AGP Executive Report

Puget Sound Pollution: Washington Ecology cited Port Townsend Paper for two untreated-wastewater spills into Port Townsend Bay and is weighing penalties or corrective orders. Regulators are still investigating after former workers disputed the mill’s account of a November spill. Spill Enforcement: Ecology fined a Bremerton boat owner $279,000, saying he released 123 gallons of dyed diesel into the marina and tried to conceal it. Wildfire Recovery: The 172,906-acre Little Giant Fire is officially out, but recovery work is underway to address post-fire hazards to public safety, infrastructure and forest health. River Health: A new national report says nearly a quarter of U.S. river miles contain harmful atrazine levels, raising concerns about pesticide pollution in waterways.

Volcanic Ash: Strong winds lifted old ash from Mount St. Helens to 12,000 feet, prompting aviation warnings; officials said the plume did not signal renewed volcanic activity. Clean Energy: Washington’s debate over rising utility bills pits calls to ease permitting while keeping climate targets against proposals to extend clean-power deadlines and allow more natural gas. Air Quality: The state Ecology Department is taking its equipment on the road to study air pollution. Spill Enforcement: A Bremerton vessel owner was fined $279,000 for a fuel spill. Salish Sea: A Washington petition warns that a fast-tracked Canadian pipeline could bring more oil supertankers through the Salish Sea. Wildlife: Washington has one of the nation’s highest rates of whale entanglements, while reports also describe cruise ship collisions with whales. Flood Risk: New Skagit Valley maps show worsening flood conditions, underscoring growing risks for communities and infrastructure.

Air Quality: Washington’s Department of Ecology will use mobile monitors this winter to map pollution in more than 20 overburdened communities and participating Tribal Nations, tracking pollutants including fine particles, methane and toxic compounds. Wildlife Health: Yakima County has confirmed a human bird-flu case after exposure to infected dairy cows; officials say risk to the general public remains low. PAWS is also caring for 13 orphaned black bear cubs, a rising load for the state’s only facility permitted to rehabilitate multiple cubs at once. Spill Penalty: Ecology fined a Bremerton vessel owner $279,000 after 123 gallons of diesel entered the marina and investigators found he failed to report the spill. Mount Rainier: Researchers have installed temperature loggers near the summit to gather data on warming conditions. Marine Protection: Washington is among the states with the highest reported whale-entanglement rates, while a petition warns a fast-tracked Canadian pipeline could bring more oil tankers through the Salish Sea.**

River Fishing: Washington fish managers are considering allowing anglers to use two poles year-round for game fish on parts of the Snake and Columbia rivers. Salish Sea: A Washington petition is challenging Canada’s fast-tracked pipeline, warning that added oil tanker traffic could threaten the inland sea. Southern Resident Orcas: Tacoma sisters marked 365 days of cold-water plunges with a community swim, using daily social posts to raise awareness of the endangered whales. Coastal Wildlife: Washington is among the states with the highest rates of whale entanglements, according to a new report. Invasive Species: More than 2 million invasive green crabs have been captured along Washington shorelines. Flood Risk: New Skagit Valley maps show worsening flood conditions, underscoring the growing challenge facing communities in the valley.

Whales and Shipping: Washington ranks among the states with the highest rates of whale entanglement. Seattle’s cruise season also set a passenger record, renewing concerns about ship strikes and climate pollution. Invasive Species: More than 2 million invasive green crabs have been captured along Washington shorelines. Growth and Climate: Clark County adopted a 20-year growth plan with a new climate element and updated transportation standards. Coastal Work: San Juan County plans to replace toxic creosote pilings at Eastsound’s public dock with steel, starting in November. Water Safety: Wenatchee schools found 87 fixtures above the state’s lead action level; the district replaced them and is conducting follow-up testing. Agricultural Research: USDA and WSU opened a new Pullman research building for work including soil science and crop protection.

Cleaner Airport Design: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s expanded C Concourse uses all-electric heating and hot water, rooftop solar and energy-saving glass; the project is targeting LEED Platinum certification. Whale Protection: Washington accounted for 11.8% of reported Pacific whale entanglements in 2025. Olympia-based Cascadia Research Collective is the region’s only team authorized to lead full disentanglement responses. Invasive Species: Two million invasive green crabs have been captured along Washington shorelines, as state efforts to trap them continue. Flood Risk: New Skagit Valley flood maps show worsening conditions, underscoring the growing challenges facing communities along the river. Habitat Conservation: A $5 million plan will protect an Olympia-area forest, shoreline and rare cove.

