Category: News Releases

March 22, 2023 

Contact: Tasha Owen, Water Quality Analyst, tasha.owen@deq.idaho.gov 

TWIN FALLS — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking representatives to fill five vacancies on the Wood River Watershed Advisory Group (WAG).

The Wood River WAG is a group of citizens from a diverse set of interests dedicated to successful restoration and protection of the health of the Big Wood River, Little Wood River, and Camas Creek watersheds. These watersheds cover Blaine, Camas, Gooding, and Lincoln counties, from which the WAG seeks to have representation.

The WAG is currently seeking representatives from the following interest areas:

• Logging, timber, small business, industry, or hydropower
• Confined Animal Feeding Operations or irrigated agriculture
• Flood control
• Municipalities, land planning, or local government
• Conservation, multiple use, recreation, or tourism

The group meets quarterly, and members are asked to serve at least two-year terms. Responsibilities include working with DEQ on the following deliverables:

• Developing water quality improvement plans known as total maximum daily loads for streams, lakes, and rivers with degraded water quality conditions within the watershed.
• Helping identify contributing pollution sources in the watershed.
• Recommending specific actions needed to effectively control sources of pollution to the water bodies.
• Helping develop and implement a plan to meet water quality targets identified in the TMDLs.

Anyone interested in serving on the WAG as a representative of the above interest groups should contact Tasha Owen at (208) 736-2190 or tasha.owen@deq.idaho.gov by 5 p.m. on April 22, 2023 MDT.

The next WAG meeting is tentatively scheduled for April 26, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. MDT at the Wood River Canal Company (409 N Apple Street, Shoshone, Idaho). Anyone interested in joining the WAG is encouraged to attend.

March 17, 2023

Contact: Kevin Kostka, Preliminary Assessment Program Coordinator, Kevin.Kostka@deq.idaho.gov 

LEMHI COUNTY — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is announcing the launch of a public survey and three open houses regarding the presence of lead and arsenic in soils at the Gilmore townsite. 

The voluntary survey is intended for individuals who own, use, or have interest in Gilmore, Idaho, and will focus on metals contamination in soils at the site and its surrounding lands. Participants’ answers will help partnering agencies understand community interest in and concerns about health risks, current and future land uses, and potential cleanup activities. 

The survey will be available between March 24 and April 17, 2023, on DEQ’s website (www.deq.idaho.gov/gilmore). Participants can respond online, by mail, or over the phone. 

Partnering agencies are also hosting three open houses in eastern Idaho. Representatives from DEQ, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, and federal agencies will be available to discuss Gilmore history, metals contamination, and health risks in and around the Gilmore site.  

The events are scheduled at the following locations and are free to the public. See DEQ’s Events web page for more information. 

• Salmon, Idaho: March 27, 2023, 5 to 9 p.m. MDT, Idaho Department of Fish and Game Salmon Regional Office (99 US-93, Salmon, Idaho 83467) 
• Leadore, Idaho: March 28, 2023, 5 to 9 p.m. MDT, Leadore Community Center (206 South Railroad Street, Leadore, Idaho 83464) 
• Idaho Falls, Idaho: March 29, 2023, 5 to 9 p.m. MDT, DEQ Idaho Falls Regional Office (900 North Skyline Drive #B, Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83402) 

Background 

Lead contamination at Gilmore is the result of historic large-scale hard rock mining operations and wind and water erosion of mine waste. The mines on the hillsides above Gilmore operated in the early 1900s and primarily produced lead and silver ore. During the early years, processed ore was hauled over 80 miles via wagons pulled by horses or a steam-powered tractor. Later, ore was transported off the hillside by a half-mile long tramway that travelled through the townsite before emptying into waiting railroad cars. 

High concentrations of lead in the soil at the Gilmore townsite were found during DEQ sampling events in 2016 and 2017. At some locations, lead soil levels are more than 50 times greater than what is considered safe for residential areas. 

March 16, 2023

Contact: Tyler Ayers, Water Quality Engineer, tyler.ayers@deq.idaho.gov 

MENAN – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft water reuse permit modification for the city of Menan, Idaho.

The city currently operates a Class D municipal recycled water facility under Permit M-066-04 and applies approximately 15.4 million gallons of recycled water annually on 34 cropped acres. The city’s current permit expired on August 25, 2022, and was administratively extended in anticipation of the permit modification. The draft permit modification would reauthorize operations for an additional five years from the expiration date, to a total permit duration of ten years.

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 permittee was also required to show that its operation would not cause public health or environmental concerns. 

The permit materials are available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 North Hilton Street, Boise, Idaho 83706), DEQ’s Idaho Falls Regional Office (900 N. Skyline, Suite B, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83702), and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page. 

Written comments will be accepted through March 31, 2023, at 5 p.m. MDT. Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or email to:  Tyler Ayers 
900 N. Skyline, Suite B 
Idaho Falls, ID 83402 
tyler.ayers@deq.idaho.gov

March 15, 2023 

Contact: Julia Achabal, Surface Water Bureau Chief, Julia.Achabal@deq.idaho.gov

BOISE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks applications for the fiscal year 2024 Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) Grant Program. 

The grant program is designed to support pollution reduction efforts statewide, including helping landowners modify their agricultural practices to improve water quality and meet the objectives of total maximum daily load requirements. 

Eligible projects must address agricultural or ranching BMPs and be ready to implement. Projects must also involve multiple partners and leverage other funding resources. 

Application Process 

Interested applicants should submit a completed budget and application template and provide supporting documentation including letters of recommendation and maps. Resources and instructions can be found on DEQ’s Nonpoint Source Subgrants in Idaho web page under the header “Important Dates and Other Information.” Email completed application materials to NPSGrants@deq.idaho.gov. 

Applications will be accepted from March 15 to April 15, 2023. 

March 15, 2023

Contact: Todd Higgins, Wastewater Reuse Permit Writer, todd.higgins@deq.idaho.gov

BOISE – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft water reuse permit renewal for CS Beef Packers, LLC.

CS Beef Packers is located south of Boise, Idaho, and produces industrial wastewater that is pretreated and land applied. The draft reuse permit would add 1,200 acres to the existing land application area for a total of 2,808.6 acres and reauthorize operations for an additional eight years.

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 permittee was also required to show that its operation would not cause public health or environmental concerns.

The permit materials are available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 North Hilton Street, Boise, Idaho 83706), DEQ’s Boise Regional Office (1445 North Orchard Street, Boise, Idaho 83706), and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page.

Written comments will be accepted through April 12, 2023, at 5 p.m. MDT. Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or email to:

Todd Higgins
1410 N. Hilton Street
Boise, ID 83706
todd.higgins@deq.idaho.gov

March 9, 2023

Contact: Nicole Deinarowicz, IPDES Compliance and Enforcement Officer, nicole.deinarowicz@deq.idaho.gov 

BOISE—The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a proposed settlement action and consent order with Starr Corporation for violations of the 2022 Construction General Permit for Discharge Activities.

Starr Corporation obtained coverage under Permit IDR10C0FG as an operator at the Jerome Elementary School in Jerome, Idaho. DEQ alleges Starr Corporation failed to comply with all applicable conditions of the permit. DEQ prepared an expedited settlement agreement and consent order directing Starr Corporation to resolve the violations and either pay a civil penalty or request a compliance conference. Starr Corporation made payment in full for the civil penalty of $3,150 and signed the consent order.

