Pollution Analyst
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State · TRI 2024

Washington Pollution

259 TRI facilities, 2,403 public water systems, and 69 Superfund / NPL sites across 30 counties. Statewide TRI releases rose modestly year over year (+7%). Toxic releases concentrations have fallen 28% since 2010.

FIPS 53 · population 7,705,281 · 39 counties total

Top counties Top facilitiesPathwaysEquity context
PM2.5 ANNUAL MEAN (NAAQS 9 ΜG/M³ (ANNUAL)) · 2010–2024
Bar chart of annual values from 2010 to 2024, in µg/m³. Most recent year (2024): 6 µg/m³.10 µg/m³'10'12'14'16'18'20'22'246 µg/m³
Anomaly engine

Notable Signals At The State Level

LONG-ARC REGRESSION · LONG-ARC SHIFT

TRI water releases

TRI water releases at Washington have risen 74% since 2010 (through 2024).

Where the burden sits

County-Level TRI Choropleth

A color-shaded map of pollution data. Darker counties report more pounds of toxic chemicals released to the EPA's Toxics Release Inventory (TRI).

Shaded by total reported releases for 2024. Counties without a published page render as “no TRI data”. Red dots mark this state's top emitters.

STYLE
TRI total releases (lbs/yr)
LOW → HIGH
Statewide pollutant pathways

Washington Pollutant Multi-Year Trends

CRITERIA AIRSINCE 2010

PM2.5 annual mean (NAAQS 9 µg/m³ (annual))Health riskFine inhalable particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller. They travel deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream — linked to asthma, heart disease, stroke, and premature death.

5.82 µg/m³ · -21% YoY · -44% since 2010

PM2.5 annual mean (NAAQS 9 µg/m³ (annual)) concentrations have fallen 44% since 2010.

CRITERIA AIRSINCE 2010

PM2.5 24-hour 98th percentile (NAAQS 35 µg/m³ (24-hour))Health riskFine inhalable particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller. They travel deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream — linked to asthma, heart disease, stroke, and premature death.

18.03 µg/m³ · -22% YoY · -40% since 2010

PM2.5 24-hour 98th percentile (NAAQS 35 µg/m³ (24-hour)) concentrations have fallen 40% since 2010.

CRITERIA AIRSINCE 2010

Ozone 8-hour 4th-highest daily max (NAAQS 0.070 ppm (8-hour))Health riskGround-level ozone (smog) forms when vehicle and industrial emissions react in sunlight. Inflames the airways, triggers asthma attacks, and worsens heart and lung disease.

0.058 ppm · -0% YoY · -1% since 2010

Ozone 8-hour 4th-highest daily max (NAAQS 0.070 ppm (8-hour)) concentrations are roughly unchanged from 2010.

CRITERIA AIRSINCE 2010

NO₂ annual mean (NAAQS 53 ppb (annual))Health riskA tailpipe and combustion gas. Concentrates near busy roads and industrial sites; raises risk of airway inflammation, asthma, and lower respiratory infections in children.

12.4 ppb · -2% YoY · -41% since 2010

NO₂ annual mean (NAAQS 53 ppb (annual)) concentrations have fallen 41% since 2010.

HAZARDOUS AIR2020 VINTAGE

Lifetime cancer risk all pollutants (100 in a million (EPA elevated threshold))Health riskEPA-modeled added cancer cases per million residents from a lifetime of breathing local air toxics. EPA flags 100-in-a-million as elevated.

30.0 per million · 2020 vintage

Single-vintage exposure modeling — EPA cadence is multi-year, so no trend line yet.

HAZARDOUS AIR2020 VINTAGE

Formaldehyde ambient mean (0.077 µg/m³ (1-in-a-million URE))Health riskAn air toxic emitted by refineries, wood products, and combustion. EPA classifies it as a known human carcinogen — long-term inhalation raises cancer risk.

1.26 µg/m³ · 2020 vintage

Single-vintage exposure modeling — EPA cadence is multi-year, so no trend line yet.

HAZARDOUS AIR2020 VINTAGE

Benzene ambient mean (0.13 µg/m³ (1-in-a-million URE))Health riskAn air toxic from gasoline, refineries, and tobacco smoke. A known human carcinogen — chronic exposure is linked to leukemia and other blood cancers.

0.28 µg/m³ · 2020 vintage

Single-vintage exposure modeling — EPA cadence is multi-year, so no trend line yet.

TRI AIRSINCE 2010

TRI air releases (5.1 fugitive + 5.2 stack)Health riskToxic chemicals reported by industrial facilities as released into the air — fugitive leaks plus smokestack emissions. Higher pounds means more inhaled exposure for nearby residents.

5.0M lb · +2% YoY · -43% since 2010

TRI air releases (5.1 fugitive + 5.2 stack) concentrations have fallen 43% since 2010.

