Category: Public Comment
DEQ seeks comment on a draft water reuse permit renewal for Kootenai School District
Accepting comments from July 15, 2021, through August 16, 2021.
KOOTENAI COUNTY —The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on a draft water reuse permit renewal for the Kootenai School District in Kootenai, Idaho.
Kootenai School District #274 collects municipal wastewater from school buildings and operates a municipal wastewater treatment and reuse facility. The district applies approximately 1.7 million gallons per year of Class C recycled water to 5.7 acres of grass hay during the growing season.
The draft permit would allow the facility to continue irrigating with recycled water for a period of five years and establishes monitoring requirements, limits on nutrient and hydraulic loading, and buffer zones 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.
Written comments on the draft permit will be accepted through August 16, 2021, at 5 p.m. PDT.
The draft permit and staff analysis are available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1445 N. Orchard Street), DEQ’s Coeur d’Alene Regional Office (2110 Ironwood Parkway), and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page.
Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or email to:
Chris Westerman
Senior Water Quality Engineer
2110 Ironwood Parkway
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
chris.westerman@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
Draft Permit
Staff Analysis
DEQ seeks comment on draft 401 water quality certification for Marley Road to Jim Byrne Slough
Accepting comments from July 14, 2021, through August 4, 2021.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on a draft 401 water quality certification for Marley Road to Jim Byrne Slough in Lincoln County, Idaho.
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is conducting a rehabilitation and minor reconstruction project on US-93 between Marley Road and Richfield, Idaho. The total project length is approximately 5.32 miles of rural highway.
Based upon its review of the certification request, received on 7/9/2021, DEQ certifies that if the permittee complies with the terms and conditions imposed by the 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 Sections 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307 of the Clean Water Act, the “Idaho Water Quality Standards” (IDAPA 58.01.02), and other appropriate water quality requirements of state law.
Written comments will be accepted through August 4, 2021, at 5 p.m. MST. Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or email to:
Sean Woodhead
650 Addison Avenue West, Suite 110
Twin Falls, ID 83301
sean.woodhead@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
Draft Certification
DEQ seeks comment on draft BNSF Railway bridge span replacement project
Accepting comments from July 7, 2021, through July 28, 2021.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on a draft BNSF Railway bridge span replacement project.
This project is located near the city of Sandpoint in Bonner County at the Pend Oreille Lake outlet and mouth of the Pend Oreille River. BNSF proposes repairs to the existing rail bridge over the Pend Oreille River. Pier work will involve adding bearing blocks to the top of the existing piers, and adding epoxy or cement to the existing upper portion of piers where they are degraded. The existing swing span will be replaced by two through plate girders. The project will involve concrete demolition using saws, and cast-in-place over water concrete pouring, and include extending and dismantling existing work trestle, assembling bridge spans, removing existing bridge spans, implementing pier repairs and install bearing blocks, and installing new bridge spans.
Based on its review of the 401 water quality certification request, the US Coast Guard Bridge Permit Application, and related project documents, received on May 17, 2021, DEQ certifies that if the permittee complies with the terms and conditions imposed by the permit, and the conditions set forth in this water quality certification, then it is reasonable for DEQ to conclude that the project will comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307 of the Clean Water Act, the “Idaho Water Quality Standards” (IDAPA 58.01.02), and other appropriate water quality requirements of state law.
Written comments will be accepted through July 28, 2021. Submit comments electronically or by mail or email to:
Chantilly Higbee
Compliance Officer
2110 Ironwood Parkway
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
Chantilly.Higbee@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
Draft Certification
DEQ seeks comment on draft work plan to address soil contamination at Bellevue, Idaho, property
Accepting comments from July 7, 2021, through August 6, 2021.
BOISE—The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on a draft work plan to address soil contamination at the JET Business Park property in Bellevue, Idaho.
The property, consisting of three adjacent parcels located at 767, 791, and 821 South Main Street, is contaminated from past concentrated mining ore loading activities.
The voluntary remediation work plan guides cleanup, which will include excavation, treatment, and disposal of the contaminated soil, and describes implementation of the proposed cleanup method.
