Accepting comments from February 4, 2026, through March 6, 2026.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on the Pahsimeroi River Subbasin Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and Five-year Review.
The Pahsimeroi River subbasin is in east-central Idaho, south of Salmon, Idaho, and northeast of Challis, Idaho. The Pahsimeroi River flows northwest between the Lemhi Range and the Big Lost Mountains until its confluence with the Salmon River near Ellis, Idaho.
DEQ listed 22 assessment units within the Pahsimeroi subbasin as impaired in the 2024 Integrated Report. Because of this designation, DEQ is required to develop TMDLs to ensure the subbasin meets designated water quality standards. DEQ developed five new TMDLs: four for temperature impairments and one for sediment impairment. The draft document 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 water quality standards.
DEQ is also required to assess the Pahsimeroi River subbasin every 5 years to evaluate water quality improvements, a process known as a five-year review. Between the TMDL and five-year review, DEQ proposes six assessment units to be delisted under various circumstances.
The draft report is available for review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N Hilton Street), DEQ’s Idaho Falls Regional Office (900 N. Skyline Drive, Suite B), and on DEQ’s website.
Written comments will be accepted through March 6, 2026. Submit a comment electronically on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page or by mail or email to:
Kaleala Leavell
Water Quality Analyst
900 N. Skyline Drive, Suite B
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Kaleala.Leavell@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
Draft Report
Official Government Website
DEQ seeks comment on Pahsimeroi River Subbasin Total Maximum Daily Load and Five-year Review
Accepting comments from February 4, 2026, through March 6, 2026.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on the Pahsimeroi River Subbasin Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and Five-year Review.
The Pahsimeroi River subbasin is in east-central Idaho, south of Salmon, Idaho, and northeast of Challis, Idaho. The Pahsimeroi River flows northwest between the Lemhi Range and the Big Lost Mountains until its confluence with the Salmon River near Ellis, Idaho.
DEQ listed 22 assessment units within the Pahsimeroi subbasin as impaired in the 2024 Integrated Report. Because of this designation, DEQ is required to develop TMDLs to ensure the subbasin meets designated water quality standards. DEQ developed five new TMDLs: four for temperature impairments and one for sediment impairment. The draft document 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 water quality standards.
DEQ is also required to assess the Pahsimeroi River subbasin every 5 years to evaluate water quality improvements, a process known as a five-year review. Between the TMDL and five-year review, DEQ proposes six assessment units to be delisted under various circumstances.
The draft report is available for review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N Hilton Street), DEQ’s Idaho Falls Regional Office (900 N. Skyline Drive, Suite B), and on DEQ’s website.
Written comments will be accepted through March 6, 2026. Submit a comment electronically on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page or by mail or email to:
Kaleala Leavell
Water Quality Analyst
900 N. Skyline Drive, Suite B
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Kaleala.Leavell@deq.idaho.gov
Related Documents
Draft Report
Public Comment Form