Soap Lake proposed for Outstanding Water Resource protections

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake could be designated for special status and protections, according to an announcement from the Washington State Department of Ecology. Ecology is proposing to designate Soap Lake as a Tier III(B) Outstanding Resource Water, according to the announcement. This designation, created under the federal Clean Water Act, supports the unique qualities of Washington's largest saline lake and the recreational value it provides. This level of protection would place extra requirements on new or expanded discharges to ensure pollution from wastewater is kept to a minimum, the announcement said.