Department of Ecology
| Average Annual FTEs | Near General Fund State | Other Funds | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in Thousands) | ||||
| Current Budget | 2,184.5 | 78,781 | 879,609 | 958,390 |
| 2025-27 Maintenance Level | 2,190.6 | 76,266 | 890,732 | 966,998 |
| Difference from 2025-27 Original | 6.1 | (2,515) | 11,123 | 8,608 |
| % Change from 2025-27 Original | 0.28% | (3.2%) | 1.3% | 0.90% |
2025 Policy Other Changes |
||||
| Litter Control & Market Development | 2.3 | 0 | 4,000 | 4,000 |
| Washington Fuel Report System | 0.80 | 0 | 1,316 | 1,316 |
| River Migration Mapping for Salmon | 1.2 | 378 | 0 | 378 |
| WQ Grant & Loan Administration | 2.3 | 0 | 604 | 604 |
| Small Oil Spills Prevention | 0.0 | 0 | 600 | 600 |
| Hanford Cleanup Support | 3.5 | 0 | 1,077 | 1,077 |
| Hanford Unit Closure & Construction | 1.8 | 0 | 418 | 418 |
| Air Quality Industrial Inspectors | 2.3 | 0 | 558 | 558 |
| Lead in Cookware | 2.1 | 0 | 419 | 419 |
| Reduce Toxic Tire Chemical Exposure | 16.1 | 0 | 8,504 | 8,504 |
| Bridge Point Settlement | 0.0 | 0 | 8,950 | 8,950 |
| Protecting Washington’s Shorelines | 4.5 | 0 | 1,317 | 1,317 |
| Laboratory Accreditation Auditors | 5.8 | 4,025 | (2,091) | 1,934 |
| Aquatic Permitting and Aquaculture | 2.3 | 0 | 671 | 671 |
| Implementing Climate Resilience | 3.5 | 0 | 580 | 580 |
| Water Resource & Climate Resilience | 3.0 | 0 | 1,197 | 1,197 |
| European Green Crab Research | 2.3 | 0 | 542 | 542 |
| Accelerating Floodplain Resilience | 2.3 | 0 | 1,122 | 1,122 |
| CCA Administration - RED | 0.0 | 0 | (3,000) | (3,000) |
| Fed Authority for BIL/IRA Grants | 9.1 | 0 | 83,620 | 83,620 |
| Environmental Justice Capacity | 6.9 | 0 | 1,586 | 1,586 |
| Solid Fuel Burning Devices | 1.2 | 0 | 406 | 406 |
| PFAS Response | 10.9 | 0 | 4,008 | 4,008 |
| Environmental Hazards Reporting | 0.90 | 0 | 400 | 400 |
| DES Training Fee Increases | 0.0 | 0 | 102 | 102 |
| Food Waste Reduction Grants | 0.0 | 0 | (1,000) | (1,000) |
| Surface Water Mapping | 0.0 | 0 | (3,000) | (3,000) |
| Photovoltaic Module Pgm Adjustment | 1.0 | 0 | 698 | 698 |
| Coastal Hazards Assistance | 0.0 | 0 | (2,000) | (2,000) |
| Salmon Recovery Projects (HRPP) | (1.2) | (262) | 0 | (262) |
| Shifts to CCA | 0.0 | (710) | 710 | 0 |
| Recycling Reform Act | 7.8 | 0 | 3,462 | 3,462 |
| Tribal Capacity Funding | 0.0 | 0 | (5,000) | (5,000) |
| Tribal Capacity Grant Adjustment | 0.0 | 0 | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| Offshore Wind Authorities Report | 2.6 | 0 | 816 | 816 |
| Offshore Wind Science Panel | 1.8 | 0 | 731 | 731 |
| 2025 Policy Other Changes Total | 97.1 | 3,431 | 115,323 | 118,754 |
2025 Policy Comp Changes |
||||
| WFSE General Government | 0.0 | 1,758 | 18,156 | 19,914 |
| Non-Rep General Wage Increase | 0.0 | 314 | 3,000 | 3,314 |
| Non-Rep Targeted Pay Increases | 0.0 | 87 | 266 | 353 |
| Updated PEBB Rate | 0.0 | (68) | (613) | (681) |
| PERS & TRS Plan 1 Benefit Increase | 0.0 | 28 | 272 | 300 |
| Pension Benefit Amortization | 0.0 | (104) | (994) | (1,098) |
| 2025 Policy Comp Changes Total | 0.0 | 2,015 | 20,087 | 22,102 |
2025 Policy Transfers Changes |
||||
| GSRO Direct Appropriation | 0.0 | (144) | 0 | (144) |
| 2025 Policy Transfers Changes Total | 0.0 | (144) | 0 | (144) |
2025 Policy Central Services Changes |
||||
| Archives/Records Management | 0.0 | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Audit Services | 0.0 | 2 | 11 | 13 |
| Legal Services | 0.0 | 260 | 693 | 953 |
| WTS Central Services | 0.0 | 53 | 406 | 459 |
| DES Central Services | 0.0 | 8 | 58 | 66 |
| OFM Central Services | 0.0 | 406 | 3,180 | 3,586 |
| GOV Central Services | 0.0 | 3 | 25 | 28 |
| 2025 Policy Central Services Changes Total | 0.0 | 733 | 4,379 | 5,112 |
| Total Policy Changes | 97.1 | 6,035 | 139,789 | 145,824 |
| 2025-27 Policy Level | 2,287.7 | 82,301 | 1,030,521 | 1,112,822 |
| Difference from 2023-25 | 103.2 | 3,520 | 150,912 | 154,432 |
| % Change from 2025-27 Original | 4.7% | 4.5% | 17.2% | 16.1% |
Policy Changes
Litter Control & Market Development
Investments in the state’s Recycling Market Development Center will continue its business accelerator program, furthering innovation in the recycling market. Additionally, funding will increase support to local governments, nonprofits, and state agency litter collection and prevention programs, including the cleanup of roadways and highway interchanges. (Waste Reduct/Recycle/Litter Control - State)
Washington Fuel Report System
The Clean Fuel Standard requires fuel suppliers to reduce the carbon intensity of their products by 20% below 2017 levels by 2038. The Washington Fuels Reporting System, the online market platform allowing entities to register for the program, report fuel transactions, and calculate compliance progress is built on aging technology. The Department of Ecology (Ecology) was provided funding to collaborate with the state of California on development of a new market platform system. California was delayed but now anticipates reinitiating the project by summer 2025. Funding unused during the 2023–25 biennium is provided again for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 so that Ecology has the resources needed to support the project. (Clean Fuels Program Account - State)