The consent order is available for review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton St.) and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page. Written comments will be accepted through April 10, 2023, at 5 p.m. MDT. Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or email: 

Nicole Deinarowicz 
IPDES Compliance and Enforcement Officer 
1410 N. Hilton St. 
Boise, ID 83706 
nicole.deinarowicz@deq.idaho.gov 

February 22, 2023

CONTACT: Triffie Ransom, Surface and Wastewater Division, Triffie.Ransom@deq.idaho.gov

LAVA HOT SPRINGS – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on a draft Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) permit for the city of Lava Hot Springs publicly owned treatment works (POTW).

The city applied for a wastewater discharge permit for its wastewater treatment facility, located at 9936 E. Maughan Road in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho.

The draft permit would authorize the discharge of treated municipal wastewater from October through March to the Portneuf River for five years. The permit identifies the pollutants of concern, 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 March 23 at 5 p.m. MST. The draft permit and fact sheet are available for public review at DEQ’s state office (1410 N. Hilton Street, Boise, Idaho 83706), DEQ’s Pocatello Regional Office (444 Hospital Way #300, Pocatello, Idaho 83201), and on DEQ’s website. A public meeting may be held, if requested in writing, by March 8, 2023.

Comments and questions regarding this process should be directed to Triffie Ransom or submitted via DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page. Comments should address water quality considerations, include supporting materials where available, and reference the city of Lava Hot Springs and permit number ID0021822.

Triffie Ransom
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
Surface and Wastewater Division
1410 N. Hilton Street
Boise, ID 83706
Triffie.Ransom@deq.idaho.gov

Submit requests for a public meeting electronically on DEQ’s website, by mail, or email to Amy Southern:

Amy Southern
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
Surface and Wastewater Division
1410 N. Hilton Street
Boise, ID 83706
Amy.Southern@deq.idaho.gov

January 31, 2023

Contact: Jake Barnes, Water Quality Analyst, Jake.Barnes@deq.idaho.gov

TWIN FALLS — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking representatives to fill two vacancies on the Upper Snake Basin Advisory Group (BAG).

The two vacancies include representation from the hydropower industry and the public at large.

The Upper Snake River BAG is comprised of citizens, appointed by DEQ’s director, that represent stakeholder groups from 19 counties in Southern Idaho. The BAG advises DEQ on water quality objectives within Idaho’s Upper Snake Basin and represents industries and interests directly affected by water quality programs within the basin.

The BAG meets as necessary to advise DEQ on the following matters:

• Monitoring priorities within the basin
• Revisions needed in the designated beneficial uses for water bodies within the basins
• Categories to which water bodies in the basin should be assigned
• Processes for developing and implementing total maximum daily loads
• Members to be appointed to Watershed Advisory Groups
• Prioritize water quality 319 nonpoint source projects throughout the region

Members must have a demonstrated interest or expertise that will benefit the work of the group. Anyone interested in serving on the BAG as a representative of the above interest groups should contact Jake Barnes at (208) 736-2190 or jake.barnes@deq.idaho.gov by 5 pm on March 6, 2023.

January 30, 2023

Contact: Jake Barnes, Water Quality Analyst, Jake.Barnes@deq.idaho.gov

TWIN FALLS — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking representatives to fill four vacancies on the Wood River Watershed Advisory Group (WAG).

The Wood River WAG is a group of citizens from a diverse set of interests dedicated to successful restoration and protection of the health of the Big Wood River, Little Wood River, and Camas Creek watersheds. These watersheds cover Blaine, Camas, Gooding, and Lincoln counties, from which the watershed advisory group seeks to have diverse representation.

The WAG is currently seeking representatives from the following interest areas:

• Logging, timber, small business, industry, or hydropower
• Confined Animal Feeding Operations or irrigated agriculture
• Flood control
• Municipalities, land planning, and local government

The group meets quarterly and members are asked to serve at least two-year terms. Responsibilities include working with DEQ on the following deliverables:

• Developing water quality improvement plans known as total maximum daily loads for streams, lakes, and rivers with degraded water quality conditions within the watershed.
• Helping identify contributing pollution sources in the watershed.
• Recommending specific actions needed to effectively control sources of pollution to the waterbodies.
• Helping develop and implement a plan to meet water quality targets identified in the TMDLs.

Anyone interested in serving on the WAG as a representative of the above interest groups should contact Jake Barnes at (208) 736-2190 or jake.barnes@deq.idaho.gov by 5 pm on March 6, 2023.

The next WAG meeting is scheduled for March 30, 2023, at 10 am at the Wood River Canal Company (409 N Apple Street, Shoshone, Idaho). Anyone interested in joining the WAG is encouraged to attend.

January 20, 2023

Contact: Triffie Ransom, IPDES Permit Writer, triffie.ransom@deq.idaho.gov

BOISE – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is releasing an IPDES preliminary draft permit to the city of Lava Hot Springs for preliminary review.

The facility has 10 days to review the preliminary draft permit and fact sheet for any errors and omissions that should be addressed before the public participation period. After the preliminary draft period has concluded, DEQ will revise the preliminary draft permit as needed, at which point it will become a draft permit for public review and comment.

DEQ will formally notify all necessary parties that the draft permit, fact sheet, and associated application have been posted on DEQ’s website for public review and comment, per the “Rules Regulating the Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program” (IDAPA 58.01.25.109). To be notified of the forthcoming posting, go to the DEQ’s Newsroom page and click the “Subscribe” link.

January 11, 2023

Contact: Tyler Ayers, Water Quality Engineer, tyler.ayers@deq.idaho.gov

STANLEY – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft water reuse permit renewal for Stanley Sewer Association.

Stanley Sewer Association, Inc. currently operates a Class C municipal recycled water facility that serves the city of Stanley and the United States Forest Service Redfish Lake recreation area. The association currently operates the reuse system under permit M-156-04 and applies approximately 13.4 million gallons of recycled water annually on 103 acres of native vegetation.

The facility’s current permit expired on October 31, 2022 and the proposed draft permit would reauthorize operations for an additional 10 years.

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 permittee was also required to show that its operation would not cause public health or environmental concerns.

The permit materials are available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 North Hilton Street), DEQ’s Idaho Falls Regional Office (900 N. Skyline, Suite B), and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page.

Written comments will be accepted through February 10, 2023, at 5 pm MST. Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or email to:

Tyler Ayers
900 N. Skyline, Suite B
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
tyler.ayers@deq.idaho.gov

Related Documents

Draft renewal reuse permit
Draft staff analysis

January 10, 2023

Contact: Ben Jarvis, Pollution Prevention and Continuous Improvement Lead, Ben.Jarvis@deq.idaho.gov

BOISE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking proposals that enhance or support innovative waste reduction or prevention.

The grant funding is made available through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Sustainable Materials Management Program, which promotes using and reusing materials more productively over their entire lifecycles. Projects can include efforts to reduce food waste through diversion or composting, reduce packaging waste through recycling or reuse programs, and increase the recycling and reuse rate of construction and demolition waste.

