Accepting comments from July 24, 2026, through August 13, 2026.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft 401 water quality certification for the Upper Big Creek Fish Passage Barrier Removal Project.
The Upper Big Creek Fish Passage Barrier Removal Project in Shoshone County, Idaho, proposes to remove the Upper Big Creek Dam and related infrastructure, restore the natural stream channel and flood plain, and improve fish passage in Big Creek, a tributary to the South Fork Coeur d’Alene River. The Upper Big Creek Dam, formerly owned and operated by the Central Shoshone Water District, served as a drinking water source until 2011 and has since been abandoned and fallen into despair.
Project activities include temporarily diverting Big Creek to isolate the work area and facilitate dam removal in a dewatered channel; removing the dam and associated infrastructure; restoring the original stream channel to its natural grade and reconnecting the floodplain; revegetating disturbed areas; and disposing of demolition debris, including concrete, rebar, and other materials, at the Sunshine Mine property.
Based upon review of the federal 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), received on July 17, 2026, 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 Coeur d’Alene Regional Office (2110 Ironwood Parkway, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814), and in the related documents linked below. Written comments will be accepted through August 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
Rachel Basnaw
Water Quality Analyst
2110 Ironwood Parkway
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
Rachel.Basnaw@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
Updated at 3:50 p.m. MT on July 24, 2026: DEQ issued an Air Quality Advisory for 12 Idaho counties: Ada, Boundary, Bonner, Canyon, Clearwater, Gem, Idaho, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, Payette, and Washington Counties, where all burning is prohibited. Take steps to protect your health and check DEQ’s air quality advisories map for future burn decisions.
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DEQ seeks comment on draft 401 water quality certification for Upper Big Creek Fish Passage Barrier Removal Project
Accepting comments from July 24, 2026, through August 13, 2026.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft 401 water quality certification for the Upper Big Creek Fish Passage Barrier Removal Project.
The Upper Big Creek Fish Passage Barrier Removal Project in Shoshone County, Idaho, proposes to remove the Upper Big Creek Dam and related infrastructure, restore the natural stream channel and flood plain, and improve fish passage in Big Creek, a tributary to the South Fork Coeur d’Alene River. The Upper Big Creek Dam, formerly owned and operated by the Central Shoshone Water District, served as a drinking water source until 2011 and has since been abandoned and fallen into despair.
Project activities include temporarily diverting Big Creek to isolate the work area and facilitate dam removal in a dewatered channel; removing the dam and associated infrastructure; restoring the original stream channel to its natural grade and reconnecting the floodplain; revegetating disturbed areas; and disposing of demolition debris, including concrete, rebar, and other materials, at the Sunshine Mine property.
Based upon review of the federal 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), received on July 17, 2026, 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 Coeur d’Alene Regional Office (2110 Ironwood Parkway, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814), and in the related documents linked below. Written comments will be accepted through August 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
Rachel Basnaw
Water Quality Analyst
2110 Ironwood Parkway
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
Rachel.Basnaw@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