Accepting comments from August 13, 2025, through September 12, 2025.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comment on a proposed settlement action with J.R. Simplot Company and Simplot Livestock Company (collectively, Simplot) for alleged violations of state and federal environmental laws at the Grand View Feedlot, located in Elmore and Owyhee counties in Idaho.

DEQ and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) allege that Simplot failed to comply with Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) permitting requirements and other applicable provisions of the Clean Water Act and Idaho law. Specifically, the agencies allege that Simplot operated the Grand View Feedlot without coverage under the IPDES Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation General Permit, resulting in unauthorized and unpermitted discharges of pollutants. DEQ and ISDA allege that these discharges reached waters of the state, including ground and surface waters, and waters of the United States, including the Snake River.

The complaint further alleges that Simplot violated provisions of the Idaho Beef Cattle Environmental Control Act (I.C. §§ 22-4901 et seq.), the Idaho Environmental Protection and Health Act (I.C. §§ 39-101 et seq.), the “Ground Water Quality Rule” (IDAPA 58.01.11), and the “Solid Waste Management Rules” (IDAPA 58.01.06).

Alleged violations include:

• Overapplication of manure and process wastewater
• Failure to maintain required nutrient management records
• Management practices that may present an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and the environment

The proposed consent judgment directs Simplot to implement corrective actions, cease unauthorized discharges, apply for an IPDES permit, maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and pay a civil penalty. The proposed civil penalty for past and continuing alleged violations listed in the complaint is $274,000 for violations of DEQ rules, $60,000 for violations of ISDA rules, and $36,850 for state attorney’s fees, for a total penalty of $370,850. This total does not include additional stipulated penalties that may be assessed if Simplot fails to meet specific compliance milestones outlined in the consent judgment.

In compliance with Idaho Code §39-108(9) and the “Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Rules” (IDAPA 58.01.25.500.04), DEQ is publishing the proposed settlement action for public comment. The materials are available on DEQ’s website and at DEQ’s State Office (1410 North Hilton Street, Boise, Idaho). Written comments will be accepted through September 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. MST. This proposed settlement action may be amended or adjusted in the future, in which case, DEQ may provide an additional public comment opportunity.

Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:

Jayson Foley
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
1410 N. Hilton St.
Boise, ID 83706
jayson.foley@deq.idaho.gov

Related Documents

Proposed Settlement Action

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/.