Eligible applicants include local governments, solid waste districts, health districts, tribal governments and institutions, public and private schools, public and private universities and colleges, and nonprofit institutions. Selected projects must be completed between July 1, 2023 and November 1, 2024.

Applications are due by April 14, 2023, at 5 pm MDT. For more information and a link to the application, see DEQ’s Vendor Opportunities page.

January 10, 2023

Contact: Charlie Parkins, Grants and Coordinator, Charlie.Parkins@deq.idaho.gov 

BOISE — Governor Little announced yesterday his proposal of $115 million to support Idaho’s drinking water and wastewater facilities.  

The announcement, which was made during the governor’s State of the State address, is in addition to the $300 million in water infrastructure funding allocated in 2022. 

“Over the past two years, we made the biggest investments ever in our most precious resource—water,” said Governor Little in the State of the State address. “Now I am proposing more investments in water quantity and water quality infrastructure to not only reduce the burden on local property taxpayers but also to secure abundant clean water for years to come,” he said. 

Funding will be used to assist eligible public drinking water systems and wastewater systems with facility planning projects and help entities build or repair existing public drinking water systems and wastewater treatment facilities. 

Eligible applicants include governmental entities and nonprofit corporations that have authority to collect, treat, or dispose of sewage or industrial wastewater as well as community water systems and nonprofit noncommunity water systems. 

Application Process and Deadline 

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest—also known as an LOI—to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) detailing their need for funding.

LOIs for all funding opportunities, including the $115 million in Leading Idaho grants, planning grants, and State Revolving Fund loans were originally due by January 13, 2023, and DEQ is extending that date to January 20, 2023. LOI forms are available on DEQ’s Grants and Loans page and can be submitted electronically to grants.loans@deq.idaho.gov. 

DEQ will evaluate, rate, and rank responses for inclusion on the annual priority list. LOI forms that receive the highest ratings will then be invited to submit a grant or loan application.  

January 3, 2022

Contact: Emma Wooldridge, Water Quality Engineer, emma.wooldridge@deq.idaho.gov

BONNER COUNTY – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft water reuse permit renewal for Sandpiper Shores Master Utility, Inc.

Sandpiper Shores Master Utility, LLC currently operates a Class C municipal recycled water facility that serves a residential community consisting of vacation homes located along the northern shore of Priest Lake in Bonner County, Idaho. The company currently operates the reuse system under permit M-072-03 and applies approximately 500,000 gallons of recycled water annually on 1.32 acres of forested land.

The facility’s current permit expired on December 31, 2021. The draft permit would reauthorize operations for an additional 10 years.

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 permittee was also required to show that its operation would not cause public health or environmental concerns.

The permit materials are available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 North Hilton Street), DEQ’s Coeur d’Alene Regional Office (2110 Ironwood Parkway), and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page. Written comments will be accepted through February 2, 2023, at 5 pm PDT. Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or email to: 

Emma Wooldridge
2110 Ironwood Parkway
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
emma.wooldridge@deq.idaho.gov

Contact: Dan McCracken, Coeur d’Alene Regional Administrator, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Dan.McCracken@deq.idaho.gov

COEUR D’ALENE—The Coeur d’Alene Lake Advisory Committee (CLAC) met today to prioritize $20 million for projects that improve and protect water quality in Coeur d’Alene Lake, as part of Governor Little’s Leading Idaho Initiative.  

The committee voted to award $3.6 million for 10 projects that will target phosphorus reduction throughout the basin. 

Projects include restoration work in tributaries intended to reduce phosphorus entering Coeur d’Alene Lake from Wolf Lodge Creek, Mica Creek, and Fernan Lake; stormwater management projects for Coeur d’Alene, Kellogg, and Eastside Highway District; and shoreline stabilization in Powderhorn Bay.  

In a final item of business, committee members considered projects to address findings outlined in the National Academies of Science (NAS), Engineering, and Medicine’s Future of Water Quality in Coeur d’Alene Lake report. The report, published in November 2022, provided a third-party assessment of water quality data collected over the last three decades and outlined issues of concern. The committee plans to meet again on March 23 to finalize prioritization and authorize spending for the projects to address NAS recommendations. 

The December meeting continues Governor Little’s multiyear effort to improve the health of Coeur d’Alene Lake. In 2021, Governor Little established the CLAC and directed $2 million for projects that reduce levels of phosphorus from entering the lake from wastewater, stormwater runoff, erosion, and other sources. The following year, Governor Little made an additional $20 million available for projects that support the state’s 2009 Lake Management Plan and reduce nutrient loading to the lake. 

December 8, 2022

Contact: MaryAnna Peavey, Grants and Loans Bureau Chief, MaryAnna.Peavey@deq.idaho.gov

BOISE – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is announcing additional funding opportunities to support drinking water and wastewater infrastructure across the state. 

The new funding sources are made available this year through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants (OSG) Program. Funding opportunities include: 

• Clean Water SRF Emerging Contaminants  
• Drinking Water SRF Emerging Contaminants  
• Drinking Water SRF Lead Service Line Replacement  
• Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant

Each of these funding sources has a separate Letter of Interest and can either be paired with a drinking water or wastewater State Revolving Fund (SRF) project or submitted as a standalone project. For the three SRF funding sources, DEQ will develop separate priority lists that will be included in the state fiscal year 2024 intended use plans.  

The OSG funding will have a priority list that is handled separately and approved by EPA.

The Letters of Interest are available on DEQ’s Grants and Loans page. Submit completed letters to grants.loans@deq.idaho.gov by January 13, 2023, at 5 pm MDT. 

For additional information, see DEQ’s Letters of Interest instructional presentation.  
 

December 5, 2022

Contact: Dan Eardley, Federal Reporting Lead, dan.eardley@deq.idaho.gov  

BOISE – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking scientific data to assist the agency in evaluating water quality in all Idaho rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs for the 2024 Integrated Report.  

The report describes DEQ’s ongoing efforts to monitor, assess, track, and restore the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the state’s surface waters. 

Within the report, water bodies are classified into at least one of five categories, ranging from meeting water quality standards to impairment by one or more pollutants. 

DEQ welcomes submittal of water quality data to assess water bodies for all categories in the Integrated Report. Particularly useful are data collected within the last five years (2018 to the present) that have not been previously submitted to DEQ. For all submitted data, provide a monitoring plan with the quality assurance and quality controls reported. 

Before submitting data, interested parties are advised to review DEQ’s Water Body Assessment Guidance to learn more about how the agency uses external data for water quality assessments, particularly Section 4.2: Existing and Readily Available Data Policy. Interested parties are also advised to review the additional guidance sheet for more information about commonly submitted water quality data. 

The deadline for submitting data is February 6, 2023, at 5 pm MST. Submit data on DEQ’s Monitoring and Assessment page. For questions or more information, contact Dan Eardley at (208) 373-0147 or at dan.eardley@deq.idaho.gov. 

Related Documents

Water Body Assessment Guidance
Additional guidance sheet

December 2, 2022

Contact: Tyler Ayers, Water Quality Engineer, tyler.ayers@deq.idaho.gov

IDAHO FALLS – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is seeking comment on a draft water reuse permit for Riverbend Meats, LLC.

