Author: Anna Marron

August 31, 2021

COEUR D’ALENE—Governor Little’s Coeur d’Alene Lake Advisory Committee announced Tuesday that the solicitation period for submitting nutrient-reduction proposals is now open.

The announcement came three days after the committee held its first meeting and less than two weeks after Governor Little directed $2 million towards projects that will reduce nutrient pollution in Coeur d’Alene Lake.

The committee will consider all projects submitted during the pre-application phase and will use the following criteria to prioritize proposals:

1. On-the-ground projects that reduce phosphorus loads to Coeur d’Alene Lake.
2. Projects located within Idaho and the watershed area draining to Coeur d’Alene Lake
3. Projects that reduce levels of phosphorus entering Coeur d’Alene Lake and its tributaries
4. Community support for the project

Priority will be given to proposals that are ready to implement quickly and that provide the largest reductions in phosphorus loading to Coeur d’Alene Lake. Federally-owned or managed lands are ineligible. Monitoring, education, and outreach may be a component of a project but not the primary focus.

Individuals interested in submitting a proposal are encouraged to submit a pre-application to Jamie Brunner by mail or email:

Jamie Brunner
2110 Ironwood Parkway
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815
Jamie.brunner@deq.idaho.gov

The committee is scheduled to meet again October 20, 2021, to review project proposals.

Learn more about the Coeur d’Alene Lake Advisory Committee’s open solicitation process at https://www.deq.idaho.gov/coeur-dalene-lake-advisory-committee-notice-of-solicitation/.

August 27, 2021

COEUR D’ALENE — The Coeur d’Alene Lake Advisory Committee (CLAC) convened for the first time Thursday to examine strategies for reducing phosphorus pollution in North Idaho’s iconic water body.

The meeting came on the heels of Governor Little’s announcement last week, which directed $2 million to fund shovel-ready projects that will reduce the flow of nutrients into the lake. The committee will be tasked with prioritizing proposals submitted by the community and recommending projects for funding to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Director.

“My goal is to make sure that Idaho is a place that kids and grandkids want to stay and obviously the quality of the lake is a big part of that, not only the lake but its tributaries,” said Governor Brad Little in his opening remarks to the committee.

The first meeting provided an overview of the biological, chemical, and physical features of Coeur d’Alene Lake, the role that increased phosphorus has played in the declining health of the lake, and the different runoff mitigation practices that could help reduce the flow of pollutants.

DEQ estimates that approximately 180 tons of phosphorus enter the lake on average each year. While point source pollution from wastewater treatment plants and other systems is an issue in the Basin, these facilities are typically regulated and treat contaminated water through biological and chemical processes. A second important source of pollution is non-point sources, or pollution that flows across the land surface. When runoff flows over hard surfaces such as roadways, parking lots, and cleared land and into nearby water bodies, it carries pollutants with it.

“Small changes can have a large influence,” said Craig Cooper, DEQ’s limnologist, “when you make even small changes to how well water soaks into the ground, you increase the amount of runoff dramatically.”

Stormwater management techniques such as retention ponds, rain gardens, and other best management practices allow pollutants to percolate rather than discharge directly into surface waters and can greatly reduce the amount of phosphorus flowing into the lake.

“If you start honing in on individual sources, most will reduce relatively small amounts per year but there are a lot of them,” Cooper said.

The committee will hold an open solicitation to review project submissions later this year and DEQ staff will provide technical support to committee members and applicants, including calculating the estimated phosphorus reductions associated with each proposal.

Priority will be given to proposals that are ready to implement quickly and that provide the largest reductions in phosphorus loading to Coeur d’Alene Lake.

The next meeting is scheduled for October 20, 2021.

Staff Contact

Dan McCracken
Regional Administrator, Coeur d’Alene
Dan.McCracken@deq.idaho.gov

August 19, 2021

BOISE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is expanding sampling and monitoring efforts across the state to enhance public preparedness and heighten bloom detection. 

Summer is the peak season for cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms—commonly referred to as HABs or blue-green algae—and DEQ is taking additional steps to ensure the public has access to timely information.

