Accepting comments from May 13, 2026, through June 3, 2026.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on the draft water quality certification for the Gates Ranch Access project (NWW- 2025-00517).
The Gates Ranch Access project northwest of Driggs, Idaho, aims to widen an existing access road and two driveways that currently do not meet county standards, replace an existing culvert, and construct a wetland mitigation feature along the shoreline of an existing man-made pond. The proposed activities will include the following:
- The existing access road will be widened to 22 feet and driveways will be widened to 16 feet. Gravel will be excavated from the existing pond and used for road widening. These activities will result in the discharge of 1,125 cubic yards of fill material placed into emergent wetlands.
- One existing 36-inch culvert will be replaced with a new culvert of the same diameter culvert.
- Approximately 0.80 acres of the existing man-made pond will be converted to wetland habitat. This activity will result in the discharge of approximately 4,150 cubic yards of spoil material into the pond.
In total, the proposed activities will result in permanent impacts to approximately 2.54 acres of waters of the United States, including wetlands.
Based upon review of the federal joint permit application, readily available water quality related materials, and certification request in accordance with 40 CFR §§ 121.5 (b) and (c) and 121.7 (c), DEQ, certifies that if the permittee complies with the terms and conditions imposed by the federal permit and the conditions set forth in this water quality certification, then it is reasonable for DEQ to conclude that the activity will comply with 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 water quality requirements of state law.
The draft certification is available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton St. Boise, ID 83706), DEQ’s Idaho Falls Regional Office (900 N. Skyline Drive, Suite B, Idaho Falls, ID 83402), and on DEQ’s website. Written comments will be accepted through June 3, 2026, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
Alex Bell
900 N. Skyline Drive, Suite B
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
alex.bell@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
Draft Certification
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
DEQ seeks comment on draft 401 water quality certification for Gates Ranch Access project
Accepting comments from May 13, 2026, through June 3, 2026.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on the draft water quality certification for the Gates Ranch Access project (NWW- 2025-00517).
The Gates Ranch Access project northwest of Driggs, Idaho, aims to widen an existing access road and two driveways that currently do not meet county standards, replace an existing culvert, and construct a wetland mitigation feature along the shoreline of an existing man-made pond. The proposed activities will include the following:
In total, the proposed activities will result in permanent impacts to approximately 2.54 acres of waters of the United States, including wetlands.
Based upon review of the federal joint permit application, readily available water quality related materials, and certification request in accordance with 40 CFR §§ 121.5 (b) and (c) and 121.7 (c), DEQ, certifies that if the permittee complies with the terms and conditions imposed by the federal permit and the conditions set forth in this water quality certification, then it is reasonable for DEQ to conclude that the activity will comply with 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 water quality requirements of state law.
The draft certification is available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton St. Boise, ID 83706), DEQ’s Idaho Falls Regional Office (900 N. Skyline Drive, Suite B, Idaho Falls, ID 83402), and on DEQ’s website. Written comments will be accepted through June 3, 2026, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
Alex Bell
900 N. Skyline Drive, Suite B
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
alex.bell@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
Draft Certification
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