Air Quality
Do I need a permit to burn my field?
Yes. To get a permit, visit DEQ’s Crop Residue Burning web page. Growers registered to burn with DEQ are automatically registered for a fire safety burn permit with the Idaho Department of Lands.
General
Does DEQ permit commercial facilities?
Yes, DEQ issues multiple environmental permits.
- Air permits are issued to commercial facilities, depending on the potential amount of air emissions from the facility.
- Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) and reuse permits are issued to commercial facilities, depending on the potential wastewater generation from the facility. For example, some storm water discharges are permitted under the Multi-Sector General Permit, which covers a variety of sectors such as mining, lumber, textiles, and airports.
- Hazardous waste permits are required for facilities that treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste. A permit is needed when a facility stores hazardous waste for more than 90 days (for large quantity generators) or 180 days (for small quantity generators).
How do I see a permitted facility's compliance/noncompliance standing with their respective permit?
Access hazardous waste, Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (IPDES), air quality, and storm water compliance information through EPA’s website, Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO). Compliance information, including reuse, can also be accessed by submitting a public records request to DEQ.
Surface and Wastewater
How do I obtain a dredging permit?
Information about suction dredging can be found on DEQ’s General Permitting page. To apply for coverage, go to DEQ’s Idaho Pollution Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) E-Permitting System. For assistance, contact IPDES E-Permitting Support at (833) 473-3724 or IPDESE-Permitting@deq.idaho.gov.
For additional information, refer to the IPDES User’s Guide to Permitting and Compliance Volume 4—General Permits Excluding Stormwater.
Where can I find information on stormwater construction general permits?
Stormwater permits are typically general permits and cover runoff from construction projects, industrial facilities, and municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4). DEQ requires permit coverage of stormwater discharges according to the applicable federal requirements. Three categories of stormwater discharges are covered in the IPDES Program: construction, industrial, and municipal activities.
See DEQ’s construction general permit documents for more information or visit DEQ’s Stormwater web page.
How do I apply for an IPDES permit?
Applicants must use the Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program (IPDES) E-Permitting System.
Does my construction project need a stormwater pollution prevention plan and permit?
Owners and operators of construction projects that disturb one or more acres (or are part of a common plan of development that disturbs one or more acres) and discharge stormwater must obtain coverage under the stormwater construction general permit. See DEQ’s Stormwater Permits page for more information.
Do all industrial facilities need a stormwater permit?
Industrial facilities that discharge stormwater require coverage under the Industrial Stormwater Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) if they fall under the operational sectors detailed in Appendix D of the permit.