Environment
During pandemic, Eastern Washington sees 'disturbing rise' in illegal trash dumping
With trash transfer stations closed during COVID-19, state leaders tell locals to stop leaving waste by roadsides.
Courtney Flatt
Courtney Flatt covers environmental and natural resource issues for Northwest Public Broadcasting. She is based in Washington’s Tri-Cities. She began her journalism career a
Latest work
Environment
Lower Snake River Dams would stay in place under new federal recommendations
Despite calls to remove the dams to save salmon and orcas, federal agencies say the risks to hydropower, navigation and electricity costs are too high.
Environment
New hydroelectric turbine designs are safer for fish and improve energy efficiency
The Army Corps of Engineers’ new dam designs on the Snake River are better for Washington's salmon and humans.
Environment
Threatened by climate change, Washington's rare wolverines aren't endangered — yet
Citing declining snowpack and increased winter recreation, 10 environmental groups are planning to force the government to protect these elusive carnivores.
Environment
Before the Big One: Geologists dig into smaller fault lines to predict Washington's future earthquakes
The faults under Eastern Washington aren't as famous as the feared Cascadia Subduction Zone, but they still pose a threat to communities like Walla Walla, Tri-Cities and Yakima.