TRI WATERSINCE 2010

TRI water releases (5.3)Health riskToxic chemicals reported by industrial facilities as discharged to surface waters (rivers, lakes, the ocean). Affects fishing, recreation, and downstream drinking-water intakes.

3.5M lb · +9% YoY · +74% since 2010

TRI water releases (5.3) concentrations are up 74% since 2010.

TRI LANDSINCE 2010

TRI land + off-site releasesHealth riskToxic chemicals released to land on-site or transferred off-site for disposal — landfills, deep-well injection, and similar. Risks groundwater contamination over time.

7.6M lb · +9% YoY · -35% since 2010

TRI land + off-site releases concentrations have fallen 35% since 2010.

GHGSINCE 2010

Greenhouse gases (GHGRP large emitters, through 2023)Health riskGreenhouse gases reported by large industrial emitters under EPA's GHGRP, in metric tons of CO₂ equivalent. Drives climate warming and the heat-related health effects that follow.

135M metric tons CO₂e · +2% YoY · +47% since 2010

Greenhouse gases (GHGRP large emitters, through 2023) concentrations are up 47% since 2010.

Top counties · TRI 2024

Washington Counties With Most Chemical Releases

Methodology →

CountyPopulationFacilitiesTotal releasesYoYTop chemical
Benton CountyFIPS 53005207,56094.7M lb+7%Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)Health riskDrinking-water nitrate causes methemoglobinemia ('blue-baby syndrome') in infants; EPA MCL is 10 mg/L as N. (EPA)
Adams CountyFIPS 5300120,55722.3M lb+66%Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)Health riskDrinking-water nitrate causes methemoglobinemia ('blue-baby syndrome') in infants; EPA MCL is 10 mg/L as N. (EPA)
Cowlitz CountyFIPS 53015110,621172.2M lb+10%MethanolHealth riskAcutely toxic if ingested or inhaled. Metabolizes to formaldehyde and formic acid, causing blindness and metabolic acidosis. (EPA)
Walla Walla CountyFIPS 5307162,15041.1M lb+84%MethanolHealth riskAcutely toxic if ingested or inhaled. Metabolizes to formaldehyde and formic acid, causing blindness and metabolic acidosis. (EPA)
Whatcom CountyFIPS 53073226,52312787k lb-11%Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)Health riskDrinking-water nitrate causes methemoglobinemia ('blue-baby syndrome') in infants; EPA MCL is 10 mg/L as N. (EPA)
King CountyFIPS 530332,254,37157771k lb-35%Manganese And Manganese CompoundsHealth riskExcess inhalation can cause manganism, a Parkinson-like neurological disorder. (ATSDR)
Pierce CountyFIPS 53053918,99328672k lb-26%Nitric acidHealth riskStrong corrosive irritant to skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. (NIOSH)
Yakima CountyFIPS 53077256,1436536k lb+16%Zinc compoundsHealth riskGenerally low acute toxicity. Chronic high-dose exposure disrupts copper absorption and immune function. (ATSDR)
Kitsap CountyFIPS 53035275,4113479k lb-53%Copper compoundsHealth riskInhaled copper fumes cause metal-fume fever; chronic ingestion above EPA's 1.3 mg/L action level damages the liver. (EPA)
Skagit CountyFIPS 53057129,48010461k lb+12%Sulfuric acid (acid aerosols including mists, vapors, gas, fog, and other airborne forms of any particle size)Health riskAcid mists are an IARC Group 1 carcinogen via inhalation (laryngeal cancer) and corrosive on contact. (IARC)
Top facilities · TRI 2024

