Category: Public Comment
DEQ seeks comment on hazardous waste storage permit renewal for Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc.
Accepting comments from May 6, 2025, through June 23, 2025.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on a hazardous waste storage permit renewal for Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc.
Safety-Kleen operates a solvent collection and reclamation facility in Boise, Idaho. As part of its operation, the company temporarily stores waste solvents in above ground storage tanks and container storage areas. Much of the solvents are recycled into useable products while other spent materials and hazardous wastes are shipped to a permitted treatment or disposal facility.
The draft permit renewal would allow the company to continue operations and set forth procedural requirements for storage of hazardous waste, and eventual closure of the units to ensure protection of human health and the environment.
The permit materials are available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 North Hilton Street, Boise, Idaho 83706) and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page. Written comments will be accepted through June 23, 2025, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
Daryl Sawyer
Hazardous Waste Permit Supervisor
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
1410 North Hilton St.
Boise, ID 83706
Related Documents
Draft permit and supporting materials
Accessibility Services: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality will provide reasonable language access services and/or disability services for documents at no charge. To request an accommodation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Americans with Disabilities Act, contact DEQ’s nondiscrimination coordinator at (208) 373-0271 or accessibility@deq.idaho.gov. Para obtener información en español, visite https://www.deq.idaho.gov/about-us/accessibility/.
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/.
DEQ announces public comment period on draft fiscal year 2026 State Revolving Fund Intended Use Plan and Legislative Supplemental Funding Implementation Plan
Accepting comments from April 25, 2025, through May 16, 2025.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a series of plans that will guide how DEQ prioritizes and awards funding for water infrastructure investments.
The documents include the following:
- State Revolving Fund (SRF) Clean Water and Drinking Water Intended Use Plan (IUP), which includes the priority lists for loans, emerging contaminants, and lead service line inventory projects in addition to Drinking Water and Wastewater Planning Grant Priority Lists.
- Implementation Plan for Legislative Supplemental Funding for new Drinking Water and Wastewater projects, which includes proposed criteria and priority lists.
Once approved and finalized by the Idaho Board of Environmental Quality, these documents will govern the state’s funding decisions for state fiscal year 2026.
DEQ will award grants and loans from these lists in priority order to the highest ranked, “shovel-ready” projects. Awards will be made in full to projects that can utilize all of the available funding. A virtual informational meeting is scheduled for May 12, 2025, at 11 a.m. MST. Visit DEQ’s Events Page to register for this meeting.
The priority lists and IUP are listed below and hard copies are available by request at DEQ’s State Office and DEQ’s regional offices. Written comments will be accepted through May 16, 2025, at 5 p.m. MST. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
MaryAnna Peavey
1410 N. Hilton St.
Boise, ID 83706
grants.loans@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
FY26 State Revolving Fund Intended Use Plan and Legislative Supplemental Funding Implementation 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 draft 401 water quality certification for Kootenai River bank stabilization project
Accepting comments from April 21, 2025, through May 12, 2025.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft water quality certification for the Kootenai River bank stabilization project.
The proposed project entails the construction of a riprap revetment (protective layer) to prevent against erosion and stabilize the bank. The slope will have a maximum 1.5 feet horizontally to 1 foot vertically (1.5:1 ft.), with a mattress depth of 4 ft. The materials will have a D50 of 2 ft., meaning 50% of the particles, by weight or volume, will measure 2 ft. or less. Approximately 289 cubic yards (cy) of riprap will be placed below the ordinary high water mark (OHWM), including around 202 cy situated below the existing streambed, resulting in a net total of 87 cy below the OHWM. Excavators and dump trucks will be the primary equipment for this project. Best management practices will be employed to prevent soil from entering the river during construction, and additional measures may be implemented to address seasonal runoff.
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.
The draft certification is available for review on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities web page. Written comments will be accepted through May 12, 2025, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
Tambra Phares
1410 N. Hilton St.
Boise, ID 83706
tambra.phares@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 reuse permit for Terra View Splash Pad
Accepting comments from April 11, 2025, through May 12, 2025.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on a draft reuse permit for the Terra View Splash Pad in Eagle, Idaho.
The permit would allow the city to treat wastewater generated from the single-pass splashpad and store it in a 0.21 million gallon pond, where it will be blended with irrigation water before application to park land. The draft reuse permit establishes 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.
Written comments on the draft permit will be accepted through May 12, 2025, 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 Boise Regional Office (1445 N Orchard St.), and on DEQ’s website.
Submit comments using the form below or via mail, or email to:
Adam Bussan
Senior Water Quality Engineer
11445 N Orchard St.
Boise, ID 83706
Adam.Bussan@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
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 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/.