River Migration Mapping for Salmon
A State/Tribal Riparian Work Group on salmon recovery identified Channel Migration Zone mapping as a priority for habitat protection. Funding will allow Ecology to begin full-scale migration zone mapping (to be complete by 2030 or 2031), continue coordination with Tribes, agencies, and other community partners and provide ongoing technical assistance to Tribes and local governments. (General Fund - State)
WQ Grant & Loan Administration
This technical adjustment moves funding for two current FTEs for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan program from the capital budget to the operating budget, aligning funding for these positions with the rest of the funding and staff administering these loans. (Water Pollution Control Revol Admin - State)
Small Oil Spills Prevention
The Washington Sea Grant Small Spill Prevention Education Program targets small spills from commercial fishing vessels, ferries, cruise ships, ports, and marinas. Authorized in 1991, the program has not received an increase in funding since inception. New funding will allow the program to increase its ability to provide outreach throughout Washington on preventing oil spills. (Oil Spill Prevention Account - State)
Hanford Cleanup Support
In 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Ecology signed a new settlement agreement laying out a realistic and achievable course for cleaning up radioactive and chemical waste from underground tanks at the Hanford Site. Funding for five additional positions for permitting and engineering support necessary to ensure safe and effective cleanup operations will allow Ecology to support USDOE cleanup deadlines agreed upon in the settlement agreement. (Radioactive Mixed Waste Acct - State)
Hanford Unit Closure & Construction
New Dangerous Waste Management Units (DWMUs) will close at the Hanford site as required by closure plans. DWMU closure is an increasing workload, with 32 additional units that meet closure criteria. The Hanford Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order also requires construction of the Contact Handle Facility, a new group of DWMUs that will allow for processing, shipment, and disposal of radioactive and hazardous waste. Two new permitting and closure specialists will support permitting and oversight of DWMU closure and construction at Hanford. (Radioactive Mixed Waste Acct - State)
Air Quality Industrial Inspectors
Ecology inspectors monitor industrial facilities located across Central and Eastern Washington to ensure compliance with state and federal air quality regulations and permits. Two additional industrial inspectors will allow Ecology to meet inspection targets, improve compliance, protect air quality and public health, and ensure consistent application of pollution reduction strategies in overburdened communities highly impacted by air pollution. (Air Pollution Control Account - State)
Lead in Cookware
In 2024 the Legislature banned the manufacture, sale, and distribution of cookware that contain lead or lead compounds that exceeded five parts per million, effective January 1, 2026. Staff will develop compliance and testing programs, conduct outreach to cookware manufacturers and sellers, and educate consumers, especially those in overburdened communities, about the dangers of lead in cookware and how to purchase safer pots, pans, and bakeware. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)
Reduce Toxic Tire Chemical Exposure
Using one-time funding in both the current and previous biennia, Ecology addressed 6PPD and its transformation product, 6PPD-quinone, which is lethal to Coho salmon and other aquatic life. Ongoing funding is provided to continue the work, including identification of effective stormwater treatments, finding safer alternatives, monitoring the environment, and developing laboratory methods to analyze its presence in water and sediment. (Hazardous Waste Assistance Account - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State)
Bridge Point Settlement
The Department of Ecology has obtained settlement funding from developers of a large warehouse facility in South Tacoma to reduce air quality impacts on nearby communities. Ecology will establish a healthy indoor air program to provide improvements to residences and install an air monitoring station in the area most impacted by the warehouse operations. (General Fund - Local, General Fund - Private/Local)
Protecting Washington’s Shorelines
In 2023, the Legislature added climate change resilience and environmental justice goals to the state’s Growth Management Act and required updates be made to local comprehensive development plans and shoreline master programs. Ecology will provide support and guidance to municipalities to complete these new requirements, address implementation challenges, and build climate resilience. Four new staff will provide technical assistance, build review capacity, and support implementation of new shoreline master program provisions. (Natural Climate Solutions Account - State)
Laboratory Accreditation Auditors
