Accepting comments from June 3, 2026, through June 24, 2026.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft 401 water quality certification for the Zena Creek Restoration and Fish Passage project.
The Zena Creek Restoration and Fish Passage Project near Yellow Pine, Idaho, proposes to remove the existing low-head dam and impoundment on Zena Creek and restore the historic stream channel, floodplain, and riparian area. Following dam removal, approximately 300 feet of the stream channel will then reconstructed to match the natural gradient and channel characteristics of upstream and downstream reference reaches. Approximately 1-acre of floodplain and riparian habitat will be restored by improving floodplain geometry, planting woody vegetation, woody structures, planting native seeds and mulching.
In total, approximately 630 linear feet of Zena Creek will be impacted by the project. Work includes removal of about 167 cubic yards of dam and accumulated rock and fill, excavation of approximately 3,592 cubic yards of material, and placement of about 177 cubic yards of fill to restore the channel and floodplain.
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 at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton St. Boise, Idaho 83706), DEQ’s Boise Regional Office (1445 N. Orchard St. Boise, Idaho 83706), and on DEQ’s website. Written comments will be accepted through June 24, 2026, 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/.
Official Government Website
DEQ seeks comment on draft 401 water quality certification for Zena Creek Restoration and Fish Passage project
Accepting comments from June 3, 2026, through June 24, 2026.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft 401 water quality certification for the Zena Creek Restoration and Fish Passage project.
The Zena Creek Restoration and Fish Passage Project near Yellow Pine, Idaho, proposes to remove the existing low-head dam and impoundment on Zena Creek and restore the historic stream channel, floodplain, and riparian area. Following dam removal, approximately 300 feet of the stream channel will then reconstructed to match the natural gradient and channel characteristics of upstream and downstream reference reaches. Approximately 1-acre of floodplain and riparian habitat will be restored by improving floodplain geometry, planting woody vegetation, woody structures, planting native seeds and mulching.
In total, approximately 630 linear feet of Zena Creek will be impacted by the project. Work includes removal of about 167 cubic yards of dam and accumulated rock and fill, excavation of approximately 3,592 cubic yards of material, and placement of about 177 cubic yards of fill to restore the channel and floodplain.
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 at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton St. Boise, Idaho 83706), DEQ’s Boise Regional Office (1445 N. Orchard St. Boise, Idaho 83706), and on DEQ’s website. Written comments will be accepted through June 24, 2026, 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/.
Public Comment Form