Riverbend Meats, LLC is planning to construct an industrial reuse facility near Idaho Falls, Idaho. As part of its operations, the facility is proposing to beneficially use approximately 64 million gallons per year of industrial recycled water from the beef processing facility to irrigate 590 acres of crops during the growing season and limited land application during the nongrowing 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 permittee was also required to show that its operation would not cause public health or environmental concerns.

The draft permit materials are available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 North Hilton Street), DEQ’s Idaho Falls Regional Office (900 N. Skyline Drive, Suite B), and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page. Written comments will be accepted through January 3, 2023, at 5 pm MST. Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or email to: 

Tyler Ayers
Water Quality Engineer 
900 N. Skyline Drive, Suite B
Idaho Falls, ID 8340
tyler.ayers@deq.idaho.gov

Contact: Nicole Deinarowicz, IPDES Compliance and Enforcement Officer, nicole.deinarowicz@deq.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a proposed settlement action and consent order with Engineered Structures, Inc. for violations of the 2017 General Permit for Discharges from Construction Activities.

Engineered Structures, Inc. obtained coverage under Permit IDR100399 as an operator at Fuller 84 Industrial Business Park in Nampa, Idaho. DEQ alleges the company failed to comply with all applicable conditions of the permit. DEQ prepared an expedited settlement agreement and consent order directing Engineered Structures, Inc. to resolve the violations and either pay a civil penalty or request a compliance conference. The company has made payment in full for the civil penalty of $825 and signed the consent order.

The consent order is available for review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton St.) and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page. Written comments will be accepted through December 30, 2022, at 5 pm MDT. Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or email:

Nicole Deinarowicz
IPDES Compliance and Enforcement Officer
1410 N Hilton St.
Boise, ID 83706
nicole.deinarowicz@deq.idaho.gov

November 18, 2022

Contact: Nicole Deinarowicz, IPDES Compliance and Enforcement Officer, nicole.deinarowicz@deq.idaho.gov

BOISE – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a proposed settlement action and consent order with Russell Corporation for violations of the 2017 General Permit for Discharges from Construction Activities.

The Russell Corporation obtained coverage under Permit IDR10021Y as an operator at Linder Village Offsite US 20/26, Linder Rd. to Locust Grove Rd. DEQ alleges the Russell Corporation failed to comply with all applicable conditions of the permit. DEQ prepared an expedited settlement agreement and consent order directing the Russell Corporation to resolve the violations and either pay a civil penalty or request a compliance conference. The Russell Corporation has made payment in full for the civil penalty of $450.00 and signed the consent order.

The consent order is available for review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton St.) and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page. Written comments will be accepted through December 19, 2022, at 5 pm MDT. Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or email:

Nicole Deinarowicz
IPDES Compliance and Enforcement Officer
1410 N Hilton St.
Boise, ID 83706
nicole.deinarowicz@deq.idaho.gov

November 18, 2022 

Contact: Aaron Hoberg, Air Quality Engineer, aaron.hoberg@deq.idaho.gov

POCATELLO – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is announcing a public hearing and extending the public comment period on an application to modify a permit to construct and Tier 1 operating permit for J.R. Simplot Company – Don Siding Plant. 

J.R. Simplot Company – Don Siding Pocatello manufactures integrated phosphate fertilizer in Pocatello, Idaho. The facility is classified as a major facility because it emits or has the potential to emit PM10, PM2.5, CO, NOx, and SO2 above the major source threshold of 100 tons per year. The facility is also classified as a major facility because it emits or has the potential to emit hydrofluoric acid above the major source thresholds of 10 tons-per-year for any single hazardous air pollutant. 

The company submitted an application to modify an existing permit to construct and Tier 1 operating permit. This action would allow the facility to remove the cooling towers and expand the gypsum stack ponds. 

Public comment extension and public hearing 

The public now has until December 23, 2022, to submit public comments. The application materials are available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 North Hilton Street), DEQ’s Pocatello Regional Office (444 Hospital Way #300 Pocatello, Idaho 83201), and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page.  

A public informational meeting is scheduled for December 22, 2022, at 6 pm MDT to address questions about the project. A formal public hearing will take place immediately after at 7 pm. Both events will take place at the Pocatello City Council Chambers (911 N 7 Ave, Pocatello, Idaho).  

Requests for accommodations can be made up to five days prior to the hearing. For arrangements, contact Dianne Hobbs at (208) 373-0440 or dianne.hobbs@deq.idaho.gov. 

For technical assistance on questions concerning this project or the permitting process, please contact Aaron Hoberg at (208) 373-0257 or aaron.hoberg@deq.idaho.gov 

November 17, 2022

Contact: Scott MacDonald, Water Quality Staff Engineer, Scott.MacDonald@deq.idaho.gov

POWER COUNTY – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on a draft water reuse permit for the city of Rockland in Power County, Idaho.

The city operates a class 1 municipal collection and treatment system, a 3-cell lagoon system, a winter storage lagoon, and a slow-rate land application system 15 miles south of American Falls, Idaho. Upgrades began in 2012 to add land for a recycled water land application system and a winter storage lagoon west of the treatment lagoons. The city also purchased a 160-acre parcel as part of their 2012 facility upgrades and completed the winter storage lagoon construction in 2013.

The permit would authorize the city to continue operating a water reuse system for an additional five years and allow recycled water to be used to irrigate crops during the growing season. The draft permit also 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 required to show that its operation would not cause public health or environmental concerns.

The draft permit is available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 North Hilton Street), DEQ’s Pocatello Regional Office (444 Hospital Way #300 Pocatello, Idaho 83201), and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page. Written comments will be accepted through December 19, 2022, at 5 pm MDT. Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or email to:

Scott MacDonald
444 Hospital Way #300
Pocatello, ID 83201
Scott.MacDonald@deq.idaho.gov

November 17, 2022

Contact: Thea Wickersham, Water Quality Coordinator, thea.wickersham@deq.idaho.gov 

BOISE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is advancing three water quality improvement plans—known as total maximum daily loads—designed to control pollutants in the Beaver-Camas subbasin, Lower Clark Fork River, and Spokane River. 

These efforts will help ensure that the three water bodies meet Idaho’s water quality standards and support their beneficial uses, including aquatic life, recreation, and domestic water use. 

Beaver-Camas Subbasin Total Maximum Daily Load 

The Beaver-Camas subbasin is one of the several “sinks drainages” in the Upper Snake River Basin, meaning all streams naturally flow subsurface into the Snake River Plan Aquifer rather than flowing into the Snake River. The Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout is a native species of concern in the subbasin.  

In 2005, DEQ developed temperature and sediment TMDLs to address water quality criteria exceedances in eight different stream segments, including the mainstem segments of both Beaver Creek and Camas Creek. 

On August 12, 2022, DEQ submitted the Beaver-Camas Subbasin TMDL to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) outlining steps to manage temperature, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and sediment. EPA approved the plan in September 2022, which outlines the maximum pollutant levels for 16 water bodies to ensure the subbasin supports cold water aquatic life, salmonid spawning, recreation, and domestic water supply.  