This includes:

• Increased monitoring and site visits as high-risk sites are identified
• Performing on-site rapid testing as needed for the most commonly encountered cyanotoxin
• Using satellite imagery to characterize and monitor existing and potential blooms
• Collaborating with EPA and CDC laboratories to advance cyanotoxin species detection
• Communicating regularly with the state’s public health districts, state toxicologists, and veterinarians
• Responding to inquiries and questions from the public
• Updating the Cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Bloom map with new monitoring data

While continuous monitoring and increased sampling will help expand DEQ’s bloom detection capabilities, it is also important to remember that risk still exists when recreating in and around water.

Toxins can be present at varying concentrations

Water bodies can have toxins even without a visible bloom and toxins can be present even at low concentrations. While toxin counts might not be high enough to trigger a health advisory, they can still pose a risk to people and animals.

Weather can impact bloom locations and toxin concentrations

HABs and toxin concentrations can change by the hour. Elements such as wind and rain can impact toxin concentrations, transport a HAB or mat within a water body, or push surface-level blooms down into the water column. This can complicate sampling efforts and increase the need for more frequent and robust monitoring.

Lab tests can detect common toxins, but not all toxins

Standard lab tests can detect the most common cyanotoxins, namely microcystin, cylindrospermopsin, and anatoxin-a, but other toxins might be present in the water. In response, DEQ is expanding testing and working with the nation’s top laboratories to account for additional toxins that have been linked to adverse health effects in other areas of the country.

Health advisories are issued at a certain threshold

DEQ and Idaho’s health districts share responsibility for HABs response efforts. DEQ is responsible for sampling and monitoring water bodies while the health districts determine whether or not a health advisory is necessary based on lab analysis.

There can be occasions where toxin levels might not be high enough to trigger a health advisory but still warrant caution from the public.

DEQ will continue to work with Idaho’s health officials, national experts, and the public to protect human health and ensure that Idahoans have access to the most up-to-date health information. To learn more about current health advisories, visit https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/surface-water/cyanobacteria-harmful-algal-blooms/.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare also maintains a Harmful Algal Blooms FAQ page, which contains educational material and general information about potential illnesses from recreational waters and drinking water.

October 26, 2020

BOISE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) today announced the award of a $45,000 drinking water construction assistance to the city of East Hope in Bonner County.

The funding will be used to clear screens, flush intake lines, and clean sediment structures.

The assistance from DEQ’s State Revolving Loan Fund, which is capitalized annually by grants from the US Environmental Protection Agency grants, provides this funding with no repayment obligation. The favorable loan terms represent a $61,047 savings to the community when compared to average costs for municipal general obligation debt issuances.

Staff Contact
MaryAnna Peavey
Grants & Loans Bureau Chief
MaryAnna.Peavey@deq.idaho.gov

June 28, 2021

BOISE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) today announced the award of a $4.32 million low-interest drinking water construction loan to the Panhandle Village Water System located in Kootenai County, Idaho

The funding will be used to replace the distribution system and install a storage tank, booster pumps, and a new well.

DEQ is authorized by state law to make loans to assist in the construction of public drinking water systems. Since the annual cost of drinking water service for residential customers exceeds 1.5% of the median household income, the Panhandle Village Water System qualifies for a disadvantaged loan, which carries favorable repayment terms.

The loan from DEQ’s State Revolving Loan Fund, which is capitalized annually by grants from the US Environmental Protection Agency, carries a simple 1.75% interest rate, is payable over 30 years, and has a $1,067,409 principal forgiveness. The favorable loan terms represent a $1,729,516 savings to the community when compared to average costs for municipal general obligation debt issuances.

Staff Contact
MaryAnna Peavey
Grants & Loans Bureau Chief
MaryAnna.Peavey@deq.idaho.gov

June 15, 2021

Coeur d’Alene — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on a proposed plan to address elevated levels of lead and zinc in the Upper Spokane River Watershed.

The Spokane River in Idaho is in the Upper Spokane Watershed in Kootenai County. It flows into the Coeur d’Alene basin, which includes all tributaries to Coeur d’Alene Lake, including the Coeur d’Alene and St. Joe River watersheds.

