Accepting comments from August 27, 2026, through September 16, 2026.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft 401 water quality certification for the SH-44 Star Road to SH-16 project.
The purpose of the SH-44 Star Road to SH-16 project is to accommodate travel demand along SH-44 by increasing capacity and improving safety between Star Road and West State Street. The project will construct an isolated multi-use pathway for pedestrians to travel between Star and Eagle. The project will impact the Middleton Canal, seven earthen ditches, nine concrete ditches, and eight wetlands. A total of 9,342 linear feet of stream impacts will occur, and a total of 20,982 square feet of wetland impacts will occur.
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 29, 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 Boise Regional Office (1445 N. Orchard St. Boise, ID 83706), and in the related documents linked below. Written comments will be accepted through September 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
Meghan Cline
Water Quality Analyst
1445 N. Orchard St.
Boise, ID 83706
Meghan.cline@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 SH-44 Star Road to SH-16 project
Accepting comments from August 27, 2026, through September 16, 2026.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft 401 water quality certification for the SH-44 Star Road to SH-16 project.
The purpose of the SH-44 Star Road to SH-16 project is to accommodate travel demand along SH-44 by increasing capacity and improving safety between Star Road and West State Street. The project will construct an isolated multi-use pathway for pedestrians to travel between Star and Eagle. The project will impact the Middleton Canal, seven earthen ditches, nine concrete ditches, and eight wetlands. A total of 9,342 linear feet of stream impacts will occur, and a total of 20,982 square feet of wetland impacts will occur.
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 29, 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 Boise Regional Office (1445 N. Orchard St. Boise, ID 83706), and in the related documents linked below. Written comments will be accepted through September 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
Meghan Cline
Water Quality Analyst
1445 N. Orchard St.
Boise, ID 83706
Meghan.cline@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