DEQ seeks comment on draft 401 water quality certification for Wendell rail spur project

Accepting comments from May 9, 2025, through May 28, 2025.

BOISE – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft water quality certification for the Wendell, Idaho, rail spur project.

The purpose of this project is to construct a rail spur crossing the Lateral W-9 canal onto Parcel RP08S15E033000. A 72-inch, 124-foot-long culvert will be installed to allow canal flow beneath the tracks. The total disturbance below the ordinary high water mark will be approximately 124 linear feet (750 square feet), with permanent impacts to 0.09-acres of wetlands. Efforts have been made to minimize environmental effects, but unavoidable impacts to Wetlands A and B and the canal are expected. Prior to construction, equipment will be inspected, maintained, and staged within designated limits. Erosion controls and best management practices (BMPs) will be implemented to prevent unintended environmental damage. No machinery or contamination will enter the canal or wetlands. Given the minimal disturbance anticipated, no mitigation plan is proposed.

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 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to: 

Jake Barnes
650 Addison Ave. W., Ste. 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/.