Environment | The JOLT News Organization, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

A map of the Tumwater Brewery District, which covers the area surrounding the former Olympia Brewery properties, as well as the area surrounded by Custer Way, Cleveland Avenue and Capitol Boulevard.

Firm hired to complete environmental impact statement for Tumwater Brewery District

The Tumwater City Council approved a $290,000 contract with BERK Consulting to complete a planned action environmental impact ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 11/5/26 | 2 comments

The 260-acre Capitol Lake, 5th Avenue dam, Port of Olympia, and South Puget Sound as seen on Thursday morning, Oct. 29, in downtown Olympia. Rafts of wigeons and other migratory birds could be heard from the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial.

Locals weigh in on Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project at public hearing

A handful of community members gave their input at a public hearing held on Wednesday evening, Oct. 28, in downtown Olympia on new ... more

By Janine Gates | Little Hollywood | 11/4/26 | 4 comments

The LOTT Clean Water Alliance presented its regional wastewater system map during a Lacey City Council work session on Oct. 27, 2026.

LOTT proposes $18M upgrade to Martin Way wastewater system

The LOTT Clean Water Alliance is preparing a major wastewater infrastructure upgrade in the City of ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 11/2/26 | 3 comments

Cameron Coronado, Senior Program Specialist with Public Works Environmental Services, unveiled the 2027 Water Resources calendar at an Olympia City Council meeting on Oct. 27, 2026.

Olympia unveils 2027 Water Resources calendar featuring student artwork

The Olympia City Council recognized middle school students for using their creativity to promote stormwater pollution prevention in the ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 11/2/26 | 4 comments

The steam plume from the TransAlta coal power plant outside Centralia, Wash. could formerly be seen from 30 miles away on cold, clear days. But it’s been absent since mid-December when the plant shut down for conversion to natural gas.

Idled coal power plant generates a natural gas fight near Centralia

The owner of the only remaining coal power plant in the Pacific Northwest is doggedly proceeding with a plan to extend its life by converting to ... more

By Tom Banse | Washington State Standard | 10/30/26 | 7 comments

LOTT Clean Water Alliance recognized the City of Lacey for 50 years of regional cooperation at a 50th anniversary celebration on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026.

LOTT Clean Water Alliance recognizes City of Lacey for 50 years of regional cooperation

The City of Lacey was honored for its longtime partnership with the regional wastewater utility serving Thurston ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 10/29/26

The Tumwater City Council approved the purchase of a 67.5-acre land as part of the city’s habitat conservation plan at a meeting on Oct. 20, 2026.

Deal for 67.5 acres of mitigation land moves ahead in Tumwater

The Tumwater City Council agreed to a $12 million purchase and sale agreement for 67.5 acres of property that's going to be part of the city’s habitat conservation ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/27/26 | 3 comments

A conceptual rendering of the 5th Avenue Bridge, looking north toward Budd Inlet.

County commissioners endorse Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project

A sweeping environmental project received the backing of the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners, as regional partners continue to ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 10/23/26 | 7 comments

Arborist Christine Johnson from Todd Prager and Associates said out of 10 possible defects for the Davis Meeker Garry oak tree, she identified 5 high-risk defects at a meeting of the Tumwater Historic Preservation Commission meeting on Oct. 15, 2026.

Commission directs Tumwater to accelerate treatment of Davis Meeker Garry oak tree

The Tumwater Historic Preservation Commission unanimously agreed to expedite treatment of the Davis Meeker Garry oak tree after ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/22/26 | 8 comments

Salmon recovery funding available for Nisqually Watershed

Grant proposals for salmon habitat restoration and protection projects in the Nisqually River Watershed are being sought by the Nisqually ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 10/14/26 | 3 comments

A presentation by Tumwater Water Resources and Sustainability Department Director Dan Smith showed the future progression of the Deschutes Estuary restoration project. He made his remarks at a Public Works Committee meeting on Oct. 8, 2026.

Tumwater committee advances Deschutes Estuary resolution

The Tumwater Public Works Committee backed a resolution reinforcing the city's support for the Deschutes Estuary Restoration ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/12/26 | 7 comments

Woodland Creek at Woodland Creek Community Park, which is located at 6729 Pacific Ave. SE in Lacey.

Lacey City Council approves partnership for Woodland Creek riparian restoration

State conservation workers will be hired to speed up a restoration effort at a park in Lacey following struggles to control invasive ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 10/8/26 | 2 comments

The Olympia Planning Commission endorsed proposed changes to the city’s Critical Area Ordinance at a meeting on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.

Olympia Planning Commission backs critical areas ordinance updates

The Olympia Planning Commission backed updates to the Critical Area Ordinance (CAO), which covers wetlands, streams, fish and ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 10/6/26 | 1 comment

The Cascade Pole site is located at the northern end of the Port of Olympia peninsula. The area is listed under the state’s Model Toxic Control Act due to contamination from past industrial wood treating operations.

Port of Olympia Commission authorizes contract amendments for Cascade Pole site cleanup, new headquarters

Contract amendments with firms involved with the cleanup of the Cascade Pole site, design of a new headquarters and auditing work passed muster ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/2/26 | 4 comments

A conceptual rendering of the 5th Avenue Bridge, looking toward Budd Inlet.

Port of Olympia Commission raises concerns over Deschutes Estuary communication

Port of Olympia Commission members criticized the lack of communication with the Washington State Department of Ecology ahead of a vote on ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/1/26 | 12 comments

The Olympia Site Plan Review Committee held a pre-submission conference on Wednesday Sept. 30, 2026, for the Port of Olympia’s proposed 32,500-square-foot expansion of its Swantown Boatworks yard.

Committee reviews Swantown expansion project from Port of Olympia

The Port of Olympia is proposing a 32,500-square-foot expansion of its Swantown Marina & Boatworks yard to increase capacity and improve ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 10/1/26 | 5 comments

The entrance to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission offices in Lacey.

PSE new rate hike proposal draws public ire at hearing in Lacey

The room was packed with a line out the door during the public comment hearing for a Puget Sound Energy rate proposal ... more

By Aspen Ford | Washington State Standard | 10/1/26 | 15 comments

LOTT Finance and Administration Director Justin Long presented the proposed 2027-28 Budget and Capital Improvements Plan during the LOTT Board of Directors meeting on Sept. 9, 2026.

LOTT proposes $146.1 million budget with higher wastewater rates

The LOTT Clean Water Alliance is proposing two consecutive annual wastewater rate increases, as part of a $146.1 million budget weighted ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/15/26

The Sea Level Rise Response Collaborative Executive Committee approved a work plan and budget for 2027-28 to advance efforts to prepare for rising sea levels, flooding and related climate risks around Olympia.

Sea Level Rise committee approves 2027-28 work plan

The Sea Level Rise Response Collaborative Executive Committee approved a work plan and budget for 2027-28 to advance efforts ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/9/26 | 11 comments

A view from the west of the proposed West Bay Yards development at 1210 West Bay Drive in Olympia.

Department of Ecology approves permit for West Bay waterfront development

A proposed mixed-use development on the West Bay of Olympia cleared another regulatory hurdle after the Washington State Department ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/4/26 | 19 comments