Ecology to review Outstanding Resource Water designation
Washington’s state Department of Ecology (Ecology) announced on Aug. 12 that the agency has initiated rulemaking to consider designating rivers and streams in a portion of the Methow watershed termed the “Methow Headwaters” as outstanding resource waters.
“An outstanding resource water designation is the highest water quality protection under the Clean Water Act and state antidegradation rules,” Ecology said in its announcement. “This designation protects a waterbody from any future action that would permanently lower water quality. Some actions, such as road or trail maintenance, wildfire treatment or prevention, or other activities that protect the public interest, are still allowed if they cause only a temporary change to water quality.”
The Methow Headwaters is one of four areas nominated for outstanding resource water (ORW) designation earlier this year. The other areas are Ruby, Granite, and Canyon creeks, tributaries to the Skagit River; the Upper Sultan River; and the Upper Lewis River.
All four areas were nominated by the Protect Washington’s Waters Coalition (Coalition), which includes the Methow Valley Citizens Council (MVCC) and seven other organizations.
In initiating rulemaking, Ecology has begun a review process that will include information gathering, impact analysis, outreach, and public comment opportunities.
“Over the next year, Ecology will consult with Tribes, state and federal agencies, local governments and other stakeholders to provide education about the process ahead and answer any questions about impacts and logistics of a potential designation,” said the Coalition in a press release.
ORW designation is authorized by the federal Clean Water Act, and the process is administered by Ecology in accordance with the state’s antidegradation rules. Washington State has established five criteria for ORW designation.
The criteria address characteristics such as water quality, absence of degradation, location in a protected area (for instance, a national park or wilderness area), unique habitat types, recreational value, ecological significance, and presence of cold water thermal refuges critical to aquatic species. As a precursor to initiating rulemaking, Ecology determined that each of the areas nominated for ORW designation met at least one of the eligibility requirements.
During rulemaking, Ecology will evaluate each proposed designation before drafting a rule that would be considered for adoption by the state. Community questions and concerns will be considered as part of the evaluation. The draft rule will be subject to public comment.
“We plan to hold a formal review of the nominations for public comment in summer 2027,” said Ecology in its announcement. At this stage, “Ecology … is not guaranteeing or committing” to designating any of the waterbodies that have been nominated, said the announcement. “After considering public comments and weighing public support for each nomination, we will make a final decision on whether a nominated waterbody should be designated an outstanding resource water, and whether that waterbody should be given protections.”
In the ORW nomination, the Methow Headwaters is described as “tributaries to the Methow River, including the upper Methow River, Lost River, upper Chewuch River, and Early Winters Creek.” According to the nomination, “The nominated reaches are located almost entirely within Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Methow Valley Ranger District.”
The nomination does include “a very tiny bit” of private land “near Lost River and 8 Mile,” said Lorah Super, MVCC’s Program Director, in an email earlier this year.
For more information or to participate in the rulemaking process, interested parties may contact Ecology Water Quality Standards Project Manager Marla Koberstein at marla.koberstein@ecy.wa.gov.
