Big Lake Water. The way of our lives, our health, recreation, and happiness
Help Protect Big Lake Water Quality
10/4 Latest news in the effort to protect Big Lake from phosphorus which drives toxic algae.
In violation of its grading permit, Overlook Crest is poised to send phosphorus laden sediments to Big Lake. Tomorrow, October 6th, 2025 at 11:30 a.m, Jan Edelstein, of Big Lake Informed, will urge the County Commissioners to prioritize obtaining compliance with the permit condition that prohibits Overlook Crest, LLC from discharging any stormwater to the County’s stormwater infrastructure and on to Big Lake.
present to the County Commissioners tomorrow October 6th, 2025 at 11:30. As construction begins, They are urging the county commissioners to enforce current permit requirements for the overlake Crest project that are not being met. As the construction begins on the new housing development, the existing stormwater ponds are laden with new phosphorus and will quickly become overrun with runoff that feeds directly to the lake. The permit calls for action to protect the lake from that runoff with treatment or other actions that are not happening. Action needs to happen now before rain escalates the problem. Treating the problem before it hits the lake is much easier then after when the phosphorous blooms into algae.
Image to the Right: Overlake Crest Storm Ponds drainage to Big Lake
We need your help NOW!
A local team of Big Lake residents along with the Friends of Skagit County organization are working together to ensure no stormwater pollution enters Big Lake from a new 105-home development.
The new land plan packs 105 homes in 3 rows of ¼ acre lots on the slope above the golf course, in violation of various County land division requirements. The Skagic County Planning Department appears to violate State and County laws requiring a public review process.
We’re fighting back for the public’s right to know and participate in this important decision. WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW. Please help fund our experienced land use attorney to take this to Superior Court.
Skagit County's Hearing Examiner says the public is not entitled to notice of this new plan or an opportunity to participate in its review. The Planning Department refuses to conduct the public hearing on the stormwater system ordered by the Board of County Commissioners last November. The Planning Department says no Environmental Review is required, even with all of the new information since the original review. The Planning Department ignores Dr. Horner’s report that the new stormwater plan, although better than the first plan, will send pollution to Big Lake.
We APPEALED this unannounced and unreviewed new land plan. The Hearing Examiner dismissed our appeal, at the request of Overlook Crest with support of the Planning Department. Details at biglakeinformed.org.
Please send donations, in any amount to: Network for Good - http://nfggives.org/
or send checks to: Friends of Skagit County
PO Box 2632, Mount Vernon, WA 98273-2632
Mark Donations: Protect Big Lake Fund
QUESTIONS?
EMAIL: biglakeinformed@gmail.com or CALL Friends at 360-419-0988, leave a message.
We'll get back to you, ASAP!
Read the latest on our blog
Updates on the latest appeals for the stormwater issue, plus other happenings concerning Big Lake..
Join your neighbors to preserve the magnificent natural gem of Big Lake.
Join our mailing list, contact us, volunteer or donate here!
WE ARE IN IMMEDIATE NEED!
FUNDS TO HIRE CREDENTIALED EXPERTS in stormwater and soil hydrology for the hearing. Please donate today!
VOLUNTEERS that are motivated, technical, or have legal backgrounds.