The Largest Individual Emitters In Washington

Methodology →

FacilityCityTop chemicalTotal releasesYoY
Lamb Weston INC Richland FacilityLamb Weston INCRichlandNitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)Health riskDrinking-water nitrate causes methemoglobinemia ('blue-baby syndrome') in infants; EPA MCL is 10 mg/L as N. (EPA)3.3M lb+18%
Mccain Foods USA INCMccain Foods USA INCOthelloNitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)Health riskDrinking-water nitrate causes methemoglobinemia ('blue-baby syndrome') in infants; EPA MCL is 10 mg/L as N. (EPA)2.2M lb+69%
Westrock Longview LLCSmurfit Westrock US Holding CoLongviewMethanolHealth riskAcutely toxic if ingested or inhaled. Metabolizes to formaldehyde and formic acid, causing blindness and metabolic acidosis. (EPA)1.1M lb+22%
Boise White Paper LLCPackaging CORP Of AmericaWallulaMethanolHealth riskAcutely toxic if ingested or inhaled. Metabolizes to formaldehyde and formic acid, causing blindness and metabolic acidosis. (EPA)999k lb+106%
Nutrien US LLCNutrien US Topco LLCKennewickNitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)Health riskDrinking-water nitrate causes methemoglobinemia ('blue-baby syndrome') in infants; EPA MCL is 10 mg/L as N. (EPA)955k lb-4%
Nippon Dynawave Packaging CO.Nippon Paper Industries Co LTDLongviewHydrochloric acid (acid aerosols including mists, vapors, gas, fog, and other airborne forms of any particle size)Health riskAerosolized HCl is a corrosive respiratory irritant; chronic exposure damages teeth and respiratory tissue. (NIOSH)755k lb-0%
US Navy Psns & Imf - Bremerton Site & Naval Base KitsapUS Department Of DefenseBremertonCopper compoundsHealth riskInhaled copper fumes cause metal-fume fever; chronic ingestion above EPA's 1.3 mg/L action level damages the liver. (EPA)460k lb-55%
Port Townsend Paper CorpAtlas Holdings LLCPort TownsendMethanolHealth riskAcutely toxic if ingested or inhaled. Metabolizes to formaldehyde and formic acid, causing blindness and metabolic acidosis. (EPA)417k lb+5%
Bp Cherry Point RefineryBp Products North America INCBlaineZinc compoundsHealth riskGenerally low acute toxicity. Chronic high-dose exposure disrupts copper absorption and immune function. (ATSDR)368k lb-7%
US Doe Hanford SiteUS Department Of EnergyRichlandNaphthaleneHealth riskIARC Group 2B possible carcinogen; causes hemolytic anemia, especially in infants. (IARC)354k lb+83%
Water utilities to watch

Largest Water Systems With Unresolved Health-Based Violations

Sorted to surface utilities serving the most people that still have an active health-based SDWIS violation on the record. Systems in compliance with no unresolved issues fall to the bottom of the ranking.

Methodology →

Water systemPWSIDPopulation servedHealth-based · 5yrStatus
Lynden Water Department MunicipalWA534915017,9693UNRESOLVED
Grandview City Of MunicipalWA532897011,0101UNRESOLVED
Yak Co - Terrace Heights MunicipalWA53060298,4103UNRESOLVED
Mattawa City Of MunicipalWA53520005,3704UNRESOLVED
Westport Water Department MunicipalWA53953005,34610UNRESOLVED
Warden City Of MunicipalWA53928504,6741UNRESOLVED
Long Beach Water Department MunicipalWA53480004,6289UNRESOLVED
White Salmon City Of MunicipalWA53963504,0772UNRESOLVED
Water District 19 MunicipalWA53389003,7232UNRESOLVED
Eastsound Water Users Association PrivateWA53221703,7113UNRESOLVED
Superfund / NPL sites

Federal Cleanup Sites In Washington

Sites on EPA's Superfund National Priorities List, plus deleted sites whose cleanup objectives EPA has finalized. Federal-facility sites (defense, DOE, etc.) are flagged separately. Each link routes to a per-site page.

Methodology →

SiteCityStatusFederal facilityPrimary contaminant
American Lake Gardens/Mcchord AfbLakewoodNPL FINALFEDERAL(2-Methyl-2-Propanyl)BenzeneHealth riskIARC Group 1 carcinogen. Long-term inhalation causes leukemia and bone-marrow disorders. (IARC, EPA)
Bangor Naval Submarine BaseBangor BaseNPL FINALFEDERAL1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene
Bangor Ordnance Disposal (Usnavy)Bangor BaseNPL FINALFEDERAL2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene
Boomsnub/AircoVancouverNPL FINALNo1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane
Bremerton GasworksBremertonNPL FINALNo—
Centralia Municipal LandfillCentraliaNPL FINALNoArsenicHealth riskIARC Group 1 carcinogen via inhalation and ingestion. EPA MCL 10 µg/L; chronic exposure causes skin, lung, bladder cancer and cardiovascular disease. (IARC, EPA, ATSDR)
Colbert LandfillSpokaneNPL FINALNo1,1,1-TrichloroethaneHealth riskMethyl chloroform. CNS depressant; ozone-depleting substance phased out under Montreal Protocol. EPA MCL 200 µg/L. (EPA, ATSDR)
Commencement Bay, Near Shore/Tide FlatsTacomaNPL FINALNoCopperHealth riskInhaled copper fumes cause metal-fume fever; chronic ingestion above EPA's 1.3 mg/L action level damages the liver. (EPA)
Commencement Bay, South Tacoma ChannelTacomaNPL FINALNo1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
Fairchild Air Force Base (4 Waste Areas)Fairchild AFBNPL FINALFEDERALTrichloroetheneHealth riskTCE. IARC Group 1 carcinogen — kidney cancer; suspected liver cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. EPA MCL 5 µg/L; common DNAPL groundwater plume contaminant. (IARC, EPA, ATSDR)

Showing the top 10 sites by status priority. 59 additional NPL-relevant sites in Washington have entity pages — browse them via the host-county or host-city page rollups.

