Ecology proposes new and updated limits for toxics in water

After three years,"Hope" the salmon returned to her home stream
in Lake Forest Park and died there before she could spawn.
(See previous article)

Comment period open through April 17, 2024

OLYMPIA – Washington’s waters could soon see more protective limits for dozens of toxic chemicals, meaning cleaner water and a healthier environment for all creatures that call our state’s rivers, streams, and Puget Sound home.

The Department of Ecology is proposing a major update to the state’s aquatic life toxics criteria. 

As part of the state’s rules for how clean state waters need to be, the aquatic life toxics criteria are designed to protect aquatic life, such as fish and invertebrates, from the effects of toxic chemicals in the water. 

The criteria include limits for marine and freshwater, and limits to protect aquatic life from both immediate (acute) effects, such as death, and long-term (chronic) effects, such as changes in growth and reproduction.

Currently, Washington has aquatic life toxics criteria for 28 toxic chemicals. 

Ecology is proposing to update the criteria for 16 these chemicals and add 14 more chemicals to the list for a total of 42. Well-known chemicals already on the list such as arsenic, copper, nickel, silver, zinc are receiving updates to better protect aquatic life from these chemicals. 

Proposed new additions to Washington’s list include PFOA and PFOS (part of the PFAS chemical group), aluminum, and the emerging chemical of concern 6PPD-quinone, the chemical that comes from tires and is toxic to salmon.

Washington’s last major update to these criteria was 30 years ago. Ecology is proposing these updates now based on updated science and new research, new methods and modeling tools, recommendations from EPA and Tribal governments, and public input encouraging Ecology to prioritize this work.

Once finalized by Ecology and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the updated criteria will become part of water quality permits and used to identify polluted waters that need cleanup plans.

Provide input

Ecology is accepting public comments on this rule through April 17, 2024. All rulemaking documents are available on the aquatic life toxics criteria rule webpage.

Submit comments online, by mail, or at a public hearing:

Comment online

Mail to:
Marla Koberstein
Department of Ecology
Water Quality Program
P.O. Box 47696
Olympia, WA 98504-7696

Public hearing
Ecology will hold virtual public hearings at:

• 1:30pm April 4, 2024 Register here
• 5:30pm April 10, 2024 Register here

Ecology will provide an overview of the proposed rule and hold a question-and-answer period, followed by public comment.

Learn more

Focus sheet on aquatic life toxics criteria rulemaking