Accepting comments from November 3, 2026, to December 3, 2026.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comments on a draft Points of Compliance (POC) 3.1 determination for Jervois Mining USA.
Jervois Mining USA suspended operations at the Idaho Cobalt Operations (ICO) mine, located near Salmon. Idaho, in March 2023. The company is transitioning ICO from short-term suspension to a long-term care and maintenance phase. Beginning in November 2025, active water treatment ceased once water management ponds reach minimum operating levels that maintain stormwater storage capacity, and underground dewatering will be discontinued. The site is now in a passive water management phase.
A revised POC determination is required to ensure continued compliance with the DEQ Ground Water Quality Rule (IDAPA 58.01.11). A POC is a location at which Idaho’s surface and groundwater quality standards must be met. Mine operators are required to protect current and projected beneficial uses of groundwater and meet water quality standards.
DEQ issued a final revised POC determination (POC 3.0) on May 15, 2026. On June 15, 2026, DEQ received an appeal to POC 3.0 from Jervois Mining USA. This initiated DEQ’s contested case process. DEQ and Jervois agreed to a stay of the contested case to further negotiate Jervois’ concerns and questions. POC 3.1 presents DEQ’s response to these negotiations.
The draft POC is available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton St., Boise, Idaho 83706), DEQ’s Idaho Falls Regional Office (900 N. Skyline Drive, Suite B, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402), and below under related documents. Written comments on the draft permit and supporting materials will be accepted through December 3, 2026, at 5 p.m. MT. Submit comments using the form below or via mail or email to:
Troy Saffle
DEQ Idaho Falls Regional Office
900 N. Skyline Drive, Suite B
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
troy.saffle@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
Draft Points of Compliance Determination
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/.
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DEQ seeks comment on draft Jervois Mining USA Points of Compliance Determination 3.1
Accepting comments from November 3, 2026, to December 3, 2026.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comments on a draft Points of Compliance (POC) 3.1 determination for Jervois Mining USA.
Jervois Mining USA suspended operations at the Idaho Cobalt Operations (ICO) mine, located near Salmon. Idaho, in March 2023. The company is transitioning ICO from short-term suspension to a long-term care and maintenance phase. Beginning in November 2025, active water treatment ceased once water management ponds reach minimum operating levels that maintain stormwater storage capacity, and underground dewatering will be discontinued. The site is now in a passive water management phase.
A revised POC determination is required to ensure continued compliance with the DEQ Ground Water Quality Rule (IDAPA 58.01.11). A POC is a location at which Idaho’s surface and groundwater quality standards must be met. Mine operators are required to protect current and projected beneficial uses of groundwater and meet water quality standards.
DEQ issued a final revised POC determination (POC 3.0) on May 15, 2026. On June 15, 2026, DEQ received an appeal to POC 3.0 from Jervois Mining USA. This initiated DEQ’s contested case process. DEQ and Jervois agreed to a stay of the contested case to further negotiate Jervois’ concerns and questions. POC 3.1 presents DEQ’s response to these negotiations.
The draft POC is available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton St., Boise, Idaho 83706), DEQ’s Idaho Falls Regional Office (900 N. Skyline Drive, Suite B, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402), and below under related documents. Written comments on the draft permit and supporting materials will be accepted through December 3, 2026, at 5 p.m. MT. Submit comments using the form below or via mail or email to:
Troy Saffle
DEQ Idaho Falls Regional Office
900 N. Skyline Drive, Suite B
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
troy.saffle@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
Draft Points of Compliance Determination
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