In its review, EPA determined that DEQ’s criteria will protect the most sensitive beneficial uses, as well as less sensitive beneficial uses, and protect water quality downstream and adjacent to the subbasin. 

• DEQ regional contact: Alex Bell, Regional Water Quality Manager, alex.bell@deq.idaho.gov 

Lower Clark Fork River 

The 320-mile Clark Fork River flows from Butte, Montana, to Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho, accounting for 92% of the lake’s annual inflow. The river’s main tributary, Lightning Creek, is also home to a regionally significant Bull Trout population and supports many other native fish. 

Sediment and temperature are the main pollutants of concern in the tributaries to the lower Clark Fork River. In 2007, DEQ developed TMDLs for instream sediment, metal, and temperature, with the goal of maintaining or restoring cold water aquatic life and salmonid spawning. Implementation work has continued into 2022, when DEQ developed revised TMDLs for 22 temperature impaired assessment units using a new methodology. 

EPA approved the updated TMDLs in June 2022. The revised TMDLs and implementation plans establish pollutant allocations at a level that will help ensure the river meets state water quality standards and supports cold water aquatic life, salmonid spawning, recreation, and domestic water supply. 

• DEQ regional contact: Craig Nelson, Water Quality Analyst, craig.nelson@deq.idaho.gov 

Spokane River 

The Spokane River is in the Upper Spokane subbasin in Kootenai County, Idaho, and drains into the Coeur d’Alene basin.  

Historic mining practices discharged an estimated 64.5 million tons of tailings into the Coeur d’Alene River and its tributaries. The tailings primarily contained lead, cadmium, and zinc, and were transported and deposited throughout the basin’s tributaries, lakes, and wetlands, including the Spokane River.  

The river has been listed as impaired since 1994 due to high levels of cadmium, lead, and zinc. DEQ developed TMDLs in 2000 and 2008 to address these pollutants of concern, and successfully removed cadmium as a cause of impairment in 2016. 

In 2022, DEQ submitted a revised TMDL for lead and zinc to EPA, which was approved in April 2022. The 2022 TMDL includes pollutant allocations necessary to protect and support a variety of beneficial uses and includes implementation strategies necessary to ensure progress towards improving water quality throughout the Spokane River. 

• DEQ regional contact: Kristin Lowell, Water Quality Coordinator, kristin.lowell@deq.idaho.gov 

Background 

The Clean Water Act § 303(d) requires states and tribes to identify and prioritize water bodies that do not meet water quality standards. Under the law, Idaho must develop a water quality improvement plan, called a total maximum daily load (TMDL), for water bodies not meeting water quality standards. A TMDL sets the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive and still meet water quality standards. 

November 17, 2022

Contact: Thea Wickersham, Water Quality Coordinator, thea.wickersham@deq.idaho.gov 

BOISE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is releasing three water quality improvement plan reviews—known as five-year reviews—which assess conditions in the Fernan Lake Watershed, Kootenai and Moyie River Subbasin, and Salmon Falls Creek Subbasin. 

The five-year reviews are intended to evaluate current water quality improvement plans (called a total maximum daily load or TMDL), which are currently in place for the three water bodies. The five-year reviews also evaluate whether the pollution-reduction goals are still appropriate and if any adjustments need to be made. 

Kootenai and Moyie River Subbasin  

The Kootenai River subbasin is in the North Idaho panhandle. In 2019, two water bodies representing seven segments of the subbasin were listed as impaired due to temperature exceedances. 

On June 29, 2022, DEQ conducted a review of the available data and presented findings to the Kootenai/Moyie Watershed Advisory Group. In its assessment, DEQ recommended increasing shade allocations from 0% to 58% to reduce temperature and determined that the current sediment loading reductions are effective. DEQ also recommended developing additional pollutant reduction plans to control selenium pollution. 

The 2019 and 2022 plans will result in measurable water quality improvements throughout the subbasin, including an increase in shade, decrease in sediment loads, and expanded wildlife habitat. DEQ is conducting additional monitoring for selenium concentrations in fish tissue and the water column to help inform future protection efforts. 

• DEQ regional contact: Todd Higens, Watershed Analyst, todd.higens@deq.idaho.gov 

Fernan Lake Watershed 

Fernan Lake covers 381 acres in the northern area of the Coeur d’Alene Lake subbasin and is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. 

The lake is currently not supporting its recreation beneficial use due to elevated phosphorus levels, which has led to recurring harmful algal blooms during the summer months. In 2013, DEQ developed a TMDL to reduce total phosphorus loads in Fernan Lake, with the goal of reducing the frequency of blooms.  

In 2022, DEQ prepared a five-year review to assess the appropriateness of the 2013 TMDL. The review determined that the timeframe for achieving pollution-reduction objectives and restoring the lake’s recreation beneficial use is 20 years and, based on the implementation plan actions, the 2013 TMDL is appropriate and attainable. 

Over the last several years, organizations and agencies such as Ducks Unlimited Inc., US Forest Service, University of Idaho Cooperative Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Kootenai-Shoshone Soil and Water Conservation District have implemented water quality improvement projects in Fernan Lake Watershed. Moving forward, DEQ will continue working with local partners to restore nutrient balance in Fernan Lake. 

• DEQ regional contact: Lily Conrad, Watershed Analyst, lily.conrad@deq.idaho.gov 

Salmon Falls Creek Subbasin 

The Salmon Falls Creek Subbasin in south central Idaho discharges into the Snake River just south of Hagerman, Idaho. Its two main reservoirs—Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir and Cedar Creek Reservoir—are popular year-round recreation and fishing spots. 

Sediment, nutrients, and temperature are the most common pollutants throughout the subbasin. DEQ first developed a TMDL for the water body in 1997, followed by several assessments and updates in 2001, 2007, 2009, and 2021. 

In 2022, DEQ’s Twin Falls Regional Office released an updated five-year review and determined that the current TMDL targets remain effective and that overall pollutant levels in the subbasin are improving. Total phosphorus levels remain above current targets, total nitrogen falls within the target range but still needs improvements, and total suspended solids are below the target in both upper and lower portions of the drainage system.  

DEQ is continuing to implement best management practices throughout the drainage area to reduce pollutant loading, including working with landowners to construct wetlands, restore streambanks, protect riparian buffers, and establish livestock watering facilities separate from the stream areas. 

• DEQ regional contact: Christina Beeson, Water Quality Analyst / 319 Coordinator,  christina.beeson@deq.idaho.gov  

Background 

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is responsible for reviewing and re-evaluating each total maximum daily load (TMDL), according to Idaho Code §39-3611(7). This includes determining the appropriateness of TMDL targets, pollutant allocations, and assumptions, as well as evaluating whether the water quality criteria identified in the TMDL are consistent with current water quality standards. 

Five-year reviews address water bodies that are impaired or threatened, but a TMDL is already completed or not required. The five-year review process may also recommend delistings or revisions. 

November 16, 2022

Contact: MaryAnna Peavey, Grants and Loans Bureau Chief, MaryAnna.Peavey@deq.idaho.gov

BOISE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on the draft letter of interest forms for supplemental drinking water and wastewater infrastructure funding. 

The funding is made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will support projects that address specific focus areas, including lead service line replacements for drinking water, emerging contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water and wastewater, and planning studies. 

