Category: Public Comment
DEQ seeks comment on draft 401 water quality certification for Lower Salmon Falls Dam suction dredge project
Accepting comments from May 23, 2025, through June 13, 2025.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft water quality certification for the Lower Salmon Falls Dam suction dredge project.
This project proposes to remove sediment that has accumulated upstream of the dam since its recommissioning in 1949. It is estimated that up to 8,300 cubic yards of sediment will be removed with mechanical suction dredging and temporarily stored in the geotextile dewatering bags to reach optimal moisture content.
Based upon review of the federal permit application, readily available water quality related materials, and certification request in accordance with 40 CFR §§ 121.5 (b) and (c) and 121.7 (c) received on April 23, 2025, DEQ certifies that if the permittee complies with the terms and conditions imposed by the federal permit and the conditions set forth in this water quality certification, then it is reasonable for DEQ to conclude that the activity will comply with water quality requirements, including applicable requirements of the Clean Water Act §§ 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307, Idaho’s “Water Quality Standards” (IDAPA 58.01.02), and other appropriate water quality requirements of state law.
Written comments will be accepted through June 13, 2025, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
Jake Barnes
650 Addison Avenue West, Suite 110
Twin Falls, ID 83301
jake.barnes@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
Draft Certification
Accessibility Services: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality will provide reasonable language access services and/or disability services for documents at no charge. To request an accommodation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Americans with Disabilities Act, contact DEQ’s nondiscrimination coordinator at (208) 373-0271 or accessibility@deq.idaho.gov. Para obtener información en español, visite https://www.deq.idaho.gov/about-us/accessibility/.
DEQ seeks comment on draft 401 water quality certification for Waltman Lane bridge replacement
Accepting comments from May 22, 2025, through June 12, 2025.
the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft water quality certification for the Waltman Lane bridge replacement project.
This project proposes replacing the existing bridge spanning Waltman Lane with a new bridge extending 55 feet across Tenmile Creek. The design includes a 23-foot-wide culvert, overtopping asphalt, pedestrian sidewalks, and protective riprap installation both upstream and downstream of the culvert.
Based upon review of the federal permit application, readily available water quality related materials, and certification request in accordance with 40 C.F.R. §§ 121.5 (b) and (c) and 121.7 (c), DEQ, certifies that if the permittee complies with the terms and conditions imposed by the federal permit and the conditions set forth in this water quality certification, then it is reasonable for DEQ to conclude that the activity will comply with water quality requirements, including applicable requirements of the Clean Water Act §§ 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307, Idaho’s “Water Quality Standards” (IDAPA 58.01.02), and other appropriate water quality requirements of state law.
Written comments will be accepted through June 12, 2025, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
Meghan Cline
1445 N Orchard St.
Boise, ID 83706
meghan.cline@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
Draft Certification
Accessibility Services: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality will provide reasonable language access services and/or disability services for documents at no charge. To request an accommodation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Americans with Disabilities Act, contact DEQ’s nondiscrimination coordinator at (208) 373-0271 or accessibility@deq.idaho.gov. Para obtener información en español, visite https://www.deq.idaho.gov/about-us/accessibility/.
DEQ announces public comment period for draft air quality monitoring network plan
Accepting comments from May 16, 2025, through June 15, 2025.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is announcing a public comment period for the draft 2025 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Annual Network Plan.
The network plan outlines how the agency intends to operate its air quality monitoring stations throughout the state and includes information on monitoring station locations, sampling, analysis methods, and operating schedules.
The draft 2025 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Annual Network Plan is available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton Street, Boise, Idaho) and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page. Written comments will be accepted through June 15, 2025, at 5 p.m. MDT. Submit comments below, or by mail or email:
Ben Seely
Air Quality Division
DEQ State Office
1410 N. Hilton Street
Boise, ID 83706
ben.seely@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
Draft 2025 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Annual Network Plan
Accessibility Services: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality will provide reasonable language access services and/or disability services for documents at no charge. To request an accommodation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Americans with Disabilities Act, contact DEQ’s nondiscrimination coordinator at (208) 373-0271 or accessibility@deq.idaho.gov. Para obtener información en español, visite https://www.deq.idaho.gov/about-us/accessibility/.
