Coeur d’Alene Lake, located in Idaho’s Panhandle, has long been a hub for recreation, tourism, and economic activity. The area is also home to historical mining activity, and millions of tons of metals-laden sediments (e.g., zinc, lead, and cadmium) are present in the lake bottom. Recent land uses continue to contribute to excess nutrient loading, especially phosphorus. Elevated phosphorus levels can affect the chemistry in deep water near the lakebed where these heavy metals are contained. The change in chemistry could lead to low oxygen levels that unlock these metals and release them into the environment.
Although water quality in the lake has improved over the last several decades, phosphorus levels have been increasing. Managing phosphorus levels is critical to protecting the health of Coeur d’Alene Lake. In 2021, Governor Little established the Coeur d’Alene Lake Advisory Committee and directed $2 million in Leading Idaho funds for projects that reduce phosphorus and improve water quality in Coeur d’Alene Lake. The following year, Idaho directed an additional $35 million from the American Rescue Plan Act funds to further the Leading Idaho effort.
The Coeur d’Alene Lake Advisory Committee solicited project proposals in August 2021 and recommended funding for 19 cleanup projects. DEQ is currently working with funding recipients to implement these projects, which will take place through 2026.
DEQ’s Coeur d’Alene Lake Advisory Committee storymap provides more information about ongoing cleanup projects.
Leading Idaho Funding Overview
The following table includes Leading Idaho projects that have funding agreements in place.
| Project Name | Leading Idaho Funding | Estimated Phosphorus Reduction to Coeur d’Alene Lake (Annually) | Project Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mica Creek Floodplain Access Improvement Project | $56,512 | 200 pounds | Complete |
| City of Kellogg Stormwater Management Upgrades (Phases 1, 2, and 3) | $2.34 million | 700 pounds | In Progress |
| Third Street Avenue Stormwater Outfall Volume Reduction Project | $413,143 | 35 pounds | In Progress |
| Risk-Based Evaluation of Selected Recreational Areas in Coeur d’Alene Lake and Spokane River | $855,000 | NA—Guide future decisions about health evaluations or mitigation activities. | In Progress |
| Wolf Lodge Creek Improvement Project | $158,337 | 94 pounds | In Progress |
| Schlagel Draw Road Sediment Management Project | $24,293 | 10 pounds | Complete |
| North Fork Coeur d’Alene Riverbank Stabilization Project | $44,027 | 12 pounds | Complete |
| Santa-Fernwood Wastewater Reuse Project | $7.01 million | 660 pounds | In Progress |
| Page Wastewater Treatment Plant Tertiary Treatment System | $21.4 million | 7,015 pounds (to the Coeur d’Alene River) | In Progress |
| St. Joe River Basin Nutrient Source Inventory | $1.2 million | NA—Identify and prioritize effective nutrient management actions. | In Progress |
| Coeur d’Alene Lake Science Coordination Team | $150,000 | NA—Establish priorities and guide future decisions on Coeur d’Alene Lake. | In Progress |
| Northside Stormwater Drainage Improvements (Sunnyside Road) | $643,830 | NA—Decrease sediment discharge to Coeur d’Alene Lake. | Complete |
| Kellogg Joint School District 391 Stormwater Improvements | $745,000 | 41 pounds (to the South Fork Coeur d’Alene River) | Complete |
| Coeur d’Alene Stormwater Outfall Volume Reduction | $1.4 million | 280 pounds | Complete |
| Northside Stormwater Drainage Improvements (Marmot Trail Road) | $14,100 | NA—Decrease sediment discharge to Coeur d’Alene Lake. | Complete |
| Mica Creek Watershed Agricultural Sediment Reduction and Improvement Project (Phase 2) | $49,024 | 50 pounds | Complete |
| Coeur d’Alene Lake Comprehensive Coring Project | $200,000 | NA—Provide information to guide future decisions. | In Progress |
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Lake Management Plan Supervisor