Historic mining practices deposited metal-contaminated sediments throughout the system and, in 1994, the Spokane River from Coeur d’Alene Lake to the Idaho/Washington border was placed on Idaho’s 303(d) list of impaired waters.

Under the Clean Water Act, states are required to develop total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) when state water quality standards are not achieved. To comply with these requirements, DEQ prepared the draft Spokane River Water Quality Improvement Plan Total Maximum Daily Load, which establishes water quality targets and load capacities, estimates existing pollutant loads, and allocates responsibility for load reductions needed to return listed waters to a condition meeting Idaho’s water quality standards. It also identifies implementation strategies—including reasonable time frames, approach, responsible parties, and monitoring strategies—necessary to achieve load reductions and meet water quality standards.

The draft plan was developed in consultation with the Upper Spokane River Watershed Advisory Group, which advised DEQ to submit the proposal for public review.

The Spokane River Water Quality Improvement Plan Total Maximum Daily Load can be accessed on DEQ’s website, at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton Street), and at DEQ’s Coeur d’Alene Regional Office (2110 Ironwood Parkway).

Written comments will be accepted through July 15, 2021, at 5 p.m. PDT. Submit comments electronically or by mail or email to:

Kristin Lowell
DEQ Coeur d’Alene Office
2110 Ironwood Parkway
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
Kristin.Lowell@deq.idaho.gov

Related Documents
Spokane River Water Quality Improvement Plan Total Maximum Daily Load

April 26, 2021

CANYON COUNTY — Vehicle emissions testing services have been fully restored in Canyon County, Idaho.

Services were previously unavailable due to a system outage affecting Canyon County and the city limits of Kuna. Motorists that have received a notice to test can visit a local emissions station for a test.

The emissions testing program is managed by an external contractor, Applus Technologies. For questions, contact Applus at (208) 461-1232 or visit https://idahovip.org/.

April 13, 2021

BOISE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) today announced the award of a $1.65 million low-interest drinking water construction loan to the city of Priest River in Bonner County.

The funding will be used to construct a new 440,000-gallon reservoir and install a new generator.

DEQ is authorized by state law to make loans to assist in the construction of public drinking water systems. The loan from DEQ’s State Revolving Loan Fund, which is capitalized annually by grants from the US Environmental Protection Agency, carries a simple 2.75% interest rate, is payable over 20 years.

Staff Contact

MaryAnna Peavey
Grants & Loans Bureau Chief
MaryAnna.Peavey@deq.idaho.gov

February 18, 2021

BOISE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking a contractor to perform stabilization work within the Triumph mine tunnel. This project will ensure safe access to the tunnel to evaluate and complete longer-term tunnel stabilization or closure work over the next few years.

The project is necessary because the original materials used to stabilize the tunnel in 2001 have exceeded the design life.  This has created unstable conditions within the tunnel resulting in collapse.  Although the tunnel conditions require repair, these conditions do not affect the stability of the permanent concrete plugs installed within the tunnel.  The two plugs remain in stable condition and continue to perform as expected.   

Failure to complete longer term stabilization work or permanently close the tunnel will result in continued collapse. This could create instability at the ground surface or cause the release of mine water and debris from behind the collapsed material.  The work planned over the next few years will more fully address these issues.

The Triumph Mine is an inactive silver, zinc, and lead mine located in Blaine County, Idaho. The mine operated from the late 1800s until the 1950s, leaving behind high levels of heavy metals in the soils and water. During active mining operations, the Triumph tunnel was used to transport ore from the mines to the mill located near the town of Triumph, Idaho.  Cleanup efforts at the Triumph site began in 1998.

In 2001, as part of the cleanup, the Triumph tunnel was re-opened and stabilized for approximately 1,300 feet to allow for construction of a 16-foot thick concrete plug within the tunnel.  A second, 17-foot thick concrete plug, located 235 feet within the tunnel, was constructed in 2016.  The plugs were designed to prevent the discharge of polluted mine water and debris from the mine.