The public comment process will help inform how DEQ administers the letter of interest forms and allocates the supplemental infrastructure money. The supplemental awards are in addition to the fiscal year 2024 drinking water and wastewater funding opportunities announced in October 2022.  

Funding amounts vary by category. Up to $28.3 million will be allotted for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund lead service line replacements and the funding can also be used to perform lead service line inventories. Approximately $7.5 million will be available for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund emerging contaminants and $459,000 will be available for Clean Water State Revolving Fund emerging contaminants. Up to $337,000 will be allocated for wastewater inflow and infiltration studies or stormwater planning studies.

Applications can be for stand-alone projects or combined with existing drinking water or wastewater letters of interest. Applicants submitting a stand-alone supplemental letter of interest will be ranked separately from existing drinking water or wastewater letters of interest using a separate priority list. Applications for existing drinking water and wastewater letters of interest are encouraged to include supplemental requests in their overall project if applicable.  

An informational meeting on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supplemental letters of interest is scheduled for November 28, 2022, from 2-3:30 pm. See DEQ’s Events page for registration information.

The draft letter of interest forms are available for review on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page, at DEQ’s State Office (1410 North Hilton Street), and at DEQ’s regional offices. Comments will be accepted through November 30, 2022, at 5 pm MDT.  

Contact: Dan McCracken, Coeur d’Alene Regional Administrator, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Dan.McCracken@deq.idaho.gov

November 15, 2022 

COEUR D’ALENE — The Our Gem Collaborative hosted the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine on Tuesday to discuss findings from The Future of Water Quality in Coeur d’Alene Lake report and take questions from the public. 

The report, which was published last month, provided a third-party assessment of water quality data collected over the last three decades and outlined recommendations to preserve the health of the lake. 

“Many of us refer to Lake Coeur d’Alene as the gem of North Idaho and we all want to keep it that way,” said Idaho Governor Brad Little. “That is why continued protection of Lake Coeur d’Alene and all the economic and ecological benefits it provides us was a key part of my Leading Idaho initiative. With the NAS study and $20 million in Leading Idaho funding, we are already working on ways to continue improving the health of Lake Coeur d’Alene.”  

“The NAS study has given us an important list of actions to pursue together to continue to make progress improving the health of Coeur d’Alene Lake,” said Dan McCracken, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Coeur d’Alene Regional Administrator. “The recent trends are encouraging. They indicate that our efforts are starting to make a difference, but we have a lot of important work ahead of us. With the investment being made through Governor Little’s Leading Idaho Initiative, we have the opportunity to make significant improvements to our wastewater treatment systems throughout the Basin and address other known sources of phosphorus.” 

In 2020, DEQ, Kootenai County, and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with the support of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, asked the National Academies to analyze water quality data in Coeur d’Alene Lake and provide recommendations to address issues of concern.  

In 2021, Governor Little established the Coeur d’Alene Lake Advisory Committee and directed $2 million for projects that reduce levels of phosphorus from entering the lake from wastewater, stormwater runoff, erosion, and other sources. The following year, Governor Little made available an additional $20 million for projects that support the state’s 2009 Lake Management Plan and reduce nutrient loading to Coeur d’Alene Lake. 

“I am proud of our recent successes and look forward to continued engagement on this issue with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, federal government, local governments, and the people of North Idaho,” said Governor Little. 

The symposium was hosted by the Our Gem Coeur d’Alene Lake Collaborative and the Spokane River Forum and featured introductory remarks by Dr. Andrew Fields of the University of Idaho, a summary of the report presented by NAS committee members, comments from the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, DEQ, EPA, and Kootenai County, and a question and answer session with attendees. 

Contact: Brett Morrison. IPDES Compliance and Enforcement Officer, brett.morrison@deq.idaho.gov

November 15, 2022

BOISE – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on a proposed settlement action with Brinkmann Construction for violations of the 2022 construction general permit for discharges from construction activities.

Brinkmann Construction obtained coverage under Permit IDR1002RD as an operator at CDG Boise Myrtle in Boise, Idaho. DEQ alleges Brinkmann Construction failed to comply with all applicable conditions of the permit.  

DEQ prepared an expedited settlement agreement and consent order directing Brinkmann Construction to resolve the violation and either pay a civil penalty or request a compliance conference. Brinkmann Construction has made payment in full for the civil penalty of $8,205 and signed the consent order.

The consent order is available for review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton St.) and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page. Written comments will be accepted through December 15, 2022, at 5 pm MDT. Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or email:

Brett Morrison
IPDES Compliance and Enforcement Officer
1410 N Hilton St.
Boise, ID 83706
brett.morrison@deq.idaho.gov

Related Documents

Draft expedited settlement and consent order

November 3, 2022 

Contact: David Luft, Air Quality Manager, David.Luft@deq.idaho.gov  

BOISE – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a state implementation plan (SIP) revision to the Northern Ada County Carbon Monoxide Limited Maintenance Plan. 

If approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the revision would remove the federal requirement for an inspection and maintenance (I/M) program in northern Ada County. However, local governments could elect to keep or remove their I/M programs. 

The program was implemented in 1984 to help the Treasure Valley meet national health-based standards. Under the program, most vehicles in Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and unincorporated areas in Ada County are required to undergo emissions testing every other year.  

Air quality in the Treasure Valley has improved over the past three decades and the area is currently meeting all national health-based standards. The I/M program is not as effective as it once was due to vehicle turnover and stricter federal emissions standards for vehicle manufacturers. DEQ’s modeling has shown that if the program is removed, vehicle emissions would likely continue to decrease. Even with the Treasure Valley’s recent growth, there are a greater number of newer, cleaner vehicles on the road, so the I/M program is likely to have minimal impact on improved air quality. 

DEQ proposes removing the vehicle inspection and maintenance program from the northern Ada County plan and will continue to work with communities to protect and improve air quality through monitoring, use of voluntary programs, and continued outreach. 

Public hearing and comment opportunity 

A public hearing is scheduled for December 5, 2022, at 6 pm in Conference Room B at DEQ’s State Office (1410 North Hilton Street, Boise, ID 83706). The meeting will also be available virtually via Zoom. See DEQ’s Trainings, Conferences, and Workshops page for login information.  

The hearing will be accessible to individuals with disabilities and language translators will be made available if requested five days prior to the meeting. For arrangements, contact Dianne Hobbs (dianne.hobbs@deq.idaho.gov or (208) 373-0440). 

The draft revision to the Northern Ada County Carbon Monoxide Limited Maintenance Plan is available for review on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page, at DEQ’s State Office (1410 North Hilton Street), and DEQ’s regional offices.  

Written comments will be accepted through December 5, 2022, before midnight. To be most effective, comments should address whether this submittal meets the requirements of Clean Air Act. Please reference the document title listed above when sending comments or requesting information. 

Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page or by mail or email to: 

Dianne Hobbs 
1410 N. Hilton Street 
Boise, Idaho 83706 
Dianne.hobbs@deq.idaho.gov 
(208) 373-0440 

Related Documents 

Northern Ada County Carbon Monoxide Limited Maintenance Plan 
Project Summary 
Project Summary (mobile) 

10/28/2022

Contact: Triffie Ransom, IPDES Permit Writer, triffie.ransom@deq.idaho.gov

BOISE – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is releasing an Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) preliminary draft permit for the Brownlee Hydroelectric Power Plant.