Wildfire Recovery: Sen. Maria Cantwell and Washington’s congressional delegation are urging federal disaster aid for communities and public infrastructure damaged by Central and Eastern Washington’s summer wildfires. Invasive Species: More than 2 million European green crabs were trapped in Washington in the year through June—a record that more than doubled the previous year’s catch and raises concern for native crabs and shellfish. Coastal Wildlife: Washington is among the states with the highest rates of whale entanglements, according to a recent report. Forest Protection: New questions are being raised about whether Washington has enough funding to protect legacy forests, while a separate report describes worsening “larch madness” in the North Cascades. Flood Risk: New Skagit Valley flood maps show worsening conditions, underscoring the risks facing communities in the region. Drought: A Southwest Washington native-plant garden shows how extended dry conditions are stressing plants and leaving some unlikely to recover.

Hanford Cleanup: Newly produced grout from Hanford waste looks more like sand or clay than hardened concrete, prompting watchdogs to question federal descriptions and the safety of shipping it for long-term storage. DOE says the material meets treatment standards. Makah Waters: A new film documents the removal of more than 3,700 tons of marine debris from Neah Bay, including derelict vessels and a concrete-and-steel bridge pontoon. Flood Risk: New Skagit Valley flood maps show worsening conditions, sharpening concerns about protection for communities and infrastructure. Wildlife: Washington is among four states with the highest rates of whale entanglements, according to a new report. Conservation: A $5 million plan aims to protect an Olympia-area forest, shoreline and rare cove, while the public can weigh in on the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project. Urban Trees: Seattle’s tree cover fell 1.7% from 2016 to 2021; researchers say expanding canopy could bring health and environmental benefits.

Food Safety: Washington accounts for 24 of 32 reported Salmonella cases linked to broccoli seeds and sprouts; four companies have recalled products, and health officials say affected items should be discarded. Wildlife Health: Bird flu has been detected in a Kittitas County backyard flock and, for the first time, Washington dairy cattle. Officials say public risk is low and urge people to avoid sick or dead animals. Water & Restoration: The public can comment on the Deschutes Estuary restoration project. Separately, $40 million in state grants will support streamflow restoration across Washington. Wildlife: Washington is among four states with the highest rates of whale entanglements, a new report says. Climate & Flooding: New Skagit Valley flood maps show worsening conditions, while UW researchers are helping shape a roadmap for future climate assessments. Forests & Outdoors: Crowds chasing golden larches in the North Cascades are creating parking and safety problems along Highway 20. Earlier this week, a $5 million plan was announced to protect Olympia-area forest, shoreline and a rare cove.

Deschutes Estuary: Washington’s Ecology and Enterprise Services departments opened public comment through Nov. 9 on updated restoration plans, including new berms, bridge work and refined channel designs. Whale Entanglements: Washington accounted for 11.8% of reported Pacific whale entanglements in 2025, with nine confirmed cases. Olympia’s Cascadia Research Collective is the region’s only team federally authorized to lead a full disentanglement response. Flood Risk: Updated Skagit River flood maps warn that climate warming could make severe floods more frequent, while dams and levees may not protect communities from the worst events. Climate Research: Eight UW researchers joined 167 colleagues in a roadmap for future U.S. climate assessments, identifying research priorities after federal funding for the next assessment was canceled. Habitat and Water: Washington awarded $40 million in streamflow-restoration grants, while a separate $5 million plan will protect Olympia-area forest, shoreline and a rare cove.

