State sets new water limits for toxins

OLYMPIA —The Washington State Department of Ecology has implemented new water quality rules to protect aquatic life from toxic chemicals, marking an update to the state’s environmental standards, recently.

These changes are based on the latest scientific research and recommendations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Tribal governments, and aim to safeguard species like fish and invertebrates from harmful pollutants.

The updated criteria set limits for 42 chemicals in both marine and freshwater environments, addressing immediate effects such as death and long-term impacts...