Ecology’s Laboratory Accreditation Unit audits environmental and drinking water labs, which is part of the lab accreditation process to help ensure analyses are conducted properly, according to prescribed methods based on credible, defensible data. Funding for five auditor positions will allow Ecology to remain current on drinking water lab auditing schedules and continue to address a backlog of environmental lab audits. This item also shifts Ecology’s base funding for this work, so it aligns with where lab accreditation fees are deposited. (General Fund - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)
Aquatic Permitting and Aquaculture
Since March 2024, shellfish aquaculture projects that had previously been authorized by Nationwide Permit 48 now require Ecology to review, carry out a public notice, and issue a decision for each operation. Ongoing staff are provided to manage this new workload, safeguard Washington waters, and ensure project proponents understand and comply with water quality certification conditions. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)
Implementing Climate Resilience
The 2024 update to the state’s climate resilience strategy recommended a governance structure to support interagency coordination. Staff at Ecology will provide support for an ongoing state agency resilience workgroup and support capacity for and participation of overburdened communities, vulnerable populations, and Tribes. (Natural Climate Solutions Account - State)
Water Resource & Climate Resilience
People and fish in Washington state are competing for a shrinking water supply brought on by climate change just when salmon and other aquatic life need it most. Ecology will analyze data to further understand the impacts of climate change and population growth on the environment and water supply and undertake rulemaking to maximize the use of reclaimed water and address instream flows for the Wenatchee River Watershed. (Natural Climate Solutions Account - State)
European Green Crab Research
European green crab is an invasive species threatening Washington's coastal resources with long-term ecological and economic damage. Funding is provided to research the crab’s behavior to inform long-term strategic management and monitoring, helping natural resource managers better predict the crab’s impacts on coastal resources. (Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account - State)
Accelerating Floodplain Resilience
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers the National Flood Insurance Program to inform communities about flood risks. FEMA produces and updates flood risk maps, but many in Washington are out of date, which hinders the state’s ability to protect homes, businesses, and public infrastructure and slows and drives up costs for many salmon restoration projects. Staff resources are provided to update Washington flood risk maps, provide technical support to communities, and help move salmon recovery projects forward. (Natural Climate Solutions Account - State)
CCA Administration - RED
A one-time reduction in CCA administration funding to balance to available CCA auction revenue. The reduction will slow the implementation of some activities related to linkage. (Climate Investment Account - State)
Fed Authority for BIL/IRA Grants
Additional federal spending authority via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act will allow Ecology to leverage seven new funding opportunities that have been awarded as of August 1, 2024. This federal funding supports climate resilience projects on Washington coastlines, ambient air monitoring, assessment of toxics in fish, replacement of diesel school buses with electric buses, and assistance to businesses to reduce use and release of pollutants. (General Fund - Federal)
Environmental Justice Capacity
This item provides funding to fill capacity gaps in implementation of environmental justice requirements in the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act and state and federal environmental justice and equity mandates. Ecology has identified workload issues and challenges meeting deadlines and maintaining work quality. Staff resources are provided to meet statutory demands and embed expertise within specific environmental programs with the greatest need. (Climate Investment Account - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Waste Reduct/Recycle/Litter Control - State, other funds)
Solid Fuel Burning Devices
Wood smoke from residential wood heating (RWH) is the largest source of fine particle air pollution from human activity in Washington and has negative health impacts. Federal regulations are more protective than Washington’s outdated laws, creating challenges with regulating RWH devices in Washington. Through agency-request legislation, Ecology will align and clarify Washington’s RWH policies. Funding and resources are provided to update agency rules, review test results for new solid fuel burning devices, and develop a list of devices approved for sale in Washington. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Wood Stove Education/Enforcement - State)
PFAS Response
