U.S. EPA Northwest Region

10/16/2026

Regional Administrator Emma Pokon spent time in Southeast Alaska connecting with local partners and highlighting the powerful link between community-driven environmental protection and strong local economies.

She toured the deepwater port of Ward Cove, where a former pulp mill now serves as a welcome center for visitors to the area. During this trip, the Regional Administrator also attended the Alaska Southeast Conference—where she underscored EPA’s commitment to clean air, water, and soil. ✨🌲🌊

10/15/2026

Happy Children’s Health Month America! From reducing exposure to lead and PFAS, to improving air and water quality in local communities, the Trump EPA this October is highlighting OVER 100 ACTIONS we have taken to keep our nation’s children safe and Make America Healthy Again. Read more about our efforts to safeguard human health and the environment for our nation’s future generations here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/trump-epa-celebrates-childrens-health-month-100-actions-protect-nations-most-precious

10/15/2026

In September, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency signed the first ever Good Samaritan permit for Trout Unlimited, Inc.’s cleanup and restoration project for the Bodie Mine Site in Okanagan County, Washington. This is the very first project under the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024 to clean up contamination from abandoned hardrock mines. Partial funding was also provided by EPA’s Columbia River Basin Restoration program.

The pilot program demonstrates how EPA can minimize permit red tape for low-risk projects and empower local partners who understand the needs of their communities to take meaningful action at long‑abandoned sites. EPA’s Good Samaritan program shields willing third parties from significant liability risks, while ensuring federal and state environmental standards are followed.

Read EPA’s full announcement of the project at epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-approves-first-ever-good-samaritan-program-permit-clean-bodie-mine-site.

10/08/2026

EPA is on the road in Alaska this week. Regional Administrator Emma Pokon and OLEM Senior Advisor Tom Croci are visiting the Prudhoe Bay area to see the start of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.

They observed demonstrations of the facility’s emergency response and preparedness capabilities. EPA, state, and local partners are ready to respond when emergencies occur because of preparation like this and our cross-agency partnerships.

10/08/2026

This September, Regional Administrator Emma Pokon traveled across our region strengthening partnerships, supporting wildfire recovery, and highlighting community-driven environmental protection.

Swipe through to see how RA Pokon championed common-sense environmental stewardship, economic growth, and community partnerships that protect clean air, land, and water for everyone.

10/07/2026

🛡️🌎 R10 teams across the region worked with Indigenous leaders, partners, and other agencies to tackle mining impacts, advance cleanups, and celebrate restoration milestones in the Pacific Northwest.

10/06/2026

✨ Exploring the path toward cleaner air, land, and water while supporting responsible American energy and mineral production.

At Blackbird Mine Superfund site—we’re focused on long‑term protections: managing contaminated water, improving treatment systems, monitoring rising groundwater, and ensuring strong financial safeguards for the future. EPA remains committed to science‑based decisions and firm accountability as we evaluate next steps.

10/05/2026

🛡️🔥Its Fire Prevention Week at EPA!

Did you know that prescribed fires are a planned, carefully managed tool used to reduce excess vegetation, improve ecosystem health, and lower the risk of high-severity wildfire?

Unlike wildfire, prescribed fires can be planned around weather and smoke dispersion conditions, giving agencies more control over when burns occur and how smoke is managed.

To learn more about wildfire smoke, visit www.fire.airnow.gov.

This map shows fine particle pollution (PM2.5) from wildfires and other sources. It provides a public resource of information to best prepare and manage wildfire season. Developed in a joint partnership between the EPA and USFS led AirFire team. Develop...

10/02/2026

Region 10 recently joined a roundtable to discuss both challenges and opportunities with solid waste management across Alaska.

Many Alaskan communities face challenges with solid waste infrastructure; the vast size and diverse geography of the State present unique challenges that don’t always allow for a one size fits all solution. We are grateful to Sen. Murkowski for inviting us to share the progress happening across Alaska—and for continuing the conversation about how stakeholders can leverage opportunities to support communities statewide.

10/01/2026

A major project to improve transportation infrastructure, reduce flood hazards, and restore salmon productivity 🐟 is underway at the📍Big Quilcene River on the northeastern Olympic Peninsula!

The project is led by the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe and The Salmon Center with support from Jefferson County, WA Government and several state and federal sources. EPA provided funding for design work that helped meet critical project deadlines.

Learn how EPA's Puget Sound Recovery National Program Office supports projects like this to improve and protect Puget Sound: epa.gov/puget-sound