Environment
Focus Areas
The Port’s Environmental Planning & Programs Department strives to understand the local natural environment and establish environmentally responsible and sustainable practices that support the Port’s mission of creating economic opportunities and building community for all of Thurston County.
Select from the following four focus areas, below, to learn about our environmental initiatives and programs:
Sustainability
Climate and Sea Level Rise
Renewable Energy
Habitat Conservation Plans
Light and Noise Reduction
Environmental Certifications
Environmental Blog
Behind the Scenes of Stormwater Management: How the Port’s Marine Terminal Stays Compliant and Clean
Through proactive systems, new technology and oversight, the Port ensures that stormwater discharges remain clean, aligning with our goals for compliance, safety, and the environmental stewardship of Budd Inlet and our marine ecosystem.
The Port of Olympia recognizes the importance of creating economic opportunities that are environmentally sustainable. That’s why we participate in Green Marine, a voluntary certification program that aims to reduce the environmental footprint of operations on our marine terminal.
This week, the Port of Olympia will conclude its core sediment sampling in West Bay to support the Budd Inlet Cleanup. Over the last two months, research crews collected approximately 1300 samples from 130 different locations in West Bay.
On Tuesday, March 4, we will host a Public Observation Day to give the community an opportunity to observe the sediment sampling process up close and learn more about the Budd Inlet Cleanup project.
Environment FAQs
The Port of Olympia is exploring a strategy to clean up and restore Budd Inlet in collaboration with local, state, federal, and Tribal partners. The cleanup will benefit the economy, environment, and the greater Olympia community. Read more.
The Port is part of the sea level rise collaborative between the Port, Olympia and LOTT and is a partner in the Sea Level Rise Response Plan. We are also meeting all the requirements of the City of Olympia for new buildings. Specifically, as part of the ongoing Cascade Pole Site cleanup and management, approximately 1,110 feet of shoreline at the northeastern part of the Port Peninsula have either already been, or will be, raised 3-5 feet. In addition, we are monitoring erosion along East Bay and installing backflow prevention on pipes.

Contact Us
Do you have a question or would like information about one of our environmental programs or initiatives? Please fill out the form below and someone from our environmental team will get back to you. See our staff directory for individual contact information.
Disclaimer: This form is not a Public Records Request, if you would like to submit a request, please fill out a separate public records request form.