DEQ seeks comment on industrial discharge permit for Idahoan Foods, LLC
Accepting comments from May 6, 2025, through June 5, 2025.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on an industrial discharge permit for Idahoan Foods, LLC.
The facility, located in Rupert, Idaho, discharges industrial process wastewater to the city of Rupert’s publicly owned treatment works (POTW). DEQ has determined that Idahoan Foods meets the definition of a Significant Industrial User and is subject to pretreatment requirements per 40 CFR 403.
The “Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Rules” (IDAPA 58.01.25) allow DEQ to assume responsibility for implementing pretreatment program requirements in lieu of requiring the publicly owned treatment works to develop one. DEQ has elected to assume responsibility for permitting Idahoan Foods in lieu of the city.
The permit requires Idahoan’s industrial discharge to meet pollutant limits as required by the most recent Rupert Wastewater Rate Agreement and requires routine sampling of the discharge and reporting to both the city and DEQ.
The draft permit is available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton St.) and on DEQ’s website. Written comments will be accepted through June 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. MST. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
Terry Alber
Biosolids and Pretreatment Analyst
DEQ State Office
1410 N Hilton St
Boise ID 83706
terry.alber@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
Draft Industrial Discharge Permit
Accessibility Services: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality will provide reasonable language access services and/or disability services for documents at no charge. To request an accommodation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Americans with Disabilities Act, contact DEQ’s nondiscrimination coordinator at (208) 373-0271 or accessibility@deq.idaho.gov. Para obtener información en español, visite https://www.deq.idaho.gov/about-us/accessibility/.
DEQ seeks comment on draft reuse permit renewal for Mack’s Inn Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facility
Accepting comments from May 2, 2025, through June 2, 2025.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft reuse permit renewal for Fremont County’s Mack’s Inn Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facility.
Fremont County operates a municipal wastewater treatment plant and reuse facility in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The facility produces recycled water, which is used to irrigate native vegetation and make snow. The permit renewal would allow the county to continue the beneficial use of municipal recycled water.
The draft reuse permit establishes monitoring requirements, limits on nutrient and hydraulic loading, and conditions established by DEQ to protect public health and the environment. As part of the permitting process, the facility was also required to show that its operation would not cause public health or environmental concerns.
The permit materials are available for public review at DEQ’s Idaho Falls Regional Office (900 North Skyline Drive Suite B, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83406) and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page. Written comments will be accepted through June 2, 2025, until 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
Mike Herring
Wastewater Reuse Permit Writer
1410 N. Hilton St.
Boise, ID 83706
Michael.Herring@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
Accessibility Services: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality will provide reasonable language access services and/or disability services for documents at no charge. To request an accommodation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Americans with Disabilities Act, contact DEQ’s nondiscrimination coordinator at (208) 373-0271 or accessibility@deq.idaho.gov. Para obtener información en español, visite https://www.deq.idaho.gov/about-us/accessibility/.
DEQ seeks comment on Tier II operating permit for Micron Technology, Inc.
Accepting comments from May 1, 2025, through June 2, 2025.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality seeks comment on a draft Tier II operating permit for Micron Technology, Inc. in Boise, Idaho.
Micron develops and manufactures semiconductors and other memory and storage technologies using silicon-based wafers. The company is seeking to modify its existing Tier II operating permit, which would allow for the construction of a new semiconductor fabrication facility and industrial wastewater treatment facility. If approved, the expansion will be executed in four phases over an approximate seven-year period.
DEQ has determined that operation according to the proposed permit will not cause or significantly contribute to a violation of any ambient air quality standard and will not injure or unreasonably affect human or animal life or vegetation. DEQ has reviewed the application and completed an analysis of the information submitted by the applicant for the expansion of the semiconductor fabrication facility. Based on this analysis, DEQ proposes to issue the Tier II operating permit.