Shellfish Safety: Washington postponed the razor-clam season after domoic acid levels rose to or exceeded health limits at coastal beaches; testing will continue before officials set new digging dates. Legacy Forests: State lands commissioner Dave Upthegrove has backed away from a plan to protect 77,000 acres of maturing forest, citing budget shortfalls that leave the Department of Natural Resources reliant on timber revenue. Wildlife: Drought and shrinking berry supplies are pushing Whatcom County bears toward lower elevations and neighborhoods; residents are urged to secure garbage, bird feeders and other food sources. River Restoration: Duwamish Alive volunteers are set to plant native species, remove invasive plants and clear river debris on Oct. 17, supporting habitat for salmon and other wildlife. Water and Habitat: Washington awarded $40 million in streamflow restoration grants, while a separate $5 million plan aims to protect an Olympia-area forest, shoreline and rare cove. More Local Concerns: The state continues efforts to trap invasive green crabs, and bird flu has been confirmed in Central Washington dairy cattle.

Shellfish Safety: Washington’s razor-clam season remains on hold after domoic acid levels rose; Long Beach samples reached 22 parts per million, above the 20-ppm safety limit. Wildlife and Habitat: State efforts to trap invasive green crabs continue, while a $5 million plan will protect an Olympia-area forest, shoreline and rare cove. Farm Health: H5N1 has been confirmed in two Yakima County dairy herds, the first known cattle cases in Washington. Seattle-area Construction: Sound Transit plans to remove about 120 trees along NE 145th Street for Stride bus rapid transit improvements, with new landscaping planned after construction. Wildfire Research: WSU and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratory are partnering on wildfire-prevention research.

Weather: Western Washington faces another frosty night, with inland valleys dipping below freezing and a second frost advisory in effect for Monday morning. Rivers and Forests: Washington is directing $40 million in streamflow-restoration grants to rivers, while a separate $5 million plan aims to protect an Olympia-area forest, shoreline and rare cove. Wildlife and Fisheries: Bird flu has been confirmed in two Yakima County dairy herds, the first known cattle cases in the state. Razor clam digging remains postponed because of marine toxins, and the Stillaguamish River is closed to fishing through Nov. 2. Energy and Coasts: Walla Walla’s proposed Amazon data center is drawing protests and local debate, while Washington residents are being urged to oppose a proposed oil pipeline and supertankers in the Salish Sea.

Wildfire Prevention: WSU and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories are teaming up on fire-prevention research, including the goal of developing technology that can predict fires days ahead. Habitat Protection: A $5 million plan aims to protect an Olympia-area forest, shoreline and rare cove, while Washington also announced $40 million in grants for streamflow restoration across the state. Invasive Species: State crews removed 2.1 million European green crabs from July 2025 to June 2026; counts rose in most management areas. Farm and Coastal Health: Avian flu was detected in two Yakima County dairy herds, Washington’s first known cattle cases. Razor clam digs on state beaches were postponed after marine toxins spiked. Wildlife: A southern resident orca was seen carrying her dead newborn calf off Washington, renewing concern for the endangered population. Clean Energy: The Museum of Flight is installing nearly 2,000 solar panels.

Wildfire Prevention: WSU and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories are teaming up on research that could help predict fires days in advance, combining expertise in weather, geology and restoration. Invasive Species: Washington removed 2.1 million European green crabs from July 2025 to June 2026, but counts rose in most management areas. Habitat Protection: More than 218 acres near Olympia, including rare Hudson Cove estuary and 2.5 miles of shoreline, are now permanently protected. Salmon: WDFW closed the Stillaguamish River to recreational fishing through Nov. 1 after protected Chinook numbers reached a closure threshold. Flood Resilience: Everson received $500,000 to plan a flood wall around its wastewater plant, which was submerged in last year’s flooding. Clean Energy: Seattle’s Museum of Flight is planning to install nearly 2,000 solar panels.

Wildlife and Farms: Washington confirmed its first cases of avian flu in dairy cattle, with infections found in two Yakima County herds. River Restoration: The state awarded $40 million in grants for projects to restore streamflow in rivers across Washington. Coastal Health: Razor clam digging was postponed on Washington beaches after marine toxin levels rose. A powerful El Niño is also pushing up coastal sea levels, potentially worsening winter flooding. Salmon and Orcas: Fall salmon are returning to Kitsap streams, though early counts vary by watershed. A southern resident orca was seen carrying a dead newborn calf. Energy and Industry: Protests are growing over proposed AI data centers in Washington and their electricity demands, while residents are urged to oppose the Pacific Link Pipeline and tanker traffic in the Salish Sea.