Construction of the mine plugs reduced the amount of mine water discharge from 100 to 200 gallons per minute to just 7 to 10 gallons per minute today.  In addition, the reduced mine water flow significantly reduced levels of heavy metals discharging from the mine.     

Staff Contact

Don Carpenter
Senior Mining Scientist
Don.Carpenter@deq.idaho.gov

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

IDAHO FALLS — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is extending the public comment opportunity on a draft surface water Points of Compliance (POC) determination for Jervois Mining Ltd.

The public now has until February 1, 2021, at 5 p.m. MST to submit comments.

A POC is a location at which Idaho’s surface and ground water quality standards must be met. Mine operators are required to protect current and projected beneficial uses of ground water and meet water quality standards.

The draft surface water POC determination for Jervois Mining Ltd. is designed to prevent impacts to surface water while not impacting the Blackbird Mine remediation activities occurring within the same watershed. Changes from 2011 include additional constituents of concern, reduction in some ground wells, and updating the Upper Tolerance Limits with current data unavailable in 2011.

Submit written comments on DEQ’s website or by mail or email to:

Troy Saffle
DEQ Idaho Falls Regional Office
900 N. Skyline Drive, Suite B
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Email: troy.saffle@deq.idaho.gov

Related Documents

Jervois Mining Idaho Cobalt Operations POC

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

RICHFIELD — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on a draft Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) permit for the city of Richfield Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF).

The city applied for a wastewater discharge permit for its public wastewater treatment facility, located at 1568 East Highway 26 in Richfield, Idaho.

The proposed permit would authorize the discharge of treated municipal wastewater November through April to the Little Wood River for five years. The permit identifies the pollutants of concern and lists the required limits for each pollutant or parameter and monitoring and reporting requirements necessary to ensure compliance with the permit and protect human health and the environment.

Written comments on the draft permit and fact sheet will be accepted through January 14, 2021, at 5 p.m. MST. The draft permit and fact sheet are available for public review at DEQ’s state office (1410 N. Hilton St.), DEQ’s Twin Falls Regional Office (650 Addison Avenue West, Suite 110), and on DEQ’s website. A public meeting may be held, if requested in writing, by December 29, 2020.

Comments and questions regarding this process should be directed to Karen Jackson or at DEQ’s Public Comments page. Comments should address water quality considerations and include supporting materials where available. Comments should also reference the facility name and permit number (ID0021211).

Karen Jackson
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
Surface & Wastewater Division
1410 N. Hilton St.
Boise, ID 83706
Email: Karen.Jackson@deq.idaho.gov

Please submit request for public meeting electronically on DEQs website, by mail, or email to Lori Flook.

Lori Flook
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
Surface & Wastewater Division
1410 N. Hilton St.
Boise, ID 83706
Email: Lori.Flook@deq.idaho.gov

Related Documents
Permit
Fact Sheet
Application

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

BOISE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will hold a public informational meeting on a variance from a hazardous waste treatment storage or disposal facility permit for P. Kay Metal Lewiston, LLC.

A public hearing on the variance renewal will be held on January 20, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. PST at the Lewiston Community Center, located at1424 Main Street in Lewiston, Idaho. DEQ staff will be available to answer questions before the meeting starting at 5:00 p.m. PST.

Remote attendance is encouraged and the public can provide comments via telephone and video conference. To sign up for remote attendance via telephone and video conferencing, contact Daryl Sawyer by January 14, 2021.

P. Kay Metal is a lead recycling operation that produces lead and lead alloys in bar and wire form for a variety of uses. The variance would allow the facility to receive shipments of lead-bearing hazardous secondary materials (HSM) for reclamation from states that use a uniform hazardous waste manifest as a shipping document without obtaining a hazardous waste permit. The variance does not authorize receipt of hazardous waste, only HSM.

The variance and fact sheet are available at DEQ’s offices in Boise (1410 N. Hilton) and Lewiston (1118 F. St.) and on DEQ’s website.

Staff Contact

Daryl Sawyer
Hazardous Waste Permit Writer
(208) 373-0547
Daryl.Sawyer@deq.idaho.gov

Related Documents

• Public Notice
• Variance