Southwest Region

Olympic mountains photo
Our Southwest Region (SWRO) includes Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston, and Wahkiakum counties.

Topics of interest in the Southwest Region

Puget Sound

Puget Sound is critical to our environment, culture, and economy. About two-thirds of the state’s population lives in the Puget Sound region. Our nation’s second largest marine estuary faces a number of challenges related to population growth and development, as well as habitat loss and multiple sources of pollution. Learn more about protecting Puget Sound.

Air quality issues

Do you use a wood stove to heat your home? Check to see if there is an air quality burn ban in your area. We also have information about how to use your wood stove more efficiently and the health affects of breathing smoke.

Beyond the bust: How Ecology spill responders ensure safety after illegal drug operations

How Ecology spill responders ensure safety after illegal drug operations.


When most people think of “spills,” they picture the Exxon Valdez or the Deepwater Horizon — massive catastrophes involving millions of gallons of crude oil. And those worst-case scenarios are absolutely something Ecology and our partners prepare for.

But our spill responders’ responsibilities go far beyond those doomsday events — and they don’t just involve oil, gas, and... Continue reading this blog...

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