DEQ seeks comment on draft reuse permit renewal for Santa-Fernwood Sewer District

Accepting comments from October 29, 2026, through November 12, 2026.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft reuse permit (M-277-01) for Santa-Fernwood Sewer District.

Santa-Fernwood Sewer District owns and operates a new Class C reuse facility serving the Santa and Fernwood communities in Benewah County. The district plans to beneficially irrigate nearly 14.7 million gallons of recycled water over 16.8 acres of grass hay and 47.4 natural forest annually during the growing season.

The draft reuse permit establishes monitoring requirements, limits on nutrient and hydraulic loading, and conditions established by DEQ to protect public health and the environment. As part of the permitting process, the facility was also required to show that its operation would not cause public health or environmental concerns.

Written comments on the draft permit will be accepted through November 12, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. The draft permit and staff analysis are available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton St., Boise, ID 83706) and below under related documents.

Submit comments using the form below or via mail, or email to:

Chris Westerman
2110 Ironwood Pkwy Ste 100
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
chris.westerman@deq.idaho.gov

Related Documents
Permit Materials

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/.