In 2007, Avista Utilities applied to the federal government for a renewed license to operate its Post Falls Hydroelectric Project, located on the Spokane River downstream from Lake Coeur d'Alene. Avista also requested a water quality (401) certification from DEQ. The certification ensures that the project complies with state water quality standards.

Section 401 of the Clean Water act requires state certification of any permit or license issued by a federal agency for any activity that may result in a discharge into waters of the state to ensure that the proposed project will not violate state water quality standards.

Prior to certifying the permit, DEQ solicited input from the public and interested parties.

• A 30-day public comment period was conducted April 22 - May 22, 2008. A total of 15 sets of comments were received from the public, Washington agencies, and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe.
• A public hearing to receive oral testimony on the draft certification was held May 20, 2008, in Coeur d'Alene.

Comments were addressed in the Certification Overview and Responsiveness Summary documents posted below. The Certification Overview provides technical justifications for conditions in the final certification document, while the Responsiveness Summary contains summaries of comments received and DEQ's responses.

On June 5, 2008, DEQ issued a 401 Water Quality Certification with conditions to Avista Utilities for the Post Falls Hydroelectric Project.