The draft work plan can be reviewed on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page, at DEQ’s Twin Falls Regional Office (650 Addison Avenue West, Suite 110), and the Bellevue Public Library (117 Pine Street).
Written comments will be accepted through August 6, at 5 pm MDT. Submit comments on DEQ’s website or by mail or email to:
Derek Young, Voluntary Cleanup Program Manager
1410 N. Hilton
Boise, ID 83706
derek.young@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
JET Business Park Voluntary Remediation Work Plan
DEQ seeks comment on proposed plan to lower E. coli in the Payette River Subbasin
Accepting comments from July 6, 2021, through August 6, 2021.
PAYETTE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on a proposed plan to address elevated levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the Payette River Subbasin.
The subbasin is located in southwest Idaho and encompasses nearly 600 square miles from the western side of the West Mountains to the outlet of the Payette River and confluence with the Snake River.
The Payette River is designated for several beneficial uses, including recreation in and on the water, drinking water supply, and aquatic life support.
Under the Clean Water Act, states are required to develop total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) when state water quality standards are not achieved. To comply with these requirements, DEQ prepared the draft Payette River Subbasin Total Maximum Daily Load – Escherichia coli, which addresses primary and secondary contact recreation numeric criterion in three water bodies that act as tributaries to the Payette River.
In meeting primary and secondary contact recreation criterion, the TMDL ensures that the Payette River is further protected for recreational uses within its tributaries and downstream.
The draft plan can be accessed on DEQ’s website, at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton Street), and at DEQ’s Boise Regional Office (1445 N Orchard St).
Written comments will be accepted through August 6, 2021, at 5 p.m. MDT. Submit comments electronically or by mail or email to:
Chase Cusack
DEQ Boise Regional Office
1445 N Orchard St
Boise, ID 83706
Related Documents
Payette River Subbasin Total Maximum Daily Load – Escherichia coli
DEQ seeks comment on a draft wastewater reuse permit renewal for the Brittania Heights Subdivision
Accepting comments from July 1, 2021, through August 2, 2021.
CANYON COUNTY —The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on a draft wastewater reuse permit renewal for the Brittania Heights Subdivision.
Brittania Heights Wastewater owns a municipal wastewater treatment and reuse facility and applies recycled water to landscaped common areas throughout the Brittania Heights Subdivision.
The draft permit would allow the facility to irrigate with recycled water for a period of six years and establishes monitoring requirements, limits on nutrient and hydraulic loading, and buffer zones 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.
Written comments on the draft permit will be accepted through August 2, 2021, at 5 p.m. MDT.
The draft permit and staff analysis are available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1445 N. Orchard Street) and on DEQ’s website.
Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or email to:
Adam Bussan
Senior Water Quality Engineer
1445 N. Orchard Street
Boise, Idaho 83706
Adam.Bussan@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
DEQ seeks comment on revisions to stationary source air modeling guideline
Accepting comments from July 1, 2021, through August 2, 2021.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks public comment on revisions to the State of Idaho Guideline for Performing Air Quality Impact Analyses (modeling guideline) that describes methods and procedures for performing air impact modeling analyses required for issuance of air quality permits.
The revision changes air pollution emission-based threshold levels that, when exceeded, trigger the requirement to perform air impact modeling analyses for facilities seeking a permit to construct (PTC) from DEQ.
Performing air impact modeling analyses is resource-intensive for both permit applicants and DEQ. Where facilities have low air pollutant emissions, site-specific impact modeling analyses may not be necessary to conclude that applicable standards will not be violated. DEQ developed a series of thresholds to trigger when impact modeling is needed to confidently evaluate compliance with standards. These thresholds and guidance on their use are provided in Section 3 of the modeling guideline.
DEQ reevaluated the thresholds presented in the modeling guideline and revised those thresholds. A summary of DEQ’s reevaluation is presented in a technical memorandum and the new thresholds are provided in a revised Section 3 of the modeling guideline. DEQ’s revised Section 3 of the modeling guideline and the supporting technical memorandum are available for review on DEQ’s website.
Written comments on the revised modeling applicability thresholds presented in the modeling guideline will be accepted through August 2, 2021, at 5 p.m. MST. After consideration of comments received, the thresholds may be amended or adjusted in the future, in which case, DEQ may provide for additional public comment depending on the significance of the changes.
Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page or by mail or email:
Whitney Rowley
1410 N Hilton Street
Boise, ID 83706
whitney.rowley@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
State of Idaho Guideline for Performing Air Quality Impact Analyses
DEQ announces public comment period on draft Tier I operating permit for Avista Corporation and opportunity for public hearing
Accepting public comments from June 30, 2021, through July 30, 2021.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on a draft Tier I operating permit for the Avista Corporation in Rathdrum, Idaho.
The Rathdrum facility consists of two combustion gas turbine package power plants, which can each produce approximately 83.5 megawatts of electricity at full load operating conditions. The turbines operate on a simple cycle basis and are fueled exclusively by pipeline-quality natural gas.
The facility is classified as a major facility because it emits or has the potential to emit NOx and CO above the major source threshold of 100 tons-per-year and has the potential to emit over 100,000 tons-per-year CO2 equivalent of greenhouse gas pollutants. The draft permit establishes facility-wide requirements in accordance with the Idaho State Implementation Plan control strategy and the “Rules for the Control of Air Pollution” (IDAPA 58.01.01).
Comments will be accepted through July 30, 2021, at 5 p.m. MDT. Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s Public Comments page or by mail or email to:
Whitney Rowley
DEQ Air Quality Program
(208) 373-0440
whitney.rowley@deq.idaho.gov
For technical assistance on questions concerning this project or the permitting process, please contact Christina Boulay at (208) 373-0502 or christina.boulay@deq.idaho.gov.
Related Documents
DEQ seeks comment on pretreatment program for city of Rigby
Accepting comments from June 30, 2021, through July 30, 2021.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks public comment on a pretreatment program for the city of Rigby, Idaho.
The city applied for approval of its pretreatment program and submitted the necessary documentation to administer the federally mandated pretreatment program. DEQ reviewed the submission and determined that the program is in accordance with 40 CFR § 403.8, “Pretreatment Program Requirements: Development and Implementation by POTW.”
This approval will delegate authority to the city of Rigby to regulate its users as a control authority.
Prior to making a final determination, DEQ is seeking public comment on the city’s pretreatment program submission. Documents are available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton St.) and on Public Comment Opportunities page.
Written comments will be accepted through July 30, 2021, at 5 p.m. MST. Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or email to:
Terry Alber
IPDES Biosolids and Pretreatment Analyst
1410 N Hilton St
Boise ID 83706
terry.alber@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
Pretreatment Program Procedures Manual
DEQ seeks comment on draft 401 water quality certification for Army Corps of Engineers Regional General Permit – Emergency
Accepting comments from July 22, 2021, through August 12, 2021.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on the Army Corps of Engineers Regional General Permit – Emergency. The RGP-E authorizes temporary work and/or the temporary discharge of dredged or fill material associated with emergency conditions and is restricted to those necessary during the emergency to prevent the loss of life, significant loss of property, and significant economic hardship. These activities will occur to restore, repair, and/or stabilize features that have been damaged, destroyed, or are in imminent danger of failing. Any work authorized by the RGP-E must be the minimum necessary to alleviate the immediate emergency.
Based upon its review of the Regional General Permit – Emergency (RGP-E), publicly noticed on June 11, 2021, DEQ certifies that if the permittee complies with the terms and conditions imposed by the Army Corps of Engineers permit along with 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 Sections 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307 of the Clean Water Act, the Idaho Water Quality Standards (WQS) (IDAPA 58.01.02), and other appropriate water quality requirements of state law.
Written comments will be accepted through August 12, 2021, at 5 p.m. MDT. Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or email to:
Elizabeth Spelsberg
1410 N. Hilton St., Boise, ID
Boise, ID 83706
Elizabeth.Spelsberg@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
Draft Certification