To: The Citizens of Soap Lake
From: Mayor Allen DuPuy
On July 20, 2024 I received a call at 4:04 advising me that effluent was coming out of the manhole cover at West Beach near the men's restroom. I immediately contacted Darrin Fronsman and Colton Keeler of this issue. They had already been advised by an alert citizen while enjoying their day at West Beach. As Colton, myself and Tim Babak headed to lift station 2 at Dogwood St. N. to assess the situation, we were in constant telephone contact with Public Works Supervisor Darrin Fronsman. I went to West Beach to assess the situation. After taking pictures and sending them to Darrin Fronsman, I drove to Public Works to pick up several traffic cones and caution tape to cordon off the area where effluent had pooled. When I returned to West Beach I observed that the liquid was already dissipating. After placing the cones and caution tape, I drove to Dogwood Lift Station 2. On my arrival Colton and Tim were wrapping up staring that (1) pump was working properly and the level of waste was dropping, indicating that it was being pumped to the Sewer treatment plant. We left for the evening and Colton indicated that he would check it in the morning. I want to emphasize that at no time during this event did the effluent reach the beach or Soap Lake. I returned to West Beach at about 9:00 pm to check on things. On July 21, 2024 I returned to West Beach at approximately 6:30 am and assessed the area. I noted that the ground was dry, I sprayed a bleach solution on the affected area and did some minor raking. As in past situations like this, Public Works Supervisor Darrin Fronsman will submit a report to the appropriate agencies. I want to thank all who worked together to respond quickly and efficiently to get this situation under control.
Sincerely Allen DuPuy, mayor