollutants in stormwater. Successful management of stormwater helps to protect marine ecosystems that support healthy salmon and orca populations. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Reclaimed Water Usage

Reclaimed water is a reliable and drought-resistant source of water with beneficial uses like irrigation, groundwater recharge, and increases of surface water. As Washington counties and cities plan for population growth and build resiliency for climate impacts, reclaimed water can be a fundamental part of managing wastewater and creating safe and sustainable water supplies. The department will develop implementation guidance and increase state support to local jurisdictions to encourage reclaimed water use in areas with deficient water flows and temperatures for salmon. (General Fund - State)

Hydropower Compliance Assistance

Ongoing funding is provided to participate in the review of non-federal hydropower dam license renewals and new hydropower license applications to address fish passage requirements and identify mitigation solutions. (General Fund - State)

Address Toxic Tire Wear Chemical

Recently a class of chemicals from tire wear have been identified as being particularly toxic to Coho salmon. Funding will allow the department to conduct a safer alternatives assessment of the 6PPD chemical compounds used in tires and evaluate the toxicity of potential alternative materials on Coho and other species. Funding for staffing and contractual support will provide materials science expertise and collection of industry data necessary to evaluate the feasibility of alternatives. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Clean Water Project IIJA Investment

Additional federal support for the department’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund is anticipated from the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act recently passed by Congress. Additional staff are provided to manage the influx of new federal funding which provides low-interest loans for wastewater treatment construction projects, eligible nonpoint source pollution control projects, and other eligible "green" projects. (Water Pollution Control Revol Admin - State)

State Employee Benefits

Health insurance funding is provided for state employees who are not covered by the healthcare coalition. The insurance funding rate is $936 per employee per month for fiscal year 2022 and $1,130 per employee per month for fiscal year 2023. (General Fund - Federal, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, other funds)

Rep Employee Health Benefits

Health insurance funding is provided as part of the master agreements for employees who bargain for health benefits as part of a coalition of unions. The insurance funding rate is $936 per employee per month for fiscal year 2022 and $1,130 per employee per month for fiscal year 2023. (General Fund - State, General Fund - Federal, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, other funds)

Non-Rep General Wage Increase

A general wage increase of 3.25%, effective July 1, 2022, is provided for state employees who are not represented by a union or who are covered by a bargaining agreement that is not subject to financial feasibility determination. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, General Fund - State, other funds)

PERS & TRS Plan 1 Benefit Increase

For eligible Public Employees' and Teachers' Retirement Systems Plan 1 members, this item provides an increase of 3%, up to a maximum of $110 per month. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, General Fund - Federal, other funds)

Archives/Records Management

Adjustments are made for each agency's anticipated share of charges for archives and records management services provided by the Secretary of State's Office. (General Fund - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, other funds)

CTS Central Services

Adjustments are made to reflect each agency's anticipated share of charges from Consolidated Technology Services (CTS) for the Office of the Chief Information Officer, Office of Cyber Security, state network, enterprise services, small agency IT services, security gateways, and geospatial imaging services. See the 2021-23 Budget Instructions for allocation methodologies. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, General Fund - State, other funds)