Accepting comments from October 6, 2025, through November 5, 2025.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft water quality certification for the 2026 US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) § 404 Nationwide Permits (NWPs).
USACE NWPs are a type of general permit issued on a nationwide basis for activities that have minimal impacts on the environment. Projects that propose in-water work, including streams and wetlands, may require a USACE permit and DEQ § 401 water quality certification.
The proposed USACE NWPs cover 58 categories of activities. The current NWPs were approved in 2021 and expire on March 14, 2026. On June 18, 2025, USACE published a notice in the Federal Register proposing the reissuance of 56 existing NWP categories, issuance of one new permit category, and modifications to the general conditions and definitions. The USACE NWPs are issued for a five-year period.
Based upon review and evaluation of the proposed 2026 NWPs, Walla Walla District’s Regional Conditions, and associated certification request received on June 18, 2025, DEQ certifies that if the permittee complies with the terms and conditions of the federal permits, including the Regional Conditions established by USACE, as well as the conditions contained in this water quality certification, then it is reasonable for DEQ to conclude that the authorized activities will comply with applicable water quality requirements, including applicable requirements of the Clean Water Act §§ 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307, Idaho’s “Water Quality Standards” (IDAPA 58.01.02), and other appropriate provisions of state law governing water quality protection.
The draft certification is available for review on DEQ’s website. Written comments will be accepted through November 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
Tambra Phares
1410 N. Hilton St.
Boise, Idaho 83706
tambra.phares@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
2026 US Army Corps of Engineers § 404 Nationwide Permits
Accessibility Services: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality will provide reasonable language access services and/or disability services for documents at no charge. To request an accommodation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Americans with Disabilities Act, contact DEQ’s nondiscrimination coordinator at (208) 373-0271 or accessibility@deq.idaho.gov. Para obtener información en español, visite https://www.deq.idaho.gov/about-us/accessibility/.
Official Government Website
Official Government Website
DEQ seeks comment on draft 401 water quality certification for 2026 US Army Corps of Engineers 404 Nationwide Permits
Accepting comments from October 6, 2025, through November 5, 2025.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft water quality certification for the 2026 US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) § 404 Nationwide Permits (NWPs).
USACE NWPs are a type of general permit issued on a nationwide basis for activities that have minimal impacts on the environment. Projects that propose in-water work, including streams and wetlands, may require a USACE permit and DEQ § 401 water quality certification.
The proposed USACE NWPs cover 58 categories of activities. The current NWPs were approved in 2021 and expire on March 14, 2026. On June 18, 2025, USACE published a notice in the Federal Register proposing the reissuance of 56 existing NWP categories, issuance of one new permit category, and modifications to the general conditions and definitions. The USACE NWPs are issued for a five-year period.
Based upon review and evaluation of the proposed 2026 NWPs, Walla Walla District’s Regional Conditions, and associated certification request received on June 18, 2025, DEQ certifies that if the permittee complies with the terms and conditions of the federal permits, including the Regional Conditions established by USACE, as well as the conditions contained in this water quality certification, then it is reasonable for DEQ to conclude that the authorized activities will comply with applicable water quality requirements, including applicable requirements of the Clean Water Act §§ 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307, Idaho’s “Water Quality Standards” (IDAPA 58.01.02), and other appropriate provisions of state law governing water quality protection.
The draft certification is available for review on DEQ’s website. Written comments will be accepted through November 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
Tambra Phares
1410 N. Hilton St.
Boise, Idaho 83706
tambra.phares@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
2026 US Army Corps of Engineers § 404 Nationwide Permits
Accessibility Services: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality will provide reasonable language access services and/or disability services for documents at no charge. To request an accommodation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Americans with Disabilities Act, contact DEQ’s nondiscrimination coordinator at (208) 373-0271 or accessibility@deq.idaho.gov. Para obtener información en español, visite https://www.deq.idaho.gov/about-us/accessibility/.
Public Comment Form