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of more than 12,000 synthetic organic chemicals used in many products. Recent significant regulatory changes have included new federal drinking water standards and proposed federal PFAS waste regulations that will affect some cleanup sites. Additional funding and staff resources are provided to enhance testing and monitoring of PFAS contamination throughout the state, identify sites requiring remediation and areas where clean drinking water is threatened, work to reduce or eliminate the use of PFAS by businesses around the state, and research PFAS in stormwater and municipal and industrial wastewater. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State)
Environmental Hazards Reporting
Communities impacted by environmental health inequities face disproportionate harms from environmental violations, systemic barriers to reporting, and access to determining whether any enforcement action was taken. The Department of Ecology will consult with state agencies, local governments, and community-based organizations to develop a report analyzing equity and accessibility considerations for environmental incident reporting and resolution and provide recommendations for changes and improvements. (Climate Commitment Account - State)
DES Training Fee Increases
The cost of procuring training from the Department of Enterprise Services and contracted instructors has increased due to rising administrative fees. To cover these increased costs, funding to continue providing training for Ecology staff is provided. (Climate Investment Account - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, other funds)
Food Waste Reduction Grants
Ongoing reduction of food waste reduction grants to balance to available CCA revenue. (Climate Commitment Account - State)
Surface Water Mapping
One-time reduction in funding for surface water mapping work to balance to available CCA revenue. This reduction will slow the development of updated hydrological maps for Washington state. (Natural Climate Solutions Account - State)
Photovoltaic Module Pgm Adjustment
The current photovoltaic module takeback program has yet to be implemented due to challenges manufacturers are having developing stewardship plans. Through Ecology agency request legislation, the agency will hire a contractor to facilitate, research, and lead a collaborative process with stakeholders to develop recommendations for necessary changes to the law. Funding is provided for the agency to coordinate the advisory process, research market data, and manage reporting and communications. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Photovoltaic Module Recycling Acct - Non-Appropriated)
Coastal Hazards Assistance
One-time reduction in funding for coordination and assistance to coastal communities for resilience to climate change. (Natural Climate Solutions Account - State)
Salmon Recovery Projects (HRPP)
Funding is removed for the completion of the four-year Habitat Recovery Pilot Program created by ESSB 1382 (Salmon recovery projects) in the 2021 session. (General Fund - State)
Shifts to CCA
Funding for zero-emission vehicle rulemaking support and participation on the interagency electric vehicle coordinating council are shifted from General Fund-state to the Climate Commitment Account. (Climate Commitment Account - State, General Fund - State)
Recycling Reform Act
Preventing and reducing waste and increasing recycling are important strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the use of landfills. This item funds the establishment of an extended producer responsibility program for certain packaging and paper and to expand recycling and reuse targets and minimum recycled content standards. (Waste Reduct/Recycle/Litter Control - State)
Tribal Capacity Funding
Reduction in available tribal capacity funding to in response to reduced CCA revenue. Reduction aligns total funding level with the amount available in the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium. (Climate Investment Account - State)
Tribal Capacity Grant Adjustment
One-time increase in available tribal capacity funding to allow projects started after January, 2025 may continue to completion. (Climate Investment Account - State)
Offshore Wind Authorities Report
Offshore wind development is on the rise in the United States, most recently on the West Coast. In coordination with five other agencies, Ecology will report on the potential siting and permitting of floating offshore wind energy projects in federal waters off Washington’s Pacific coast. (Climate Commitment Account - State)
Offshore Wind Science Panel
Offshore wind development is on the rise in the United States, most recently on the West Coast. Ecology will convene a Tribal-state science advisory panel to guide the advancement of scientific understanding of potential ecological impacts of floating offshore wind projects on Washington coastlines. (Climate Commitment Account - State)
WFSE General Government
Funding for bargaining includes a 3%/2% general wage increase, targeted job classification increases, wildfire disaster leave, expanded bereavement leave, and paid vaccine travel time during pandemic emergencies. The agreement also includes: an additional $1 per hour supplemental shift premium for eligible employees who are assigned to a facility that provides direct care to residents, patients, and/or clients and whose duties are performed on location on evenings and weekends; 5% premium pay for employees who are assigned to a 24/7 facility that provides direct care to residents, patients, at-risk youth, and/or clients and whose duties are required to be performed on location, which will be in effect for the 2025–27 biennium; three additional steps on the nurse salary schedule; and an increase to the annual lump-sum payment for employees in LNI risk codes 7200/7201 from $500 to $750. (General Fund - Federal, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, other funds)
