The Department has been negotiating memorandums of understanding (MOU) with cities to establish an advanced review opportunity as an extension of the piloted fast track engineering review process.  DEQ has recognized that some cities have extensive engineering or public works departments and may benefit by performing additional plan reviews. 

Experience tells us that certain cities are capable of preparing design plans and specifications for more complex systems; are staffed to include senior engineers that perform peer evaluations that include modifications to plans; and are able to conduct an independent plan review.

Complex systems considered for these additional plan reviews are:

• Booster and pressure reducing stations and routine drinking water storage system replacement for drinking water supplies; and
• Pressurized sewer mains, sewage lift stations, septic tank effluent pumping systems (STEP), and routine wastewater treatment unit replacement or minor upgrades that conform to approved facility master plans.

 Statement of Policy

Cities may make application to DEQ for consideration to develop an MOU with the city for complex engineering plan reviews associated with either drinking water or wastewater systems or both.  Cities may request development of a MOU under one of two approaches:

Approach #1. Cities have senior professional engineers competent in water and/or sewer infrastructure design and knowledgeable of DEQ regulatory design requirements serving as review staff or;

Approach #2. Cities have a contract with the same engineering firm for over three years, and the firm employs senior professional engineers that are knowledgeable of the cities drinking water or wastewater master plans, and have design and review experience in Idaho. 

Senior professional engineering staff must have thorough knowledge, skills and abilities in the design, review, and construction of water and wastewater projects in Idaho as demonstrated by experience designing drinking water and wastewater systems involving a minimum of 20 projects. Senior professional engineering staff must have demonstrated experience in interpreting applicable facility and design standards and accompanying guidelines.  DEQ believes facilities reviewed by qualified cities with a current City-DEQ MOU will likely produce no significant adverse impact on public health and the environment.  Therefore, pursuant to Idaho Code section 39-118(4), DEQ has determined that such facilities reviewed by qualified cities with a current City-DEQ MOU may be constructed without prior review and approval by DEQ. 

DEQ after reviewing the city staffing charts, resumes and history may choose to develop with a city a MOU to perform plan reviews of complex drinking water or wastewater collection systems. Cities need to include in their review materials an approved facility master plan (less than 5 years old). City shall specify by name the Senior Professional Engineer(s) designated to conduct plan and specification reviews and provide qualifications for DEQ review.  Senior Professional Engineers(s) shall attend plan and specification review trainings as provided by DEQ.

Projects may be limited to drinking water or wastewater only dependent upon the city staff knowledge, skills, abilities and experience.  Projects for drinking water systems may include booster and pressure reducing stations and routine drinking water storage system replacement for public drinking water supplies.  Projects for wastewater systems may include pressurized sewer mains, sewage lift stations, septic tank effluent pumping systems (STEP), and routine wastewater treatment unit replacement or minor upgrades that conform to approved facility master plans.