Washington Water Supply Update

The Washington State Department of Ecology has issued an update on the ongoing drought conditions, noting critically low snowpack levels for the 2026 water year. The update highlights concerns for future water availability, particularly for the Yakima Basin, and advises water conservation.

DEC Forest Rangers Report on Rescues and Wildfires

New York State DEC Forest Rangers reported on their activities in 2025, including 362 search and rescue missions and 202 wildfires. The report also details specific rescue incidents from February 2026, highlighting the rangers' role in public safety and law enforcement.

DEC Forest Rangers - 2025 Actions and Deployments

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released a review of Forest Ranger actions in 2025, detailing 362 search and rescue missions, 2025 wildfires, and over 1,100 arrests and tickets. The report also highlights deployments to other states and specific rescue incidents.

DEC Environmental Justice Listening Session Announced

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced an environmental justice listening session to be held in Plattsburgh on March 11, 2026. This session is part of a series aimed at enhancing engagement with communities facing environmental justice concerns and prioritizing future outreach efforts.

DEC Conducts Prescribed Fire at Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced it will conduct a prescribed burn at Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area. The burn, planned for February 27, 2026, aims to improve wetland habitat by controlling invasive Phragmites.

DEC Environmental Justice Listening Session in Elmira

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced an environmental justice listening session in Elmira on March 17, 2026. This session is part of an ongoing series to enhance engagement with communities with environmental justice concerns and to prioritize future outreach efforts.

Illinois EPA Funding for Emerging Contaminants in Drinking Water

The Illinois EPA announced over $40 million in grant funding for small or disadvantaged communities to address emerging contaminants like PFAS and Manganese in drinking water. Applications are due by August 31, 2026, with a maximum award of $15 million per applicant.

Illinois EPA Issues Health Advisory for 6:2 FTS in Groundwater

The Illinois EPA has issued a health advisory for 6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (6:2 FTS) in groundwater, based on sampling of community water supplies. This advisory provides a guidance level for the chemical, which lacks a specific groundwater standard, and supplements existing PFAS advisories.

Illinois EPA Notifies Dupo Water System of PFOS Detection

The Illinois EPA has notified the Village of Dupo Community Water System that recent sampling detected PFOS at 4.5 parts per trillion, exceeding the federal MCL and state groundwater quality standard of 4 ppt. The notice triggers Right-to-Know requirements for the water system to inform its customers of the detection and potential exposure risks.

Illinois EPA Notifies Elburn Water System of PFOA Detection

The Illinois EPA has notified the Elburn Community Water System that PFOA was detected in groundwater samples at levels exceeding federal and state standards. The notice triggers Right-to-Know requirements for the water system to inform its customers about the detection and potential exposure risks.