Equity context · ACS 2018-2022 · USEPA-clone EJ disparity

Statewide Population Characteristics

All Washington block groups: 7,705,281 residents. Statewide disparity score for pm2.5 (fine particulate) sits below the reference (78). Why we surface this →

State-level percentiles are aggregated from block-group EJScreen data. The EJ pattern within the state will be sharper at the county level — drill down for the meaningful spatial detail.

POPULATION SHARE
9.9%

Low-income

POPULATION SHARE
34.5%

People of color

POPULATION SHARE
6.1%

Under age 5

POPULATION SHARE
16.0%

Over age 64

NATIONAL PERCENTILE · vs all US block groups (population-weighted; ranked against the national EJScreen indicator distribution)

Methodology →

  • PM2.5 (fine particulate)Health riskFine inhalable particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller. They travel deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream — linked to asthma, heart disease, stroke, and premature death.83in the highest 20% nationally
  • OzoneHealth riskGround-level ozone (smog) inflames the airways. Even short exposures trigger asthma attacks and worsen chronic lung and heart disease.6below the national median
  • Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)Health riskA tailpipe and combustion gas. Concentrates near busy roads and industrial sites; raises risk of airway inflammation, asthma, and lower respiratory infections in children.37below the national median
  • Diesel particulateHealth riskSoot from diesel engines (trucks, trains, ports, construction). EPA classifies it as a likely human carcinogen and a major driver of childhood asthma near freight corridors.78above the national median
  • Toxic releases (RSEI)Health riskEPA's Risk-Screening Environmental Indicators score — weights TRI chemical releases by toxicity, where they go, and how many people are nearby. Higher means greater modeled cancer and chronic-health risk.70above the national median
  • Traffic proximityHealth riskPopulation-weighted distance to high-volume roads. Living close to heavy traffic raises exposure to PM2.5, NO₂, and diesel exhaust — and the cardiovascular and asthma risks that follow.60near the national median
  • Lead-paint risk (pre-1960 housing)Health riskShare of housing built before 1960, when lead-based paint was common. Dust from deteriorating paint is the leading cause of childhood lead poisoning, which permanently impairs cognitive development.56near the national median
  • Superfund site proximityHealth riskPopulation-weighted distance to NPL Superfund sites — the most contaminated waste sites in the country. Nearby groundwater, soil, and air can carry industrial solvents, metals, and other long-lived contaminants.85in the highest 20% nationally
  • RMP-facility proximityHealth riskDistance to facilities holding chemicals at quantities large enough to require an EPA Risk Management Plan (refineries, fertilizer plants, etc.). These pose acute exposure risk during accidental releases.65above the national median
  • Hazardous-waste site proximityHealth riskDistance to RCRA hazardous-waste handlers (treatment, storage, disposal facilities). Indicates potential exposure to industrial chemicals in air, soil, and groundwater.68above the national median
  • Underground storage tanksHealth riskDensity of underground tanks (gasoline, heating oil, industrial fluids). Leaking tanks are a leading source of benzene and other volatile organic compounds in groundwater drinking-water supplies.84in the highest 20% nationally
  • NPDES wastewater proximityHealth riskDistance to permitted industrial wastewater dischargers. Closer proximity raises exposure to pollutants released into surface waters used for fishing, recreation, and downstream drinking-water intakes.66above the national median
  • Drinking-water non-complianceHealth riskEPA score for public water systems with health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violations. Higher means more residents on systems that recently exceeded safe limits for contaminants like lead, arsenic, or nitrate.80above the national median
EJ disparity scores · population-weighted, all state block groups (100 = national reference; higher = greater disparate burden) · Methodology →
IndicatorDisparity scoreReading
PM2.5 (fine particulate)78below the reference
Ozone15well below the reference
Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)45well below the reference
Diesel particulate70below the reference
Toxic releases (RSEI)52below the reference
Traffic proximity57below the reference
Lead-paint risk (pre-1960 housing)45well below the reference
Superfund site proximity54below the reference
RMP-facility proximity57below the reference
Hazardous-waste site proximity59below the reference
Underground storage tanks62below the reference
NPDES wastewater proximity24well below the reference
Drinking-water non-compliance15well below the reference

Source: Census ACS 2018-2022 (5-year) + USEPA-clone EJ blockgroup stats (raw indicators + EJ disparity mirror). EJ disparity scores via the USEPA-clone GitHub mirror after EPA deprecated the public EJScreen tool in 2025; demographics from Census ACS.

Browse

All 30 Washington Counties With TRI Data

Pollution trends and TRI 2024 pages for every tracked county. Alphabetical.

Sources.