Non-Rep General Wage Increase
Funding is provided for wage increases for state employees who are not represented by a union or are not under a bargaining agreement that is subject to financial feasibility determination. It is sufficient for a general wage increase of 3%, effective July 1, 2025, and a general wage increase of 2%, effective July 1, 2026. This item includes both general government and higher education workers. (General Fund - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, other funds)
Non-Rep Targeted Pay Increases
Funding is provided for classified state employees who are not represented by a union or not covered by a bargaining agreement subject to financial feasibility determination, for pay increases in specific job classes in alignment with other employees. (General Fund - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, other funds)
Updated PEBB Rate
This item adjusts the employer funding rate for public employee insurance benefits to reflect policy-level decision packages. It increases the rate by $8 per month in the first fiscal year and decreases the rate by $34 per month in the second fiscal year, compared to the maintenance-level update, for a total rate of $1,315 in the first year and $1,355 in the second year. (Recycled Content Account - Non-Appropriated, State Drought Preparedness Account - State, Wood Stove Education/Enforcement - State, other funds)
PERS & TRS Plan 1 Benefit Increase
An adjustment is made for pension contribution rates, including to fund a benefit increase of 3%, up to a maximum of $110 per month for eligible Public Employees' and Teachers' Retirement Systems Plan 1 members. (General Fund - Federal, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, other funds)
Pension Benefit Amortization
An adjustment is made to the base pension rates, as set out in a proposed bill addressing the calculation of the base rate for the 2025–27 biennium, as well as amortization of Plan 1 benefit increases. (RefrigerantEmissionManagementAcct - State, State Drought Preparedness Account - State, Wastewater Treatmt Plant Oper Cert - State, other funds)
GSRO Direct Appropriation
The Governor's Salmon Recovery Office (GSRO) was moved to RCO in the 2009 legislative session. This included the historic GSRO funding from interagency agreements with the Department of Ecology and Department of Fish and Wildlife. The three agencies have identified that a direct appropriation would be more efficient than continuing to maintain the agreements. This funding is to be used solely for the original intent of the agreements to direct support the GSRO operations and mission. (General Fund - State)
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, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State)
Audit Services
Adjustments are made for each agency's anticipated cost of audits performed by the State Auditor's Office. (General Fund - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, other funds)
Legal Services
Adjustments are made for each agency's anticipated cost of legal services provided by the Attorney General's Office. Because legal services expenditures are based on consumption, funding provided in the central service model is not all inclusive. The methodology to estimate consumption is a two-year average and allows for analysis to incorporate unique agency circumstances. (General Fund - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, other funds)
WTS Central Services
Adjustments are made to reflect each agency's anticipated share of charges from Washington Technology Solutions for the Office of Cybersecurity, state network, enterprise and small agency IT services, enterprise architecture and data management, Microsoft 365 licenses, and other items. (General Fund - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - 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 Capitol Campus costs; real estate, risk management, and small agency services; the Perry Street and Capitol Campus child care centers; enterprise applications, and other items. (General Fund - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, other funds)
OFM Central Services
Adjustments are made to reflect each agency's anticipated share of charges from the Office of Financial Management for existing statewide applications, the One Washington program, and other central services. See Chapter 11 of the 2025–27 OFM Budget Instructions for allocation methodologies. (General Fund - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, other funds)
GOV Central Services
Adjustments are made to reflect each agency's anticipated share of charges from the Office of the Governor for the Office of Equity. (General Fund - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, other funds)
