Prior to project approval, request that project information specify which requirements under Idaho's Wastewater Rules (IDAPA 58.01.16) and Idaho's Individual/Subsurface Sewage Disposal Rules (IDAPA 58.01.03) apply.

Plan ahead by developing and using a comprehensive land use management plan, which includes the impacts of present and future wastewater management. Generally, DEQ recommends that all new projects be served by existing approved wastewater collection systems or centralized community wastewater systems whenever possible.

Local governments have the authority to implement ordinances that go beyond federal and state laws and regulations for management of wastewater. Determine what is best for the health and welfare of your community.

Understand the project's type of wastewater and its collection and treatment system prior to project approval. A project will generally fall under one of the following three categories:

If you are an owner (a city, district, or other entity) of an existing wastewater system, the following information applies:

DEQ recommends verifying that adequate sewer capacity is available to serve projects. Prior to project approval, the city and county may want to contact the sewer provider for three items:

All facilities should have a DEQ-approved facility plan that outlines current capacity and future expansions needed to expand capacity. If the existing facility plan is inadequate to cover new projects, a new facility plan should be prepared and submitted to DEQ unless the new project is classified as a simple wastewater main extension and capacity can be determined without a new facility plan. Developing a facility plan can help identify deficiencies in a system in advance of new projects so ample time is available to address problems or issues.

According to Idaho's Wastewater Rules, all systems proposing major wastewater system collection projects, pump station projects, treatment plant designs or upgrades, or new septage transfer stations are required to submit a project-specific engineering report for review and approval by DEQ prior to submitting plans and specifications for the wastewater collection or treatment system.

All projects involving wastewater collection systems, wastewater treatment plants, or wastewater disposal systems must be designed by a professional engineer registered in Idaho. Plans and specifications need to be approved prior to construction. Refer to Idaho Code §39-118 to determine design review authority.

For existing wastewater systems with adequate capacity, the plans for simple wastewater main extensions may qualify to be reviewed and approved prior to initiation of construction by a qualified licensed professional engineer. Refer to Idaho Code §39-118 for applicability. These simple wastewater main extensions are the only wastewater projects that require no plan review coordination with DEQ. Additionally, at the discretion of any city, county, quasi-municipal corporation, or regulated public utility, projects that fall under Idaho Code §39-118 may be referred to DEQ for approval.

DEQ does not review plans for individual gravity service lines; these should be reviewed by the State Plumbing Bureau and/or the local building department. Contact DEQ to discuss requirements on any other service line that includes mechanical components.

All projects involving new wastewater collection, treatment, or disposal systems must be designed by a professional engineer registered in Idaho. Refer to Idaho Code §39-118 to determine applicability of DEQ design review.

According to Idaho's Wastewater Rules, DEQ recommends that a city or county consider the following when approving or constructing new public wastewater collection, treatment, or disposal systems: