Accepting comments from January 22, 2026, through February 12, 2026.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft 401 water quality certification for the Smiley Creek crossing relocation project.
Forest Service Road 70077 (Smiley Creek Road) currently crosses Smiley Creek at an unimproved ford reducing stream function, degrading fish habitat, and limiting reliable public access. The project proposes to eliminate the ford and build a one lane bridge approximately 0.5 miles downstream across a more hydraulically stable reach. In total, construction activities would impact 4,935 square feet of Smiley Creek and associated forested/shrub wetland.
Based upon review of the federal joint 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), 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 public review on DEQ’s website. Written comments will be accepted through February 12, 2026, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
Destiny Locke
900 N Skyline Suite B
Idaho Falls ID 83402
Destiny.Locke@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/.
Official Government Website
DEQ seeks comment on draft 401 water quality certification for Smiley Creek crossing relocation project
Accepting comments from January 22, 2026, through February 12, 2026.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft 401 water quality certification for the Smiley Creek crossing relocation project.
Forest Service Road 70077 (Smiley Creek Road) currently crosses Smiley Creek at an unimproved ford reducing stream function, degrading fish habitat, and limiting reliable public access. The project proposes to eliminate the ford and build a one lane bridge approximately 0.5 miles downstream across a more hydraulically stable reach. In total, construction activities would impact 4,935 square feet of Smiley Creek and associated forested/shrub wetland.
Based upon review of the federal joint 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), 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 public review on DEQ’s website. Written comments will be accepted through February 12, 2026, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
Destiny Locke
900 N Skyline Suite B
Idaho Falls ID 83402
Destiny.Locke@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/.
Public Comment Form