The draft permit materials are available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton St.) and on DEQ’s website. Written comments on the draft permit and supporting materials will be accepted through June 2, 2025, at 5 p.m. MST. Submit comments using the form below or via mail or email to:
Dianne Hobbs
1410 N. Hilton St.
Boise, ID 83706
dianne.hobbs@deq.idaho.gov
For technical assistance on questions concerning this project or the permitting process, contact Zach Pierce at (208) 373-0502 or Zach.Pierce@deq.idaho.gov.
Related Documents
Accessibility Services: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality will provide reasonable language access services and/or disability services for documents at no charge. To request an accommodation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Americans with Disabilities Act, contact DEQ’s nondiscrimination coordinator at (208) 373-0271 or accessibility@deq.idaho.gov. Para obtener información en español, visite https://www.deq.idaho.gov/about-us/accessibility/.
UPDATED: DEQ extends comment period for draft Jordan Creek Mercury Total Maximum Daily Load
Accepting comments from March 27, 2025, through June 11, 2025.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is extending the public comment period for the draft Jordan Creek Mercury Total Maximum Daily Load.
The initial public comment period was set to end on April 27, 2025. The public now has until June 11, 2025, to submit comments.
The total maximum daily load (TMDL) sets mercury load limits for five impaired assessment units (i.e., the portions of a stream between two tributary intersections) in the Jordan Creek subbasin. These segments are designated as impaired on Idaho’s 303(d) list in the 2024 Integrated Report.
The Jordan Creek subbasin spans from southwestern Idaho into southeastern Oregon. Historic mining practices led to elevated mercury levels in parts of the system. Under the Clean Water Act, states are required to develop TMDLs when state water quality standards are not achieved. To comply with these requirements, DEQ prepared the draft Jordan Creek Mercury 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. The draft TMDL document was developed in consultation with the Jordan Creek Watershed Advisory Group.
The draft TMDL is available for review on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities web page and at DEQ’s State Office (1410 North Hilton Street, Boise, Idaho 83706). Written comments will be accepted through June 11, 2025, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
Melissa Wigton-Hill
1445 N. Orchard St.
Boise, ID 83706
melissa.wigton-hill@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
Jordan Creek Mercury Total Maximum Daily Load
Accessibility Services: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality will provide reasonable language access services and/or disability services for documents at no charge. To request an accommodation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Americans with Disabilities Act, contact DEQ’s nondiscrimination coordinator at (208) 373-0271 or accessibility@deq.idaho.gov. Para obtener información en español, visite https://www.deq.idaho.gov/about-us/accessibility/.
DEQ seeks comment on draft 401 water quality certification for Pocatello Creek Road path project
Accepting comments from May 28, 2025, through June 18, 2025.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft water quality certification for the Pocatello Creek Road path project.
This project includes constructing a 10-foot wide, approximately 2,750-foot-long paved multi-use path to connect the Monte Vista neighborhood with the commercial district along Pocatello Creek Road. The path will be routed across Pocatello Creek using an existing structure to avoid the need to permit a new crossing. The existing structure is a corrugated metal pipe with a concrete headwall and wing walls. Disturbed areas from construction will be stabilized, reseeded with native vegetation, and restored to pre-construction conditions to minimize long-term erosion and sedimentation.
Based upon review of the federal permit application, readily available water quality related materials, and certification request in accordance with 40 CFR §§ 121.5 (b) and (c) and 121.7 (c) received on April 23, 2025, DEQ certifies that if the permittee complies with the terms and conditions imposed by the federal permit and the conditions set forth in this water quality certification, then it is reasonable for DEQ to conclude that the activity will comply with water quality requirements, including applicable requirements of the Clean Water Act §§ 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307, Idaho’s “Water Quality Standards” (IDAPA 58.01.02), and other appropriate water quality requirements of state law.
Written comments will be accepted through June 18, 2025, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
Andre Selino
444 Hospital Way, #300
Pocatello, ID 83201
andre.selino@idaho.deq.gov
Related Documents
Draft Certification
Accessibility Services: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality will provide reasonable language access services and/or disability services for documents at no charge. To request an accommodation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Americans with Disabilities Act, contact DEQ’s nondiscrimination coordinator at (208) 373-0271 or accessibility@deq.idaho.gov. Para obtener información en español, visite https://www.deq.idaho.gov/about-us/accessibility/.