The facility has 10 days to review the preliminary draft permit and fact sheet for any errors and omissions that should be addressed before the public participation period. After the preliminary draft period has concluded,

DEQ will revise the preliminary draft permit as needed, at which point it will become a draft permit for public review and comment. DEQ will formally notify all necessary parties that the draft permit, fact sheet, and associated application have been posted on DEQ’s website for public review and comment, per the “Rules Regulating the Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program” (IDAPA 58.01.25.109). To be notified of the forthcoming posting, go to the DEQ’s Newsroom page, enter an email address, and click the “Subscribe” link at the bottom of the page.

October 19, 2022

Contact: Troy Smith, Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Bureau Chief, troy.smith@deq.idaho.gov

BOISE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) today released the 2023 Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program (IPDES) Permit Issuance Plan for the upcoming calendar year. 

The plan provides the regulated community, US Environmental Protection Agency, and other state, federal, tribal, and interested entities with information on permits being worked on for the next two years. It also prioritizes the facilities with pending permit applications and/or administratively continued permits under the IPDES Bureau. 

DEQ assumed delegated authority for municipal, nonmunicipal, general, and storm water permits on July 1, 2018, 2019, and 2020, and 2021, respectively. With this change in authority, all permits for discharges into waters of the United States in Idaho not on tribal land are issued by DEQ in accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement between DEQ and EPA. 

October 17, 2022 

Contact: Ben Jarvis, Pollution Prevention and Continuous Improvement Lead, Ben.Jarvis@deq.idaho.gov 

BOISE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) today awarded $43,000 to the Nez Perce Tribe to support aluminum, plastic, and cardboard recycling recovery.  

The grant will go towards the purchase of a new baler for compressing and compacting recycled items. 

The Nez Perce Tribe has used a single baler for cardboard, aluminum, and plastic waste for several years. A new baler will allow the Tribe to increase the total recovery of these materials and provide for more compact shipments and material-specific loads.  

The Nez Perce Tribe estimates that with a new baler, total recycling loads will nearly double, from 4 to 5 loads per month to as many as eight loads per month. This will divert an estimated 530 tons of waste from the landfill over the next ten years. The new baler will also reduce fuel costs associated with transporting recycled items to processing facilities.   

Funding for this grant was provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Sustainable Materials Management Program, which seeks to increase diversion and reuse of food waste, packaging materials, and building materials. Past award recipients include Idaho County, Teton Valley Community Recycling, the city of Pocatello, and others.  

For more information, visit DEQ’s Pollution Prevention Program. 

October 14, 2022

Contacts: 

• DEQ media contact: Anna Marron, 208-373-0427, Anna.Marron@deq.idaho.gov
• DEQ area contact: Boise Regional Office, 208-373-0550
• DHW: Greg Stahl, 208-334-0668, Greg.Stahl@dhw.idaho.gov

BOISE, ID — The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) Division of Public Health and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) are notifying the public of potentially hazardous conditions at Lake Cascade in Valley County and the Payette River from Lake Cascade to Payette through Boise, Gem, Payette, and Valley counties due to harmful algal blooms.

DEQ tested samples from the lake and river and confirmed the amount of potentially toxin-producing cyanobacteria estimated to be present in the lake may lead to illness in humans and animals. Cyanotoxin levels detected in water samples from both sources are considered potentially harmful to animals.

A recent death of a dog in Gem County was linked to drinking cyanotoxin-containing water from the Payette River, and a recent illness in a horse is thought to have been caused by drinking from Lake Cascade and the Payette River. Further water testing is underway to determine the degree of concern for humans.

DPH urges visitors to Lake Cascade and the Payette River from Cascade Lake to Payette to use caution when recreating in or near the water and to take the following precautions:

• Ensure pets and livestock are not exposed to the water.
• Clean skin, hide, or fur with clean water as soon as possible after any water contact.
• Do not drink or cook with water containing a bloom. Boiling and filtering the water does not remove the toxins and can increase the risk of adverse health effects.
• Wash hands thoroughly in clean water after handling fish or objects from these waters.
• Clean and wash fish thoroughly in uncontaminated water and dispose of internal organs before consumption. If you choose to eat fish from this area, filet the fish and remove all fat, skin, and organs before cooking. Cyanotoxins can accumulate in fish and the risk to people is still being studied.
• Avoid water if you have increased risk of illness from exposure. People at increased risk of illness from cyanotoxins include those with liver or kidney damage, and should avoid swimming, wading, or other activities in the water.
• Monitor media reports and DHW’s website for health advisories.

Symptoms of cyanotoxin exposure include rash, hives, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, and/or wheezing. More severe symptoms affecting the liver and nervous system may happen if the water is ingested. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare provider.

Pets, livestock, and wildlife can get sick, or even die, within minutes to days after cyanotoxin exposure. Dogs are often the first affected because they are more likely to swim in or drink contaminated water or lick contaminated water or bloom material off their fur. If your pets or livestock have been in the water, immediately wash them with clean water to keep them from licking cyanobacteria off their bodies. Seek veterinary care immediately if your pets or livestock seem sick after going in or drinking the water.

Cyanobacteria are a natural part of Idaho’s water bodies. When temperatures rise, their populations can bloom and toxic chemical compounds, or cyanotoxins, can be released into the water. Blooms can vary in appearance, and may look like mats, foam, spilled paint, or surface scum, and have a foul odor. Mats can occur out of sight on the bottom of the water body. The Division works closely with DEQ and the public health districts to identify, respond to, and monitor cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (HABS).

For more information about harmful algal blooms, visit DEQ’s website at https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/surface-water/cyanobacteria-harmful-algal-blooms/ or DHW’s website at https://www.gethealthy.dhw.idaho.gov/recreational-water-health-advisories. 

October 11, 2022

Contact: MaryAnna Peavey, Grants and Loans Bureau Chief, MaryAnna.Peavey@deq.idaho.gov

BOISE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is announcing fiscal year 2024 grant and loan funding opportunities for Idaho’s drinking water and wastewater systems.

Funding will be used to assist eligible public drinking water systems and wastewater systems with facility planning projects and help entities build or repair existing public drinking water systems and wastewater treatment facilities.

Eligible applicants include governmental entities and nonprofit corporations that have authority to collect, treat, or dispose of sewage or industrial wastewater as well as community water systems and nonprofit noncommunity water systems.

Funding Availability 

DEQ has several funding opportunities available.  

State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loans 

State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans provide low-interest funding for up to 100% of design and construction costs for drinking water and wastewater facilities. SRF loans also offer below-market interest rates with average rates under 2%. 

Planning Grants

Planning grants are available to help systems cover the cost of preparing facility planning documents or fund environmental reviews. These grants cover 50% of eligible costs. 

Leading Idaho Initiative Funding

Additional funding is potentially available this year through Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative.

Application Process and Deadline

The letter of interest process includes two phases. Applicants are first required to submit a letter of interest—also known as an LOI—detailing their need for funding. A separate LOI is available for each funding opportunity.  

LOI forms are available on DEQ’s Grants and Loans page. Completed LOIs are due by January 13, 2023, at 5 pm MST. Submit applications electronically to grants.loans@deq.idaho.gov.

DEQ will then evaluate, rate, and rank responses for inclusion on the annual priority list. LOI forms that receive the highest ratings will then be invited to submit a grant or loan application.  

Training Opportunities 

DEQ will host three training sessions to assist with the application process. Attendance is free but pre-registration is required. 

LOI Loan Virtual Training: November 17, 10 am-12 pm MST. Register here.
LOI Loan Virtual Training: November 29, 10 am-12 pm MST. Register here.
LOI Grant Virtual Training: December 6, 10 am-12 pm MST Register here.

BOISE – On September 27th, 2022, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced that the Idaho Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan required under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program was approved for implementation. There is now $4,425,511 in funds available to Idaho to strategically deploy EV charging infrastructure and to establish an interconnected network to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability. For the Fiscal Years 2022-2026, Idaho is expected to receive just under $30 million through the NEVI Formula Program. A portion of the FY22 funding will be used to conduct a siting, access, and feasibility study to guide EV fast charger buildout.

Office of Energy and Mineral Resources Administrator, Richard Stover, announced “the approval of the Idaho’s NEVI plan is welcome news. This plan was the culmination of extensive outreach and community input and reflects a strong working partnership between the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources (OEMR), and other stakeholders and community members across Idaho. Its approval represents an important step in infrastructure, economic and workforce development in Idaho. Over the next year, we will be conducting a siting, feasibility, and access study to determine how and where to deploy this funding. This study will involve significant outreach to local communities, disadvantaged communities across Idaho, and possible funding partners. We are excited to get this plan moving”

The Idaho Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan may be viewed on OEMR’s NEVI webpage. https://oemr.idaho.gov/programs/national-electric-vehicle-infrastructure-program/

September 30, 2022

Contacts:

• Dan McCracken, Coeur d’Alene Regional Administrator, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Dan.McCracken@deq.idaho.gov
• Scott Fields, Water Resources Program Manager, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, SFields@cdatribe-nsn.gov

BOISE — Certain water quality trends are improving in North Idaho’s iconic water body, according to the National Academy of Sciences’ (NAS) Future of Water Quality in Coeur d’Alene Lake report.

The report, which was released today, analyzes current and historic water quality data and provides recommendations to preserve the health of the lake. 

“I am pleased to see positive water quality trends in Coeur d’Alene Lake. Thanks to the diligent research of the National Academy of Sciences, we are better informed about the work we are doing in Idaho. This data will allow DEQ to strategically implement the $20 million from the Leading Idaho initiative alongside our partners. I appreciate the engagement of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and Kootenai County. We can continue these positive trends if we all work together,” said Governor Brad Little.

“I think we have seen renewed vigor in the region’s collective desire to protect Coeur d’Alene Lake,” said Chairman Chief Allan. “This is exciting because although we know that the lake has been the heart of the Coeur d’Alene people for thousands of years, we also recognize its importance to the entire region. It is critical to the Tribe that we use this NAS report as a starting point that leads to more actions,” he added.

In 2020, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Kootenai County, and the US Environmental Protection Agency, with the support of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, asked the National Academy of Sciences to analyze water quality data in Coeur d’Alene Lake and provide recommendations to address issues of concern.

The study provided a third-party assessment of water quality data collected over the last three decades. The review focused on historic and recent trends in nutrients and dissolved oxygen in order to fully understand the state of the lake and identify the most appropriate protection measures.

Caj Matheson, director of the Tribe’s Department of Natural Resources, said, “It will be important for us to increase our project work around the lake as well as to follow up on the studies suggested by the report. We are seeing some positive trends but those trends are short and the report also shows that it is the lake’s oxygen levels that, if they are too low, will trigger the release of those metals from their rest on the bottom of the Lake into the main water column. These studies will help us better understand all the issues related to this phenomenon.”

“We appreciate the thoroughness and expertise that NAS brought to this review process. We believe that the conclusions from this study indicate that our management and remediation activities are working as intended, but continued action is needed to safeguard the health of our lake. We look forward to working in partnership with Governor Little, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, and local stakeholders to prioritize this essential work,” said Jess Byrne, director of the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.”

To help kickstart preservation efforts, Governor Little established the Coeur d’Alene Lake Advisor Committee in 2021 and directed $2 million for projects that reduce levels of phosphorus from entering the lake from wastewater, stormwater runoff, erosion, and other sources. The following year, Governor Little made available an additional $20 million for projects that support the state’s 2009 Lake Management Plan and reduce nutrient loading to Coeur d’Alene Lake.

The National Academy of Sciences report is available at https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/the-future-of-water-quality-in-coeur-dalene-lake. DEQ is reviewing the information and will begin conversations with stakeholders throughout the Coeur d’Alene Basin to determine a path forward for managing the lake.

For those interested in learning more, the Our Gem Collaborative is hosting a presentation by the National Academy of Sciences on November 15, 2022, from 8 am to 12 pm at the Hagadone Event Center in Coeur d’Alene. Registration information for the seminar is available at https://spokaneriver.net/events/our-gem-symposium/.  

September 29, 2022

Contact: Matt Stutzman, IPDES Permit Writer, matthew.stutzman@deq.idaho.gov

REXBURG – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has extended the public comment period for the proposed city of Rexburg Idaho Pollution Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) Permit (ID0023817).

Interested parties now have until October 10, 2022, at 5 pm MST to submit written comments.

The permit authorizes the discharge of treated municipal wastewater to the South Fork Teton River for five years. The permit identifies the pollutants of concern and specifies associated discharge limits.  Additionally, the permit specifies monitoring and reporting requirements necessary to ensure compliance, protect human health, and assure the integrity of Idaho’s environment.

The draft permit and fact sheet are available for public review at DEQ’s Idaho Falls Regional Office (900 N Skyline Drive, Suite B, Idaho Falls, ID), DEQ State Office (1410 N Hilton Street, Boise, ID), and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page.  

Submit written comments on the draft permit and fact sheet electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or email to:

Matt Stutzman
Surface and Wastewater Division
1410 N Hilton St.
Boise, ID 83706
matthew.stutzman@deq.idaho.gov

September 22, 2022

Contact: Sean Woodhead, Twin Falls Surface Water Quality Manager, sean.woodhead@deq.idaho.gov 

TWIN FALLS – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is preparing a draft 401 water quality certification for Stevenson No. 2 (Black Canyon Bliss) hydroelectric facility – Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Docket No. P-8866. 

The facility is located on the Snake River in Gooding County, Idaho, and is an operating-licensed facility filing for a new license with FERC. 

DEQ received a request on May 24, 2022, to certify that the Stevenson No. 2 (Black Canyon Bliss) hydroelectric facility complies with state water quality standards. Under Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act, the project must be certified by the state within one year of receipt of the application before it can be relicensed by FERC. DEQ has until May 24, 2023, to certify the project. 

DEQ anticipates preparing a draft certification and will seek public comment once the draft is completed. To be notified of upcoming public comment opportunities, subscribe to DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page.